On Today's Podcast
‘Fire Amoeba’ Likes It Hot, And A Faraway Lava Planet
A newly identified amoeba can survive at the temperature of a medium-well steak. Plus, a distant lava planet shows signs of an atmosphere.
Listen NowDecember 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
Mars? It Was A Miracle We Got To Florida
Geologist Steve Squyres risked his career and millions of dollars to get the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars.
After Her Grants Got Cut, This Researcher Is Suing The NIH
Katie Edwards has lost millions of dollars in grant money, bringing her research to a standstill. She’s taking the fight to court.
17:21
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Override Our Biology?
In his new book, a former FDA commissioner unpacks the latest science on metabolism, weight loss, and how GLP-1 drugs actually work.
16:38
The Goo In Your Home Could Help Science Address Climate Change
Microbes—from deep in the ocean to inside your AC—might play a key role in our fight against climate change.
17:18
Killer Whales Seen Making Kelp Tools To Scrub Their Backs
Researchers have observed a population of orcas that cut and position kelp tools between their bodies to scrub each other’s backs.
A Former FDA Commissioner’s Path To Weight Management
David Kessler took GLP-1 drugs to help manage his weight. In his new book, he explains why the drugs are revolutionary, but not a panacea.
New Telescope Captures The Cosmos In Groundbreaking Detail
The telescope has the largest digital camera ever made. It’s so precise that one image alone contains 10 million galaxies.
How Scientists Made The First Gene-Editing Treatment For A Baby
Last month, a baby got the world’s first personalized gene-editing treatment. What will this mean for the millions of others with genetic diseases?
You Do Realize… That’s Impossible
Physicist Suchitra Sebastian may have discovered a new state of matter. But the hardest part was convincing the doubters.
12:20
Alaska Issues Its First-Ever Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory earlier this week, with temperatures in central Alaska climbing to the mid-80s.
17:00
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients And Which Ones You Need
Picking a sunscreen can be overwhelming. We’ll break down what to look for, and what ingredients matter.
17:00
You Can Whistle While You Work—But How Does A Whistle Work?
Whistling requires attention to your mouth, muscles, and breath. Here’s how it works, and how to get better at it.
29:00
Is It Time For A New Model Of The Universe?
Is the Hubble constant—a key part of how we measure the expansion of our universe—in a crisis? Some cosmologists say yes.
17:00
How To Fight The Brain’s Desire For Revenge
The new book “The Science of Revenge” explores the neuroscience of revenge, and how its addictive potential could make it dangerous.
SciFri Is Headed To Redwood City!
Don’t miss Ira Flatow, Flora Lichtman, and the SciFri team in Redwood City, CA, on September 18 for a live stage version of our radio show.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Biochemist Virginia Man-Yee Lee has spent her career unlocking the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Her secret? Happiness.
Small City Pays A Price For PFAS In Drinking Water
A military base polluted water in Newburgh, New York, with PFAS for years. Now a CDC-led study is uncovering the health impacts.
EPA Moves To Accelerate Superfund Cleanup Amid Cuts
The agency plans to expedite the process of cleaning up toxic waste sites, even as Trump aims to slash its budget and staff.
RFK Jr. Reshuffles CDC Vaccine Panel With Vaccine Skeptics
The health secretary fired the entire panel that recommends vaccines. Plus, the EPA moves to expedite cleanup of Superfund sites.
17:29
What Are The Best Practices For Prostate Cancer Screening?
Former President Joe Biden’s diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer has put a spotlight on prostate cancer screening.