On Today's Podcast
When, and where, did bats first take to the sky?
An analysis of bat genomes and fossil records has shown that the flying mammals first took wing in Europe some 60-65 million years ago.
Listen NowOctober 30, 2026
When, and where, did bats first take to the sky? Online clinics are prescribing GLP-1 microdoses formulated by compounding pharmacies. Are they safe and effective? Terence Tao says mathematics is about understanding, not just right answers, and quick AI solutions are forcing soul-searching in the field. Plus, how chatbots are changing language, and what life was like for T. rex.
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.
4:17
A Successful Launch…Or Was It?
SpaceX says its recent launch of a secret payload went as planned. But the satellite is missing.
Breakthrough: Bitter Water
For Navajo hydrologist Karletta Chief, water is sacred. When a mine spill contaminated a vital river in the Navajo Nation, she decides to investigate the potential environmental and health impacts it had on her community.
17:08
Stretching The Boundaries Of Cell Biology
How squeezing, squishing, and stretching cells can change their biology—and why it matters to medicine.
7:50
An Ingredient For Life In Our Solar System: Salt
Scientists study meteorites carrying organic matter, including blue salt crystals, to Earth.
8:11
Protecting The Waterways Of The Navajo Nation
Hydrologist Karletta Chief monitors the rivers that flow through the Navajo Nation that have been impacted by runoff from surrounding mines and help the surrounding communities.
16:39
The Surprising Life Inside Frozen Soil
Microbes and root systems create a cozy ecosystem amid the icy earth.
29:24
Cosmic Questions In Comic Book Form
In “The Dialogues,” a new graphic novel by theoretical physicist Clifford Johnson, the superheroes are scientists—and they’ll teach you a thing or two about physics.
Ethics, STEM, And The Modern Dr. Frankenstein
A lot has changed since the publication of “Frankenstein” but the novel is still a valuable way to explore ethics with kids of all ages.
Hair Science
Explore the hardcore science of hairy things, from muskoxen to ‘Tangled.’
The Scientist And His Monster
Atop icy Mont Blanc, Victor Frankenstein is confronted by his creation.
7:06
Sorry, But Still No Aliens
Plus: News of ancient migrations, strange dimensional physics, and the silliness of ‘raw water.’
4:58
How One Hospital Is Coping With A National IV Bag Shortage
Hurricane Maria knocked out the Puerto Rican factory that produces a large amount of IV bags and fluids. How do hospitals adapt?
8:34
The SciFri Book Club: ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s classic science fiction horror story turns 200 this year—and it’s more relevant than ever to how we talk about science.
11:42
A Hair Closer To Lab-Grown (Mouse) Skin
Skin is a complex organ that we still can’t grow completely in the lab. But one group got over a big hurdle: the humble hair follicle.
17:04
Putting AI To Work For The Environment
Lucas Joppa, chief environmental scientist at Microsoft, says that artificial intelligence has the potential to help answer big environmental questions.