On Today's Podcast
The SciFri Book Club reads ‘The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year’
The author of SciFri’s November book club pick on how she found meaning in the stories that unfolded in her yard.
Listen NowNovember 6, 2026
A food historian and a nutrition researcher dig into the protein-maxxing trend—and explain why you might want to up your fiber intake instead. Researchers trapped an antimatter particle and held it at extremely cold temperatures for months. Plus, why armadillos are moving north, and how a tiny, see-through fish that can regenerate its brain is becoming a model species.
8:59
A Reproductive Mystery In Honey Bee Decline
Queen honeybees store all the sperm they need for a lifetime. Studying them could help declining hives.
8:17
Mapping Sourdough Microbes From Around The World
Scientists collected 500 sourdough starters from around the world to map their microbes.
16:26
Ancient Cities Provide A New Perspective On Urban Life
In a new book, Annalee Newitz looks to some of the greatest ancient civilizations around the world to discover the rise and fall of urban centers.
17:16
Will Vaccines Work Against New Variants Of The Coronavirus?
Vaccines are being tested against new variants of the coronavirus. Here’s what the latest data are telling us.
Uncovering The Vibrant City Life Of Ancient Cahokia
From towering earthen pyramids to bustling ceremonial centers, this Native American city was once the largest urban center in North America.
Science Diction Returns For Season 3
Starting February 9, we’re back with more words and stories—all about mind control.
Breakthrough Festival: A Celebration Of Women In STEM
From February 15 – 21, join Science Friday and 500 Women Scientists for a celebration amplifying the voices of women scientists.
11:48
A New President, A New Climate Policy
In his first week in office, President Biden took multiple actions to address the climate crisis.
17:19
How Scientists Unravel The Mysteries Of The Placenta
The placenta is the only organ that can be grown temporarily and then discarded—but it’s hard to study while it’s doing its job.
12:07
A Skeletal Record Of Medieval England Society
Scientists are uncovering clues about medieval life from the bones of ordinary people.
23:44
Deploying President Biden’s ‘Wartime’ COVID-19 Plan
President Biden’s national COVID-19 relief effort aims to administer 100 million vaccinations in 100 days.
9:32
Lack Of Enforcement Threatens The Endangered Species Act
Land development is threatening the Florida panther—just one endangered species impacted by money and politics.
17:17
Everything You Want To Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
SciFri listeners called with questions ranging from how antibodies work to who should get jabbed. A microbiologist provides the answers.
12:13
President Biden Makes Immediate Changes To U.S. Science Policy
The new administration made quick work of rolling back key science policy positions of the Trump era.
5:29
Former Michigan Governor, Other Officials Charged for Flint Water Crisis
The charges, which came as a surprise to many residents, come seven years after the health crisis began.
17:26
How Soil Could Save The Planet
A new farming technique could make soils, and their microbes, better at capturing carbon.
12:10
Orange Is The New Black—For Bats
Researchers are rushing to preserve a newly discovered bat species in West Africa.
6:57
Greenland’s Microbial Melt-Down
Scientists find that bacteria and sediments darken ice, impacting how the Greenland ice sheet is melting.
9:50
Life Of A Coronavirus Scientist During A Pandemic
These scientists have studied coronaviruses for years. Here’s how the pandemic has impacted their lives and research.
17:09
Searching For Extraterrestrial Life Like ‘Sherlock Holmes’
A strange celestial visitor in 2017 has this Havard astrophysicist convinced of intelligent life outside our solar system.