On Today's Podcast
The decades-long movement to kill FEMA
A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.
Listen NowMay 1, 2026
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future. Plus, an executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it? And, measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
5:09
Is Offshore Wind ‘Picking Up Steam’ On Lake Erie?
For years, its been a slow process building wind turbines in the Great Lakes. Now, a new initiative is picking up speed.
11:31
Flu’s Fatal Side Effect: Heart Attacks
Flu infection boosts the risk of heart attack six fold. An infectious disease physician explains why—and how to protect yourself.
11:52
Is Music A Shared Language?
Researchers tested if listeners could identify lullabies, dance, love, and healing songs from different cultures.
23:52
Jellyfish, The Misunderstood Genius Of The Sea
The untold story of jellyfish is one of perception versus reality.
9:58
How To Grow Your Own Crystals
At the United States Crystal Growing Competition, chemistry gleams and sparkles.
22:14
Boosting Vaccination Rates, One Conversation At A Time
What we’re learning about how to convince people that vaccines are safe and necessary.
How Jellyfish Helped A Marine Biologist Find Her Calling
Juli Berwald recounts not the not-so-straight path that led to her work as a marine biologist.
Science Facts: Vaccines
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t “believe” in vaccinating their children.
What You Said: Frankenstein, Today
SciFri listeners weigh in on Frankenstein, Silicon Valley’s tech monsters, and the ethics of modern inventions.
7:44
A Michigan Fireball, An Omnivorous Shark, And An Ancient Epidemic
An exploding meteor gave a spectacular sky show near Detroit.
4:32
As Trump Pushes Offshore Drilling, Local Lawmakers Push Back
How states like California could put up their own barriers to proposed drilling rules.
16:17
Is Silicon Valley Making Its Own Monsters?
The unintended consequences of the tech world, and what CEOs could learn from Mary Shelley.
12:05
The Fiery Mountains Under The Sea
Most of the world’s volcanic activity happens under the sea—but we know very little about it.
17:30
In 2018, The Flu Is Back With A Vengeance
A nasty flu season has researchers doubling down on efforts to create a more effective vaccine.
16:24
Do Sleep Apps And Gadgets Really Help You?
Turns out, clocking in your data doesn’t mean clocking in better sleep.
17:17
Do Predictive Algorithms Have A Place In Public Policy?
Algorithms in are being used to aid decision-making in courts, child welfare, and other areas of public policy.
Introducing ‘Science Facts’
We’re teaming up with the Reynolds Journalism Institute to help you have conversations about climate change and more.
Science Facts: Climate Change
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t “believe” in climate change.
‘Breakthrough: Women In Science’ In Theaters!
From March 5 – 31, the Science Friday video series is heading to Alamo Drafthouses across the U.S.
7:41
Radio Bursts, A Trip To CES, And A Sea Turtle Shift
New research argues that mysterious deep-space radio bursts may be produced by neutron stars.