On Today's Podcast
Peering through dust clouds to the center of the galaxy
Andrea Ghez developed a way to peer through dust clouds and observe stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Listen NowJuly 17, 2026
Sci-fi stories often imagine how humans would react to intelligent alien life. But what does the science say? Plus, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the wonder of parasites. And, in a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.
From a Destitute Phoenix School, an Underwater Robotics Team Rises
An excerpt from Joshua Davis’ book “Spare Parts.”
Face Time
We can make split-second judgments about someone’s personality and character without even consciously seeing their face.
How an Electric Eel Is Like a Taser
New research shows that the electric fish operates like a Taser to immobilize prey.
How Has Technology Changed Exploration?
Students will listen to explorers (both historical and present-day) describe their favorite expeditionary gadgets, then choose and justify one piece of technology to bring on an imaginary expedition, drawing from today’s modern tech.
Join the SciFri Book Club LIVE in NYC
The SciFri Book Club calls its first in-person meeting to order, at New York City’s Explorers Club.
11:59
Lasers Help Metal Resist Rust and Ice
Scientists use lasers to create super water-repellent metals.
17:20
Remembering the Moment Black Holes Went Mainstream
Forty-five years ago, a collaboration between Roger Penrose and Stephen Hawking transformed perceptions about black holes and the beginning of the universe.
8:39
Conserving Cuba’s Coral Reefs
Since 1970, Caribbean coral have declined by more than 50 percent, according to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.
7:54
Behind the Scenes of the Explorers Club
The Explorers Club houses artifacts from research expeditions over the last century, including the first exploration to the North Pole to the Apollo 11 moon mission.
12:05
Scientists Engineer Bacteria With Genetic ‘Kill Switch’
Genetic engineers have designed strains of E. coli that can survive only in the presence of a compound that doesn’t exist in nature.
17:18
Journeying to the Building Blocks of the Solar System
What can comets, asteroids, and protoplanets tell us about the formation of the solar system?
16:22
Put Down Your Phone, Give Your Brain a Break
Some studies suggest letting the mind wander spurs creativity and contemplation. Is it time to rethink our relationship with our phones and bring back boredom?
Take A Hike: Exploring Nature With Kids
Use these tips to safely explore the great outdoors on a family hike while building your observation skills.
Behind-the-Scenes at the Explorers Club
Tour the unique artifacts, including a yeti scalp and four-tusked elephant, collected by Explorers Club members during research expeditions over the last century.
Belize’s Blue Hole Offers Clues To Mayan Collapse
Sediment cores from around the Yucatán Peninsula support a theory as to what could have led to the Mayans’ demise.
12:23
Which Cyber Hacks Should We Worry About?
Molly Sauter explains the scope and severity of recent cyber attacks.
23:15
The Long Quest to Make Machines Talk
Brad Story, a professor of speech, language, and hearing sciences, walks us through the history of talking machines, and computer scientists Alan Black and Rupal Patel talk about making computerized voices more personal and engaging.
9:02
Sea Turtles Guided Home by Magnetic Sense
Female turtles return to the coastlines where they hatched using the earth’s magnetic fields as a navigational tool.