On Today's Podcast
Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?
As local reports of dead birds rise, the greatest human risk continues to fall on some of the most vulnerable: farm workers.
Listen NowMarch 20, 2026
Move over, Ryan Gosling: Rocky the alien is the breakout star of the movie adaptation of "Project Hail Mary." Plus, how a particle accelerator, a robot, and 2,000 ants came together to paint a picture of biological diversity. And, a mathematician analyzed 150 years of women’s fashion to understand 20-year trend cycles, and how “optimal distinctiveness” drives change.
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!
It’s A Pollinator Palooza For Citizen Science Month
Science Friday is an official partner for Citizen Science Month! Join us this April to participate in a crowdsource science project.
Diction Dash: You Asked, We Answer
Let’s play a game: Guess the meaning or backstory of a word.