On Today's Podcast
Why it's so hard to tell the age of a fungus
One of the world’s largest organisms is an Oregon fungus thought to be over 8,000 years old. But what does age mean to a fungus, anyway?
Listen NowAugust 28, 2026
Medical AI tools are transcribing patient visits, responding to doctors' questions, and analyzing scans. What are the benefits—and the risks? Plus, how GPS transformed from a niche military technology to one we rely on every day. And, the science behind the "nervous system reset," and how genetics work could help restore American chestnut trees more quickly.
7:08
NASA Gets Its Moment In The Sun (Finally)
A new NASA heat shield makes a mission to the sun’s atmosphere possible.
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.