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.
Does Overeating Make You Fat?
A practicing endocrinologist weighs in on conventional dieting wisdom.
Teachers Bring Fracking to School
Looking to inject a little fracking into your curriculum? Check out these resources developed by Colorado educators in the AirWaterGas Teachers-in-Residence program.
Coloring By Numbers, Mathematically
The new coloring book “Patterns of the Universe” highlights the visual beauty of mathematics.
11:51
Roots of Schizophrenia, Zebra Stripes, and Wind Chill
Scientists discover a clue into the root cause of schizophrenia. Plus, the highs and lows of the wind chill effect.
10:17
Depression Screening for Pregnant Women
Between 14-23 percent of women will experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
6:35
Eight Arms That Send a Message
One species of octopus uses changing coloration and shifting postures to send signals to other octopuses.
11:21
What Role Does Partisanship Play Outside of the Polls?
How much of a role does political bias play in daily life outside of the polls?
4:28
Something’s in the Air—It’s Your Microbial Cloud
Even sitting quietly in a room can generate a personalized cloud of microbes.
11:46
Americas Brace for Zika Spread
The typically-mild Zika virus is the top suspect in Brazil’s microcephaly epidemic. Where did it come from, and what can we expect as the outbreak unfolds?
17:22
For Planet-Seekers, a Cautionary Tale
The tale of the planet Vulcan’s “discovery”—and destruction at the hands of Einstein—may hold lessons for today’s planet-hunters.
Discovering Planet Vulcan
The story of how a country doctor thought he found a new planet in the solar system.
16:49
Confessions of a Meteorite Hunter
Meteorite hunter Nina Lanza reports back from six weeks scouring the Antarctic ice for space rocks.
The Bacterium Disappearing From Our Stomachs
A primer on the gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and the controversy surrounding it.
Oliver Sacks: Under the Influence
Oliver Sacks was wealthy in friends, mentors, and other inspiring companions. Let’s meet a few of them.
Ira-Witness News: Climate Change Skeptic Meteorologist Feels the Heat
In an interview with Yale Climate Connections, meteorologist Greg Fishel explains how he came to accept anthropogenic climate change.
Make A Home For Microbes To Understand Their Behavior
Build a home for microbes as you create a Winogradsky column, a simple ecosystem for bacteria and other microorganisms.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 1/26/16
How much do you know about Planet Nine and prehistoric violence?
Your Very Special Microbial Cloud
At the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon, researchers have revealed that not only can they detect and catalog the microbial cloud of someone in a room, but each person’s cloud is unique.