On Today's Podcast
How do you find a ‘lost’ species?
A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
Listen NowAugust 14, 2026
At the peak of linguistic diversity, humans may have spoken up to 10 times as many languages as we do today. An immunologist who’s been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust. Plus, a new journal documents species “lost to science,” and a conservation project aims to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
Introducing SciFri Findings
Learn along with Science Friday as we dive into how science media is impacting and connecting with the general public.
Orphans Delivered The World’s First Vaccine
The world’s first vaccination campaign involved a ship, some pus-filled sores, and 22 orphan boys.
12:16
Particle Behavior Disobeys Laws Of Physics As We Know Them
Plus, how your weather forecast will change next month.
5:58
Punjabi Sikh Truckers Lack Access To COVID-19 Information
Organizations like Jakara Movement and Punjabi Radio USA filled in the information gaps for the Punjabi speaking community in California.
12:13
New AI Composes Songs From Silent Performance Videos
This algorithm can watch a silent piano performance and then turn it into expressive, human-sounding music.
17:33
A Daring Rescue Highlights Giraffes’ Silent Extinction
Researchers don’t know enough about the charismatic giraffe—and as populations dwindle, they’re running out of time.
10:10
Untangling Alzheimer’s Connection To Insulin Resistance
New research finds that the brains of Alzheimer’s patients are less able to obtain energy from glucose.
7:20
The Mime And The Mind
A new study looks at how the brain “helps” us see invisible objects.
37:50
What Does The Future Look Like For COVID-19 Long-Haulers?
A new study suggests around a third of COVID-19 patients have long-term symptoms.
Experiment With Bumblebee Static Electricity
Bumble bees create and feel the buzz of static electricity, and you can too. Use simple household items to investigate static charges.
12:00
Biden Administration Opens Up OffShore Wind Energy
The federal wind power plan hopes to to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2033.
06:00
Even During A Pandemic, Florida’s Spring Break Party Continues
Health experts worry that large numbers of tourists in Florida, plus few restrictions will add up to pandemic problems.
10:45
Signs The Standard Model Of Physics May Be Incomplete
Results of experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN have scientists questioning one of physics’ most important models.
16:25
Seaweed Might Help Cows Go Green
Cattle are one of the largest producers of methane. Could a change in their diet reduce their greenhouse gas emissions?
11:51
The Buzz Over Non-Bee Pollinators
A look at the pollinating ‘personalities’ of moths, beetles, and flies.
06:46
Who’s Pollinating Your Backyard?
The Great Sunflower Project is using crowdsourced data to examine the effects of pesticides on pollinators, and how to improve their habits.
26:47
So You Wanna Be A Beekeeper?
SciFri contributing editor John Dankosky is a first-time beekeeper, and he has questions.
It’s Time For A Springtime Showdown: Vote For Your Pollinator Pick
Three scientists present their choice for the primo pollinator—and you get to vote and decide this year’s winners!
A Pollinator Palooza Adventure: The Great Sunflower Project
Discover all the ways to participate in crowdsource science this month and ask some budding experts your questions about the pollinators!