On Today's Podcast
What cats and dogs hear + A ‘smell map’ of the nose
What do cats and dogs hear that we don't? Plus, what a “smell map” of the receptors in a mouse nose tells us about this sense.
Listen NowMay 1, 2026
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future. Plus, an executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it? And, measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
8:36
The Midnight Scan Club
Researchers become subjects in an after hours experiment that looks at what makes us different.
17:24
A Promising And Still Uncertain Future For Human Gene Editing
Researchers can fix genetic mutations in human embryos. But should they?
Solar Eclipses
Few astronomical phenomena are as exciting as a solar eclipse! Discover the science behind this cosmic event and learn to view it safely.
To Deal With Nuclear Waste, Finland Digs Deep
The U.S. has repeatedly shut down proposals to bury nuclear waste, but Finland is leading a trend.
Wait, Ants Can Do That?
You’ve heard about ants’ superhuman—er—superant strength. But that’s just the beginning.
Science Friday Live In Wichita
SciFri is heading to Kansas to tell stories about the science beneath your feet.
Birds Of A Feather, Photograph Together
The 2017 Audubon Photography Awards are in, and the winners are a real hoot.
11:56
Can You Feel Me Now? The Science Of Digitizing Touch
Scientists are developing tools that allow you to digitally feel textures like wood and cotton.
17:21
Hollow Earth, Cosmic Calamities, And Other Pseudoscientific Fads
In his book “Fads and Fallacies,” published in the 1950s, Martin Gardner chronicled a quirkier, and perhaps less politically polarizing, set of pseudoscientific ideas.
29:22
How Sexual Harassment And Bias Undermine Women’s Access To Scientific Careers
What will it take to bring true equality to research labs?
17:26
Alan Alda: To Talk Better, Listen
Empathy is a crucial component in communicating about science…or anything else.
17:03
Could Thor Punch The Hulk Without Knocking Himself Over?
Mythbusting the physics of this summer’s superhero blockbusters.
Need To Explain Some Science? Try Improv
Actor and author Alan Alda considers the best way to explain complicated scientific concepts — with humanity.
Behind The Scenes Of Science With Undiscovered Live
Join the hosts of the Undiscovered podcast for a night of stories you won’t read in the science journals.
How Will Climate Change Hurt The American Economy? Depends On Where You Live
Texas and Florida are in for some pain — but some places in the United States may actually benefit from climate change.
Demystifying The Microwave
A safety engineer and radiation expert debunk microwave myths and tell you how to properly cook food in your “science oven.”
Make 3D Paint With Starch
Experiment with solubility as you create homemade 3D paint with starch.
How Do I Safely View A Solar Eclipse?
Seeing a solar eclipse is an opportunity to be part of one of science’s most exciting phenomena. Are you ready?
The Real Roswell Cover-Up? Spying On Air
Author Sam Kean explains the secret Cold War project behind the infamous 1947 Roswell crash.