Episodes

With the election upon us, we take a look at science propositions and STEM candidates in the running. Plus, author and editor Nisi Shawl leads a conversation about when science fiction is fantasy, and vice versa. And vampire bats take the Charismatic Creature Corner.

We’ve been trying to predict the outcomes of elections for a long time, and that might be a problem. Plus, the return to school hasn’t been easy, but STEM educators are finding creative ways to teach science to kids. And we talk about your weird pandemic dreams.

Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Andrea Ghez on her decades of peering at the center of our galaxy—and the supermassive black hole she found there. Plus, a WWII shipwreck teaming with microbial life. And the SciFri Book Club tackles chicanafuturism.

Get ready for a planetary smackdown: Venus vs. Mars. Which one has the best reason to go search for signs of life? Plus, we read Andrea Hairston’s short story about a woman who resists new technology. And, a discussion of the visions offered in Afrofuturist literature.

The Science Friday Book Club is back, with ‘New Suns,’ a collection of speculative fiction. Plus, exploring the neuroscience behind why we itch. And following a scientist as she digs up fossils of avian ancestors.

Indigenous peoples burned their land for thousands of years to prevent much larger fires. It might be an important part of future wildfire prevention. Plus, a new film explores the extraordinary life of neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks. And some birds use the sound their feathers make as a communication tool.

Wildfires and COVID-19 are shining a light on the systemic issues in ill-equipped long-term care facilities. Plus, Senator Markey discusses the election and the environment.

The discovery of a medium-sized black hole offers new insights into how black holes form and grow. Then, a World War II tragedy offers compelling evidence that public education and social distancing actually work.

Are kids really COVID-19 “super spreaders”? We dive into the data. Plus, how urban forests can help combat climate change. And, cells can solve mazes. What does this mean for cancer research?

The underestimated importance of ventilation systems, and how they could stop the spread of COVID-19 indoors. Plus, biologist Sarah McAnulty answers listener questions about cephalopods.