On Today's Podcast
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
5:38
When the Earth Swallows
Sinkholes have gobbled up swimming pools, buses, and homes. But what causes them? And is there any way to predict where they’ll strike?
16:20
‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Defy Even Last-Ditch Drugs
The superbugs have been found lurking at hospitals nationwide, and kill one in two patients with a bloodstream infection.
24:11
Al Gore Envisions ‘The Future’
The climate guru’s latest book tackles everything from American politics to nanotech, and of course, climate change.
Behold the Mighty Water Bear
Water bears, also known as tardigrades, can survive boiling, freezing, the vacuum of space, and years of desiccation.
Meet the Judge of Our Winter Nature Photo Contest
Photographer Clay Bolt helps choose finalists out of hundreds of submissions.
What Are the Drivers of Global Change?
An excerpt from “The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change.”
Winter Nature Photo Contest: Vote for Your Favorites!
Voting for your favorite Winter Nature Photo Contest submissions starts today at 2 p.m. EST.
6:33
Talking Science with the House Committee Chair
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) discusses the nation’s top science priorities.
9:44
Mapping the Effects of the Sequester on Science
Research and development face across-the-board federal budget cuts.
13:16
A Natural Particle Accelerator, Far Above the Planet
Closer study of the Van Allen radiation belts above Earth is providing new questions for science.
15:49
Rap Nerdy to Me
MC Frontalot makes a living rapping about data encryption, rare diseases, video games and the nerd life.
24:57
Seeking a Grain of Truth in ‘Whole Grain’ Labels
Whole wheat, stone-ground, multi-grain. Have food labels got you confused?
21:26
Robert Langer, Father of Invention
The biotech pioneer has started two dozen companies, and has over 800 patents to his name.
Rap Nerdy to Me
MC Frontalot and Dr. Awkward rap about the nerd life—from data encryption to rare diseases to video games.
Petri Culture
Artist Klari Reis uses unconventional materials to create microbiologically inspired art.
Nerdcore: Hip-Hop for SciFri Fans
This Friday, we’ll talk with MC Frontalot, the self-proclaimed “world’s 579th greatest rapper.”
Minding the Mountain Gorillas
Though mountain gorillas are critically endangered, their numbers are up from nearly 25 years ago.
4:37
Surprise: Cockroaches Are Fastidious Groomers!
Why do cockroaches spend so much time cleaning themselves?