On Today's Podcast
A virus hunter in Nigeria has thoughts on the Ebola outbreak
A Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa.
Listen NowJune 5, 2026
Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up? Plus, a Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa. And, despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.
Scientists retire ‘implausible’ worst-case climate scenario
Scientists say one extreme climate change scenario isn’t realistic. Plus, a journalist’s quest to discover new insect species in New York.
How the US patent system keeps drug prices high
Pharmaceutical companies can use overlapping patents to extend their exclusive rights to a drug, delaying production of cheaper generic forms.
A virus hunter in Nigeria has thoughts on the Ebola outbreak
A Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what’s needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa.
How the financial industry has curbed drug development
“Pharma Monopoly” shows how the financial industry’s influence over pharmaceutical decision-making means fewer new drugs and higher prices.
Your brain vs. your phone: A screen time experiment
Investigate your digital habits using real research methods and discover how distractions change your focus, memory, and performance.
How did Neanderthals deal with illness and injuries?
Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up?
Exploring the night sky with author Craig Childs
Join SciFri Book Club on July 31 for a livestream Q&A with the author of “The Wild Dark.”
Looking for life in the clouds of Venus
Despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.
Can the shingles vaccine stave off dementia?
A growing body of research suggests that some common vaccinations have benefits far beyond preventing the disease they were designed for.
Meet the drug developer taking on wildlife diseases
Chemist Tim Cernak has a wild to-do list: Cure sea turtle cancer. Save frogs from fungal diseases. Take on avian flu.
Inside the Nebraska quarantine facility responding to hantavirus
The National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is housing 18 people exposed to hantavirus, and preparing for possible cases of Ebola exposure.
Explore the weird and wonderful ways animals sense the world
Discover the unique sensory adaptations of your favorite animals with the young readers edition of “An Immense World.”
Surveying wildlife along Lewis and Clark’s route, 220 years later
A new wildlife survey follows Lewis and Clark’s route, 220 years later. And, cell and GPS data show how animals react to humans’ presence.
Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI, and the Vatican science advisors
On the release of Pope Leo’s encyclical about AI, we peek inside the Vatican academy that helps inform the pope’s scientific views.
Bizarre exoplanet clouds + Counting insects with weather radar
Astronomers have spotted clouds of vaporized sand on an exoplanet. And, weather radar data reveal insects in U.S. skies—100 trillion of them.
‘Go for toilet’: Artemis II’s out-of-this-world plumbing problem
Investigate the engineering behind space toilets and discover how Artemis II’s crew solved a surprising plumbing problem in microgravity.
A trailblazing geneticist reflects on her life and work
In September 2025, Dr. Mary-Claire King discussed her groundbreaking work in genetics, from identifying cancer risk to reuniting families.
Is that spooky old house full of ghosts, or just infrasound?
Low-frequency noises that humans can feel, but not hear, may be behind the spooky feeling of old houses—and serve as a warning to animals.
How do clinical trials work, and who can participate?
A bioethicist walks us through the complexity of clinical trials, from their core scientific questions to patient selection to FDA approval.
Use of herbicide linked to Parkinson’s is on the rise in the US
A processing plant in Mississippi is leaking massive amounts of paraquat into the air. Its biological link to Parkinson’s is becoming clear.