On Today's Podcast
If An Asteroid Were Headed For Earth, Would We Be Ready?
Sooner or later, a sizable asteroid could impact a populated area on Earth. How is the US, and the world, preparing?
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?
This Bee Buzzes For Blueberries
This metallic beauty is one of an estimated 4,000 bees native to the U.S., hundreds of which haven’t been scientifically named yet.
Why Are Elephant Ears So Big? And Other Pachyderm Questions
Research scientist Joseph Soltis answers your elephant-related queries.
11:59
Young Blood Sharpens Memory in Old Mice
The blood of young mice seems to rejuvenate older mice, both strengthening their muscles and improving their ability to learn and remember.
26:41
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Transcendence’
SciFri’s scientist-film critics weigh in on the science behind the Hollywood techno-thriller “Transcendence.”
7:42
What’s Shaking Up Oklahoma?
Earthquakes have increased by 50 percent in Oklahoma since 2013 and may be linked to drilling disposal wells.
29:18
Another Climate Report, But Who’s Listening?
The White House released its latest climate report this week, with much the same message as recent IPCC findings—climate change is real, and it’s happening fast.
16:54
The Serious Science of Humor
Author Scott Weems lets us in on the jokes and uncovers the science of humor.
Alan Friedman, We Will Miss You
The former director of the New York Hall of Science was a champion for the public’s understanding of and involvement with science.
Why Do We Find Things Funny?
An excerpt from “Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why” by Scott Weems.
Choc Full of Science
Crystal formation is essential in making smooth chocolate that’s solid at room temperature and melts in your mouth.
Highway Expansion Uncovers Whale Graveyard
Paleontologists have pieced together clues to solve the mystery behind the largest collection of whale fossils ever found.
Going to Extremes: Chia Seeds From Outer Space
In this activity, students will devise an experiment to find out whether chia seeds are still able to grow after exposure to extreme conditions like the ones we may find on other planets. This activity was created by MAVEN Outreach and Education to help teach about NASA’s MAVEN mission to Mars.
11:43
Elephants Use Different ‘Words’ to Signal Danger
African elephants use different types of rumbles to signal danger from bees or humans.
17:01
Food Failures: Foraging Dos and Don’ts
Professional forager Tama Matsuoka Wong gives tips for picking wild plants safely and sustainably.
9:03
Male Researchers May Increase Stress in Lab Mice
The gender of a researcher might influence the stress levels of laboratory mice.
7:21
Nothing To Sneeze At
Sneezes and coughs generate gas clouds that can spread germs farther than previously imagined.
12:24
Forty Years of Mindbending Success with the Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube has over 43 quintillion different starting combinations.
17:23
Squarepusher Rocks with Bots
Electronic musician Squarepusher talks about writing “Music for Robots.”
17:33
App Chat: Apps to Mind Your Money
Forget balancing a checkbook. Today there are better ways for the budget-minded to keep track of bank balances.
A Recipe for the Forager in You: Braised Beef, Dandelion Leaves, and Clear Noodles
A recipe from Tama Matsuoka Wong, using foraged ingredients.