On Today's Podcast
What The Label Of ‘Genius’ Tells Us About Our Society
In “The Genius Myth,” Helen Lewis argues that who we call a genius reveals more about our values than any objective measure of brilliance.
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
11:32
How Scientists Predict Where Earthquakes Will Strike Next
Plus, asthma ER visits go down when electric vehicles are on the road.
31:59
ChatGPT And Beyond: What’s Behind The AI Boom?
Amid a flurry of AI announcements, we break down how tech like ChatGPT could affect our lives this year.
44:11
Rethinking The Future Of Dementia Care
The number of people with dementia will triple in the next 30 years, prompting conversations about how healthcare systems can cope.
11:27
Wind And Solar Were Europe’s Top Energy Sources In 2022
For the first time, wind and solar generated more energy in the European Union than any other power source.
16:59
’The Last Of Us’ Hands Fungi The Spotlight
After watching the new TV series, a mycologist answers your questions about what fungi can really do, and how they shape our lives.
28:59
How Grief Rewires The Brain
A neuroscientist explores the science behind heartache.
8:41
Midwest Aims To Add Large Indoor Animal Farms, Despite Concerns
States like Missouri and Nebraska are paving the way to welcome large livestock operations, but rural residents worry about the environmental risk of manure runoff.
8:09
Blending The Sounds Of Climate Change With Appalachian Music
To communicate his anxiety around climate change, folk musician Daniel Bachman turned to a new collaborator: the sounds of extreme weather.
17:33
U.S. Approves First Small Nuclear Reactor Design
The U.S. just approved its first small modular nuclear power plant design. What does it mean for the future of nuclear power?
The Grieving Brain: SciFri Book Club Author Livestream And Q&A
On March 23, join our chat with the author of ‘The Grieving Brain’ about the neuroscience behind this profound human experience.
Read ‘The Grieving Brain’ With The SciFri Book Club
Grief happens in our hearts, bodies and minds. Read about the neuroscience behind this profound human experience with us this March.
The Ministry For The Future: SciFri Book Club Author Livestream And Q&A
On February 23, join our chat with the author of ‘The Ministry for the Future’ about the world response to climate change in his 2020 book.
The Nutrition Of Colorful Fruits And Vegetables
Investigate the relationship between the colors of fruits and vegetables, and the nutritional benefits they provide.
Air Pollution Around The World
In this lesson, students will research how air pollution is generated and its impact on countries around the world before brainstorming creative solutions for a country of their choosing, and crafting a Public Service Announcement.
Learn About Classification Systems With Snacks
Learners build a classification system for sorting snack foods before leading a research and multimedia reporting project on the kingdoms of living things in this middle school science and ELA activity.
12:10
What’s Behind The Strange Slowing Of The Earth’s Core?
The Earth’s inner core may be slowing its rate of rotation—possibly reversing direction relative to the rest of the planet.
17:10
Meet The Art Sleuths Using Science To Find Frauds
Determining what art is real requires scientific tools like carbon dating, and some expert sleuthing.
12:18
Meet The Blind Birder Reimagining Accessibility In The Outdoors
In the Colombian Andes, a professional birder has developed trails to help visually disabled people take part in hiking and birding.
7:45
Road Salt Is Washing Into The Mississippi River… And It’s Not Washing Out
Road salt washes into the Mississippi River, harming ecosystems, seeping into groundwater, and corroding water pipes.
9:12
How Many Glasses Of Water A Day Do You Actually Need?
Forget six to eight glasses. A recent study finds global water habits vary widely.