On Today's Podcast
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
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?
9:28
Midwestern Farmers Face Drought And Dust
As extreme drought takes over the Great Plains, farmers worry about crop failures and wildfires.
7:28
When Climate Change Reaches Your Plate
As extreme conditions damage crops worldwide, food scientists are exploring more sustainable foods.
8:40
How Texas’ Abortion Restrictions Limit Access To Miscarriage Care
Recent Texas abortion restrictions also limit safe miscarriage treatment. What does Texas’ current reality mean for a future without Roe?
12:15
As COVID Cases Rises, Effectiveness Of Vaccines Lessens In Kids
But experts still say it’s important to protect as many people as possible.
17:13
Meet The ‘Gentle Giant,’ Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Hole
A global collaboration of 300 scientists unveils the second-ever picture of a black hole, the Milky Way’s own supermassive Sagittarius A*.
17:16
What Was It Like To Witness The End Of The Dinosaurs?
A new book chronicles what happened in the minutes, days, weeks, and years after the infamous asteroid hit the Earth.
7:02
One Alaskan Island’s Fight For A Rodent-Free Future
For millions of years, birds in the Aleutians lived without predators. Then rats arrived.
10:22
Campsites At National Parks ‘Harder Than Getting Beyonce Tickets’
As national park campgrounds see rising demand, the reservation system is only increasing inequities.
16:53
How Restaurant Menus Mirror Our Warming Ocean
Like it or not, our plates are showing the changes in ocean ecosystems.
12:09
Abortion Pills Are Used For Most U.S. Abortions. What Are They?
In 2020, over half of American abortions were medication abortions. What will happen to access to these pills if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
Read ‘The Last Days Of The Dinosaurs’ With The SciFri Book Club
Riley Black writes about the days, years, and centuries after disaster strikes in ‘The Last Days of the Dinosaurs.’ Read it with us this May.
The Single Worst Day In The Entire History Of Life On Earth
The day the infamous asteroid struck Earth might have been worst than you could imagine. Riley Black writes about that fateful day.
28:27
How Grief Rewires The Brain
A neuroscientist explores the science behind heartache.
17:12
Fish Make More Noise Than You Think
Far from being silent, many fishes either have been observed to make sounds, or have the capability to do so.
29:33
The Seafaring Life Of ‘Modern-Day Captain Nemo,’ Robert Ballard
Undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep sea exploration.
17:11
Meet The Drag Artists Who Are Making Science More Accessible
Drag performers, like Pattie Gonia and Kyne, are using social media to bring science communication to a wider audience.
11:25
What’s Up With The Spike In Hepatitis Among Young Kids?
Plus, more info about the holdup in COVID-19 vaccines for children under five.
6:00
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Some Divorced Parents’ Newest Divide
Judges are seeing skyrocketing numbers of separated parents arguing over whether to vaccinate their children.
26:46
Why Sharing Viruses Is Good… For Science
COVID-19 spurred global scientific collaboration, but sharing virus specimens remains complicated. Plus, the role of global politics in monitoring disease.
12:15
Your Dog’s Breed Doesn’t Always Determine How They’ll Behave
Though some types of dogs come with a reputation, new genetic analysis finds that breed is a poor predictor of behavior.