On Today's Podcast
What is the Kelvin wave on the West Coast?
El Niño is driving a Kelvin wave up the West Coast, raising sea levels. What is it, and how does it work?
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
Getting the billion-dollar PRIMA space telescope off the ground
The proposed PRIMA space telescope just entered Phase B of its development. What does that mean?
How dust traveling through the atmosphere shapes our world
An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather.
The science and politics of the new mRNA flu vaccine
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. But dysfunction at federal health agencies is complicating rollout.
What is the Kelvin wave on the West Coast?
El Niño is driving a Kelvin wave up the West Coast, raising sea levels. What is it, and how does it work?
The punk rock life of cephalopods
This Cephalopod Week, we’re talking death spirals, cannibalism, and giant squid dissection.
The Nobel winner searching for deep-space neutrinos in Antarctica
In 2013, Francis Halzen spoke with Ira about the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. This week, Halzen won the Nobel Prize.
How important ideas get reawakened, with David Byrne
Why do some breakthroughs go dormant—and then wake up? Watch Flora’s interview with artist David Byrne about these “sleeping beauties.”
What are ‘sleeping beauties’ in the world of knowledge?
In a new book, artist David Byrne explores how important ideas are forgotten—and then remembered—over time.
How on-screen cephalopods went from monsters to teachers
Cephalopod characters have shown up in movies for over a century. But as our understanding of them has changed, so have their on-screen roles.
‘The History of Concrete’ with John Wilson
John Wilson’s latest feature film, “The History of Concrete” is an idiosyncratic journey about more than just concrete.
The science of the LA Rams’ high-risk, high-reward jet lag strategy
To prepare for an overseas game, the LA Rams tried a Hail Mary jet lag strategy. They lost, but were they onto something?
The tilcayo is the new wild cat on the block
The tiny, 3-pound tilcayo is the first cat species to be described in a century. And yes, it is as cute as you’d think.
Are natural history museums going extinct?
The country’s oldest natural history museum, in Philadelphia, has closed its doors to visitors. Will other museums follow?
A new lunar crater + Searching for signs of alien technology
Scientists are learning more about a recent impact crater on the moon. Plus, hunting for extraterrestrial life through technological clues.
Celebrate the rythmn of the natural world with Margaret Renkl
On November 20, SciFri Book Club will talk live with Renkl about her book, “The Comfort of Crows” and finding joy in nature.
Did the COVID pandemic stunt kids’ development?
The pandemic interrupted the lives of millions of kids. Researchers are studying the impact on their social and emotional development.
How do concussions affect the brain?
The latest scientific understanding of concussions is upending treatment recommendations for recovery.
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on making climate action cool
Climate leader Ayana Elizabeth Johnson reflects on this moment of the climate movement and why climate action should be fun.
Are new treatments for celiac disease on the horizon?
More than 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, an illness with no current treatment. Is help on the way?
Discover the chambered nautilus with Dr. Gregory J. Barord
Join SciFri Educate on October 8 for a Cephalopod Week live Q&A about the ancient relative of the octopus and squid.