On Today's Podcast
When, and where, did bats first take to the sky?
An analysis of bat genomes and fossil records has shown that the flying mammals first took wing in Europe some 60-65 million years ago.
Listen NowOctober 30, 2026
When, and where, did bats first take to the sky? Online clinics are prescribing GLP-1 microdoses formulated by compounding pharmacies. Are they safe and effective? Terence Tao says mathematics is about understanding, not just right answers, and quick AI solutions are forcing soul-searching in the field. Plus, how chatbots are changing language, and what life was like for T. rex.
Science Friday Live In Atlanta
Ira and the gang are headed down to Atlanta on March 28th, 2020.
Combine Science And Art At The Create Curiosity Fair
On January 16th, join us at WBUR CitySpace in Boston for a celebration to start the new year off right. Participate in hands-on demonstrations!
11:52
California Cracks Down On Fracking Permits
Any new fracking project in the state will need to be reviewed by an independent scientific board.
24:52
What It Took To Get Hubble Into Space
Former astronaut Kathryn Sullivan shares stories from Hubble’s early days at NASA.
21:31
The Passion Of Marie Curie
A new play unveils the brilliant scientist’s humanity—and introduces us to one of her closest friends.
33:16
Meet The Scientists Reviving The World’s Fading Corals
A quarter of the world’s corals are now dead—but scientists on the front lines of the coral crisis are working on some inspiring solutions.
The Fading Colors Of Coral
Coral reefs have suffered heavy setbacks in recent years. Follow coral’s journey and learn how scientists are trying to bring back the reefs.
12:00
Finally, An Ebola Vaccine
European regulators have approved Merck’s vaccine to fight the Ebola virus.
17:24
Critics Say The EPA Transparency Proposal Will Squash Science
The proposal would require researchers to disclose underlying data—which could include private medical and health information.
17:26
To Milk A Tick
Compounds in tick saliva can reveal to how these parasites can create anesthetics and anticoagulants to breakdown human and animal defenses.
11:58
An Undersea Forest In Decline
Off the coast of California, forests of kelp are being decimated by warming temperatures and hungry sea urchins.
17:06
Rethinking A New Aid For Hearing Loss
A new generation of tech is helping change the stigma around hearing aids.
16:10
The Doctor Treating Skin Of Color
Dermatologists look for problems that are literally skin deep. That can be complicated when your skin is darker.
Trying To Preserve Your Hearing In Noisy World
With an estimated thirty-seven million Americans who have lost some hearing, it is easier than ever to cause hearing loss with normal activities.
Human Art By Artificial Intelligence
When art is made by artificial intelligence, it can still be considered human art. Learn why in this excerpt from Janelle Shane’s new book.
7:29
The US Is Abandoning The Paris Climate Agreement
The Trump administration has begun a year-long process to exit the agreement—which would complete the day after the next presidential election.
4:39
Leaf Data, In Your Family Albums
Researchers are collecting snapshots of Acadia National Park to supplement satellite data on fall leaf colors.
16:36
Is US Science Vulnerable To Espionage?
The NIH suspects that Chinese spies are working with dozens of scientists to steal research from U.S. research centers.
8:06
The Eclipse That Made Einstein A Worldwide Celebrity
100 years ago, scientists shared their observations of how the sun’s mass bent starlight—an announcement that made Einstein an overnight celebrity.
7:50
Watch Mercury Lap The Sun
About 13 times a century, Mercury darts across the blazing disc of the sun. Catch the transit yourself this Monday, November 11th.