On Today's Podcast
Looking for life in the clouds of Venus
Despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.
Listen NowMay 29, 2026
On the release of Pope Leo’s encyclical about AI, we peek inside the Vatican academy that helps inform his scientific views. Plus, cell and GPS data show how animals react to human presence—and weather radar data reveal 100 trillion insects in U.S. skies. And, the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is housing 18 people exposed to hantavirus, and preparing for possible cases of Ebola exposure.
12:15
Reservoir Rules, Killer Prairie Dogs, and Wine Weather
Rethinking the rules of running reservoirs, and will climate change help wine makers?
16:13
The Road to LIGO
Janna Levin’s book Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space reveals what it took to pull off one of “big science’s” biggest experiments: the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
11:56
Concocting Modern-Day Chicha De Molle
Two anthropologists are studying an ancient brewery that may have pumped out 500-gallon batches of pepperberry-flavored corn beer.
34:05
From Clipper Chip to Smartphones: Unlocking the Encryption Debate
In the ‘90s, the Clipper Chip was the big government encryption case. Two Science Friday guests involved in that early debate rejoin us to weigh in on the Apple argument.
17:29
Minimalist Biology: Craig Venter’s Latest Life Form
Biologist Craig Venter and his team have once again booted up a cell using DNA they synthesized themselves.
Catching Sonic Wisps of Cataclysmic Mayhem
Author Janna Levin on gravitational waves and how the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories help us detect them.
Design a Better Vortex Cannon
Build an air vortex cannon that shoots air across the room, then modify and test your design to make an air cannon that shoots even farther.
The Paleobiologist Who Inspired the Science in ‘Jurassic Park’
George Poinar, Jr.’s lifelong obsession with amber has led to remarkable discoveries of ancient specimens.
Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom’ Walls Weren’t Always Blue
The Art Institute of Chicago recently made a surprising discovery about an iconic Van Gogh painting.
Incredible Eggs
They’re nutritious, delicious, and come in all shapes and sizes.
Live Online Discussion: Bringing Climate Science Into the Classroom
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Science Friday hosted a live online web panel to discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom. Led by passionate educators who are committed to best practices in climate education, this discussion provided strategies for bringing climate change data into the classroom.
12:00
DARPA ‘Improv’ Challenge, a Tiny T-Rex, and Plastic Homes for Sea Life
DARPA turns to the crowd to find “off-the-shelf” threats, and a look at how floating plastic waste can provide a home for sea life.
11:58
Tricking Tumor Cells to Accept a Lethal Payload
A new method convinces cancer cells to gobble up a ball of poison and ferry it directly to the cell nucleus.
26:19
Teaching Climate Change Science in the Classroom
A panel of education experts discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom.
8:34
Investigating Sea Level Rise on a Local Level
Researchers estimate as 13.1 million U.S. residents could be displaced by rising sea levels by 2100.
16:59
The Laws of Nature, From the Sea to the Savannah
In his latest book, The Serengeti Rules, biologist Sean B. Carroll tells of some of the greatest experiments in ecology.
16:44
‘A Space Program’ Documents a DIY Journey to Mars
Sculptor Tom Sachs has built his own space program—and it’s 100 percent DIY.
In the Serengeti, Clues to Life’s Persistence on Earth
Sean B. Carroll connects cell regulation at the molecular level to rules that govern the Serengeti ecosystem.
How Do You Create Moral Robots?
As we move towards self-aware artificial intelligence, engage students in discussion and writing about teaching robots the difference between right and wrong.