Episodes

Warming water temperatures in the Upper Midwest project a sharp increase in fish dieoffs. Plus, the move toward alternative energy sources may have an unanticipated side effect—sulfuric acid shortages. And, celebrating the life of prolific scientist Frank Drake.

With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, dozens of states are trying to decide where life truly begins. Plus, why you should thank your local wasp. And how Jordan Peele’s new film used inspiration from the oceans to make its new creature.

A growing body of openly autistic scientists are using their expertise and their own experiences to help shape the future of autism research. Plus, scientists are developing a new test for Lyme Disease. And why urban wildlife is so cool and how scientists study it.

Experts advise how to keep kids safe against COVID-19, polio, and monkeypox this fall. Plus, healthy seagrass growth in the Gulf of Mexico is good news for manatees. And NASA’s long-awaited Artemis Program will have a test launch at the end of the month.

Experts explain how monkeypox spreads and debunk common misconceptions about the virus. Plus, a saucy new book written from the perspective of the Milky Way. And an indie game-making festival asked participants to create games about climate change.

The surprise climate bill could be the biggest to fund fighting climate change in history—but only if it passes. Plus, what new steps have been made in cancer vaccines? And inside the effort to rebrand a fish for the dinner table.

A new book explores the vagina and the researchers who are finally making breakthroughs in our understanding of how they work. Plus, a blind scientist uses his own experience to design new and accessible technologies. And piping plovers face a myriad of threats, but volunteers are intervening to help them survive.

Mind-boggling photos of the universe, taken by the JWST, were released this week. Astronomers share their thoughts. Plus, what does the current COVID wave mean for reinfections? And our new SciFri Book Club pick explores a fictional world where gene editing is easy—and also a crime.