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?
What Happens When Tech Giants Assist In Natural Disasters?
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the U.S. government didn’t step in to restore power. What happens when countries turn to private companies for infrastructure?
SciFri Extra: The Marshall Islands Stare Down Rising Seas
Former Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine speaks on a vulnerable country’s plan to stay put in the face of climate change, and why other countries should pay attention.
11:52
“One Trillion Trees”… But Where to Plant Them?
President Trump and Republicans are increasingly considering planting trees to combat climate change—but the strategy has some serious flaws.
29:13
How Tech Can Make Us More—And Less—Empathetic
A new book covers why empathy is important to society, and how technology is changing that.
16:21
Meet Alice Ball, Unsung Pioneer In Leprosy Treatment
A new short film tells the story of a young African-American chemist and her pioneering work in the early 1900s.
34:19
How Native American Communities Are Addressing Climate Change
Indigenous tribes are centering climate change management strategies around traditional practices.
How Empathy Has Changed In The Face Of Tech
As tech takes over our lives, a journalist reckons with what has happened to our ability to empathize.
Your Cervical Mucus Is Beautiful
The protective substance is an important barrier between the body and the environment. Here’s how researchers are using it to understand health.
7:15
A Close Call Collision In Near-Earth Orbit
Plus news about crab heath, graphene, and more in this week’s News Roundup.
4:50
When A Correction May Not Be Helpful
Messages meant to counter misconceptions about the Zika virus may have decreased trust in correct information as well.
17:04
Putting Invasive Species On Trial
How can ecologists predict invasions in advance—and make the most of things when they do happen?
28:49
‘Radical’ Explores The Hidden History Of Breast Cancer
Did you know the ubiquitous pink ribbons were almost peach-colored? Or that the DOD has spent three billion dollars on breast cancer research?
16:49
With Butterfly Wings, There’s More Than Meets The Eye
New research suggests living cells on the butterfly wing help it regulate temperature.
17:15
How To Track And Stop The Spread Of The Coronavirus Outbreak
Nearly 10,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, as of January 31. Experts consider measures that could be put in place to halt the spread of the pathogen.
Wandering The Woods For A Breast Cancer Treatment
The quest to find a treatment for breast cancer in the 1960s resulted in a botanist searching for a solution in the woods of the Pacific Northwest.
SciFri Extra: Revisiting Unique Science Stories of 2019
Listen to three science storytellers talk about a notable story they reported in 2019, including untold and surprising facts.
7:16
Coaxing Nerves To Repair Breaks
Plus the evolution of culture, the mental effects of smartphones, and the sound of a mummy’s vocal tract.
4:33
Can’t See The River For The Trees
Increased forestation can lead to dramatic declines in river water flow.
16:43
A Drop To Drink
Millions of people rely on the Great Lakes for clean drinking water. What happens when water access is threatened?
12:02
Meet the ‘Dancing Dragon’—A Fierce Winged Dinosaur
The house cat-sized dino had well-developed wings, but not necessarily for flying.