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?
1:53
The World According To Sound: Listening To Lightning
The podcast ‘World According To Sound’ shows how there is more than one way to listen to a bolt of lightning.
17:30
Save The Wetlands, Save The World
Ecologists explain why tidal marshes are “the most valuable ecosystem you’ve never heard of,” and how to save them from rising seas.
7:23
This Weekend, Take Time For The Moon
From the Orionid meteor shower to International Observe The Moon Night, it’s a great weekend to look up.
17:11
Indigenous-Led Biology, Designed For Native Communities
Biological samples have been used for purposes that don’t benefit indigenous people. The Native BioData Consortium is working to change that.
9:39
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
12:08
First Malaria Vaccine Is Approved by WHO
The parasite kills half a million people per year. How a malaria vaccine could save lives.
17:11
Will Improved Testing And New Antivirals Change The Pandemic’s Path?
As the government plans to spend $1 billion on at-home testing, a science reporter and an epidemiologist unpack this week’s pandemic news.
16:52
Preparing For The Next Pandemic Needs To Start Now
The U.S. was woefully unprepared for COVID-19, thanks to longstanding issues. Can we change before the next pandemic?
16:33
See A Familiar Face? Thank These Brain Cells
Researchers have found a group of neurons that seem tuned to respond specifically to the faces of those you know.
39:09
The Hot And Cold Past Of The Air Conditioner
From the 1904 World’s Fair to deadly heat waves, take a look back at more than a century of AC.
12:03
Healthcare Is Hard Enough To Get. If You’re A Trans Youth, It’s Even Harder
A new study highlights the variety of barriers that impact trans youth seeking care, from legal obstacles to stigma from doctors.
17:06
See A Spotted Lanternfly? Squash It!
The invasive and damaging pest has carved out a foothold on the East Coast—and experts worry it could spread.
14:52
As Primates Go Extinct, So Do Their Parasites, Upsetting Ecosystems
As endangered primates disappear, so do their parasites. That could have big ecological consequences.
2:02
The World According To Sound: How Spiders Shake Things Up For Love
Listen to researchers share how spiders woo their partners, and join a worldwide listening party.
29:09
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.
4:51
Who Will Sweep The Charismatic Creature Carnival?
Will the mantis shrimp, opossum, or shoebill stork come out on top? The choice is up to you.
12:25
When The Water Comes
The Science Friday Book Club is discussing how communities are responding to sea level rise with author Elizabeth Rush.
11:59
Ice-Hunting Lunar Rover Robot Gets A Landing Site
NASA chose a landing site for its first-ever robotic moon rover, VIPER, slated to launch in 2023 to look for ice near the lunar south pole.
16:41
Behind The Booster Battle
How U.S. agencies with different goals are leading to muddled messaging on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.