July 4, 2025
In this archival show, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep-sea exploration. Plus, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
17:14
Wherever My Microbiome May Roam
Immigrants who moved to the U.S. from Thailand lost gut microbes and gained new ones. Are there health consequences?
16:52
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
We asked literal tastemakers: What makes a spice a hit… or a bust?
11:45
Sick? ‘Tis The Season.
Many diseases, beyond flu, may have a hidden seasonal component.
11:05
Breaking Down The Science Of Beatboxing
Researchers are studying beatboxing to see how they create sounds not found in human language.
23:35
Mysteries Of The Heart
In “Heart: A History,” cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar writes of confounding cases of heart disease, and the daring treatments that revolutionized how we fix the human heart.
Scale Solar System Orbits—And Satellites!
Use planetary orbits and scale ratios to plan flight paths to other planets.
7:33
Kepler Ends Its Search For Planets Like Earth
After nine years, the Kepler space telescope will soon be shut down permanently
34:26
Dolphins Are Changing Their Calls Due To Boat Noise
Bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Maryland were simplifying the calls due to noisier oceans.
11:58
One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Paralysis Treatment
Three new studies show rapid progress of paralyzed patients using spinal cord stimulation.
10:52
How Does The Appendix Play A Role In Parkinson’s Disease?
A study found that there was a three and a half year delay in onset of Parkinson’s for those who had their appendix removed.
23:47
The ‘Wet-Dog Shake’ And Other Physics Mysteries
In his book ‘How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls,’ David Hu explores the wonders of the animal world.
34:26
The Science Issues Happening In Your Backyard
A state-by-state tour of the top science issues, from energy policy, pollution problems, water conservation, to meat labeling, and much more.
Why Your Dog Is More Efficient Than A Laundry Machine
In this excerpt from ‘How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls,’ David Hu explains why the wet-dog shake is so efficient.
Help SciFri Track The ‘Flu Near You’
SciFri and Flu Near You are teaming up to track the flu.
What’s The Most Important Science Issue To You In Your State?
Tell us what local science issue you care most about!
7:49
There Are Microplastics In Our Poop. Is It Bad For Us?
The invisible plastic particles in our poop. Plus organic food and health, changing hurricane patterns, and the waters of Mars.
4:19
Crowdfunding Can Lead To Sketchy Medicine
A survey of crowdfunding sites found campaigns raising funds for scientifically unsupported, ineffective, or potentially dangerous medical treatments.
9:39
Breathing Through Your Nose Helps You Remember Better
The olfactory system has privileged access to the regions of your brain that control memory and emotion.
6:39
The Math That May Save Democracy
Statistics are at the center of a case that pits voters against unfairly gerrymandered districts in this episode of
“Undiscovered.”
12:11
Self-Driving Cars Are Bringing The Trolley Problem Into The Real World
How can autonomous car makers develop ethical vehicles when ethics are different across cultural lines?