Audio
Listen to Science Friday live on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. ET, or listen to our daily podcast
BROADCASTS
Listen to the full 2-hour Science Friday broadcast, from last week or any week you like.
‘Prehistoric Planet’ Defrosts Strange Animals Of The Ice Age
The nature documentary series uses new research and photorealistic CGI to bring the huge, bizarre animals of the Ice Age back to life.
As Companies Build Data Centers For AI, Communities Push Back
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes.
A Toast To Bats That Pollinate Agave, And Tracking Monarchs
How bats, agave plants, and tequila are connected. Plus, tiny trackers on monarch butterflies reveal their migration journeys.
A Startling Plan To Save Spotted Owls—From Barred Owls
To save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. Conservationists and activists are at odds.
Can A Microbe Conservation Movement Take Off?
Microbes make up about 99% of all species, but they’re not part of any global conservation plans. One group is trying to change that.
How To Tap Into The Hidden Histories Of Rocks
Geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
Fingernails And Indigestion At The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate unusual scientific research—this year including lizard pizza preferences and fingernail growth.
Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health?
In a conversation from August, two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to mental health—from boosting to straining it.
Everything You Never Knew About Squash And Pumpkins
It’s squash, pumpkin, and gourd season. In a conversation from 2023, an expert answers listener questions about these colorful fall favorites.
Where Does Plastic And Other Trash Go After We Throw It Away?
In a conversation from February, a journalist discusses the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t.