On Today's Podcast
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?
Listen NowOctober 16, 2026
A free-floating seaweed called sargassum is exploding in the Atlantic Ocean, clogging up coastlines from West Africa to the Caribbean. Attachment styles have taken off as a way to understand relationships. But does the science behind it line up with popular interpretations? Plus, the latest on commercial space stations, a mission to bring a sample from a Martian moon, and space-based weapons.
7:06
Sorry, But Still No Aliens
Plus: News of ancient migrations, strange dimensional physics, and the silliness of ‘raw water.’
4:58
How One Hospital Is Coping With A National IV Bag Shortage
Hurricane Maria knocked out the Puerto Rican factory that produces a large amount of IV bags and fluids. How do hospitals adapt?
8:34
The SciFri Book Club: ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s classic science fiction horror story turns 200 this year—and it’s more relevant than ever to how we talk about science.
11:42
A Hair Closer To Lab-Grown (Mouse) Skin
Skin is a complex organ that we still can’t grow completely in the lab. But one group got over a big hurdle: the humble hair follicle.
17:04
Putting AI To Work For The Environment
Lucas Joppa, chief environmental scientist at Microsoft, says that artificial intelligence has the potential to help answer big environmental questions.
15:56
A Temporary Relief For Tinnitus Sufferers
A new way of thinking about hearing loss offers new opportunities for treatment.
25:27
How To Improve Your Cybersecurity
From password management to encrypted messaging to VPNs, tips on how to steer clear of getting hacked.
The Unexpected Pollinator Of The Cocoa Tree
From South Africa to the Arctic, flies play a role in the pollination of flowering plants—including the crop the provides one of our favorite candies.
16:10
SciFri Live: Bourbon Science Quiz
Fermenting, distillation and aging—test your spirit smarts in the SciFri Bourbon quiz.
29:27
A Tour Of The World’s Weird And Wonderful Flies
In her book The Secret Life of Flies, Erica McAlister introduces us the fascinating members of the extended fly family.
46:18
Year In Review: 2017
From colliding neutron stars to the completion of the Cassini mission, a look at 2017’s most important science stories.
34:22
Physics On The Edge
There’s a lot we still don’t know about matter, time, and the contents of the universe. Why that’s a challenge…and a thrill for physicists.
34:13
Much More Than Partridges In Pear Trees
From snowy owls to corn crakes, the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count turns its gaze toward all our feathered friends flying overhead during the winter migration.
11:49
When It Comes To Climate Policy, Money Talks
Major investors are beginning to shift their money away from fossil fuels—and towards green energy.
4:48
Urban Life Isn’t A Walk In The Park
Urban air pollution’s health effects may be significant enough to cancel out the health benefits of a brisk walk, according to a recent study.
7:13
Dangerous Cell Phone Guidelines, Interstellar “Goo,” Plus Kids And Birthday Parties
New California guidelines muddy the waters on the science of cell phone radiation
The Best Of Science Friday, 2017
The Science Friday staff share some of their favorite stories they made this year.
The Virtual Theme Park
Climbing Kilimanjaro, blasting asteroids, and stopping time to destroy robots are just some of the amazing activities people can experience at VR World NYC.
7:34
A Return To The Moon, An Ancient Bludgeon, And Anesthetized Plants
This week, President Trump signed a directive that would set NASA’s sights on the moon…again.
4:23
May Your Days Be Merry, But Less Bright
The spread of efficient LED lighting may be leading to more light use, and brighter nighttime skies.