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.
8:16
Can Utah’s Great Salt Lake Be Saved Before It’s Too Late?
The lake’s water level has significantly declined since the 1980s. But local scientists and politicians are optimistic they can save it before it’s too late.
25:15
Exploring A New Theory About Dark Energy’s Origins
Astrophysicists are divided over a new theory suggesting dark energy comes from supermassive black holes.
42:20
Tips And Tricks To Grow Your Garden In A Changing Climate
Horticulturists weigh in on how you can best adapt your garden to new extremes.
How Utah Scientists Rang The Alarm About The Great Salt Lake
The shrinking Great Salt Lake puts Utah at risk of an ecological and public health emergency. Local scientists are stepping up, sharing actionable steps to help save it.
Celebrate Our Planet At An Interactive Science Fair For Kids
On April 18, join the SciFri team at WBUR CitySpace in Boston for a science fair for the climate, designed for kids and families.
11:57
Insulin Maker Eli Lilly Finally Caps The Drug’s Cost
The drug will be capped at $35, making it more accessible to the people who need it most.
17:27
The Lasting Allure Of Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’
The maritime archeologist who found the storied wreck discusses the mission and his new book.
12:18
Inside The ‘Chaos Machine’ Of Social Media
Author Max Fisher takes a deep dive into how big tech has accumulated so much unchecked power.
8:51
Taking On Renewables’ AC/DC Disconnect
A project aims to make large-scale solar plants more efficient and reliable.
8:17
Are These Ancient Galaxies Too Big For Their Age?
Tiny red dots observed by the Webb telescope have some astronomers pondering theories of galactic formation.
7:22
How These Russian Wasps Could Help Save Ash Trees
Scientists recruited the help of the emerald ash borers’ natural predator to keep their population in check.
10:15
Vocal Fry Serves Up Treats For Toothed Whales
A new study shows the creaky voice effect some people love to hate is important for echolocation in the deep ocean.
16:28
It’s Spacetime And Science Season At The Oscars
From multiverses to volcanoes, this year’s Academy Award nominees include many pictures where science drives the plot.
How Big Tech’s Obsession With Engagement Destabilized Society
Investigative journalist Max Fisher chronicles how social networks prioritized profits and ideals over society’s wellbeing.
What Makes A Superbloom So Super?
A super bloom a desert phenomenon where massive amounts of wildflowers bloom at exactly the same time. How is it possible?
Sustainable Tech For The City Of Ember
The classic young adult novel The City Of Ember is a dystopian struggle for survival underneath the surface of the Earth. But what if they had made use of aquaponics and geothermal power? Find out in this claims, evidence, and reasoning STEM challenge that lives up to this novel’s compelling premise.
Science Friday in Traverse City: Great Lakes Stories with IPR
On April 26, join Ira Flatow and the Interlochen Public Radio Points North team in Traverse City, MI for an evening of local science stories.
Build A Model Dinosaur
Gather fossil evidence of natural history, physiology, and behavior to design and build a model dinosaur–then animate it!
Celebrate Biodiversity for Citizen Science Month
April is Citizen Science Month and Science Friday is an official partner! Join us for crowdsource science projects celebrating biodiversity.
Community Science
You can do science anywhere. Learn about crowd, collaborative, community and citizen science projects for anyone to participate in!