On Today's Podcast
Why Astronomers Are Excited About Comet 3I/ATLAS’ Close Approach
Comet 3I/Atlas is just the third known object to visit us from outside our solar system. So yes... we'll be talking about aliens.
Listen NowDecember 19, 2025
A newly identified amoeba can survive at the temperature of a medium-well steak. Plus, a distant lava planet shows signs of an atmosphere. And, this Christmas Bird Count, we salute the fabulous, underappreciated, common species. Here’s to you, house sparrow.
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.
11:57
After Flint’s Crisis, An Algorithm Helps Citizens Find Lead Pipes
Millions of Americans need to replace their pipes. Here’s how to tell if your home or neighborhood needs to test its tap water.
What Do Volcanoes Sound Like? Make Your Own Volcano Kazoo
Make a straw kazoo and model real volcano sounds! Explore waveforms and infrasound, learn how scientists predict eruptions, and create your own volcanic sound effects.
When Galactic Tourism Goes Awry: Exploring New Suns
On January 28, join us to explore how cities might transform if Earth was a tourist destination for intergalactic travel.
Enhancing Moods, One Brain Chip At A Time: Exploring New Suns
On February 4, join us to explore how relationships and culture might change when some are implanted with mood-enhancing brain chips.
How Companies Denied Their Role In Climate Change
Michael Mann seeks to debunk the lies that have derailed attempts to curb climate change and arms readers with a real path forward to preserving the planet.