On Today's Podcast
Can We Just Throw Our Plastic Garbage Into A Volcano?
A volcanologist answers your questions about glass-shard hairballs, cooking breakfast over lava, Gollum's end on Mount Doom, and more.
Listen NowDecember 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
16:51
The New Biden Administration Plans For COVID-19
Less than a week after it became clear he was president-elect, Joe Biden has named the members of a coronavirus task force.
Oregon Voters Decriminalize Possessing Illegal Drugs
The ballot measure makes personally possessing small amounts of drugs a civil violation, while also providing addiction services funding.
South Dakota Voters Pass Marijuana Measures
The federal government may still prohibit the drug, but South Dakota joins the many states who have legalized or decriminalized it.
How To Make A Pop-Up Book With Engineering
Use geometry to make and measure paper pop-up book mechanisms—from the v-fold to the box layer.
Exploring New Suns With The SciFri Book Club
Join Science Friday and Brooklyn Public Library for a new event series—we’re pairing authors with scientific experts for a speculative fiction deep dive.
These Amazing STEM Educators Are Going Above And Beyond
Here’s the quick and comforting cup of hope you’re looking for—inspiring educators share STEM lessons and tidbits of wisdom.
Must Read List Of Speculative Fiction By Writers Of Color
The SciFri Book Club team and writers of color recommend some of their favorite novels, podcasts, anthologies, and films by diverse creators.
5:49
Besides The Presidential Race, Science Was On The Ballot
Local elections included measures from drug reform to wolf reintroduction.
6:07
Key Congressional Races That Could Affect Future Climate Change Legislation
A look at the outcome of some races in areas affected by climate change.
16:51
Not So Fast, Murder Hornets
But researchers are worried the honey bee predator may establish a foothold in North America.
16:35
This Accessible Pregnancy Test Has Results You Can Touch
For people who are blind or vision-impaired, traditional pregnancy tests can be hard to read. But a new design may help.
17:17
Gathering Together (Carefully) For A Pandemic Holiday
There’s no way to have a completely safe in-person gathering this holiday season. But if you’re going to see friends and family, here’s how to do so with the least risk.
11:52
How Algae Survived A Mass Extinction
During the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, one type of algae saved Earth’s oceans from collapse.
17:35
What Will The Pandemic Look Like During The Winter?
Now that we’re a year into the pandemic, what have we learned, and how can we plan for next year?
Witnessing Environmental Change From Space
From deforestation to algal blooms, NASA earth scientist Africa Flores-Anderson monitors the planet through satellite images and data.
Design A Glove Fit For An Astronaut
In this engineering design challenge, invent space gloves that will allow astronauts to collect samples on future missions to Mars.
6:11
Worried About Fading COVID-19 Antibodies? Not So Fast.
Why a new study is not necessarily bad news for your COVID-19 immune response. Plus the Moon’s moisture, and new successes for livestock ‘super daddies.’
5:52
Pennsylvania’s Voters Are Concerned About Climate Change
Despite President Trump’s rhetoric, fracking remains controversial in Pennsylvania.
9:21
How To Detect Disinformation And Fake Election News
How do unverified stories and other false claims take hold during the election process? An expert explains.
7:52
Checking Science On The Ballot
Presidential candidates aren’t the only ones vying for votes. Here are the science propositions and STEM candidates on your ballot.