On Today's Podcast
Autism Rates Appear To Be Even Across Sexes. Diagnosis Is Not
Autism has long been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys—but data suggest that’s not true.
Listen NowFebruary 20, 2026
Autism has long been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys, but data suggest that’s not true. Plus, an update on the first state-run psilocybin therapy programs, and why the American Medical Association is joining an effort to launch an independent vaccine review panel. And, what record-low snowpack in Utah and Colorado means for the region’s water supply.
Why Do I See This Dress as Blue and Black, While Others See It As White and Gold?
A combination of color and white balance, exposure, and computer displays likely play a role, as well as our own physical perception.
In Memory of Leonard Nimoy
The Star Trek actor died on February 27, 2015. He spoke to SciFri about science fiction in this archival interview.
11:48
Airport Apiaries, Now Boarding
Several major airports have found a new use for open but restricted space alongside runways and hangars—as a home for beehives.
17:17
Which Scientific Ideas Must Die?
“This Idea Must Die” asks scientists and big thinkers which scientific theories they’d target for extinction.
8:53
Apps That Judge What’s on Your Plate
A new class of food-coaching apps connects you to pros and peers who offer tips on healthy eating, based on descriptions and photos of what you eat.
7:34
Dawn of the Cyborg Bacteria
In a basement laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, two roboticists have harnessed the sensing, swimming, and swarming abilities of bacteria to power microscopic robots.
12:17
NASA and Integration During the Civil Rights Movement
As part of Black History Month, Science Friday looks at the role of African-American scientists at NASA during the Civil Rights era.
17:20
Future Crimes: The Next Generation of Security Threats
In “Future Crimes,” author Marc Goodman looks at how criminals are using emergent technology for their own benefit.
16:46
After Decades of Dietary Warnings, Eggs Make a Comeback
After decades of warnings, the advisory committee behind the U.S. government’s dietary guidelines drops its prohibition on cholesterol.
The Hidden Beauty Of The Human Placenta
Though discarded after birth, the placenta builds the first vital connection between mother and fetus.
Should These Scientific Ideas Be Retired?
Two scientists consider the concepts of the universe and falsifiability.
Dawn of the Cyborg Bacteria
In a basement laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, two robotocists have harnessed the sensing, swimming, and swarming abilities of bacteria to power microscopic robots.
How Can We Clean Up an Oil Spill?
In this activity from the American Association of Chemistry Teachers, students simulate an oil spill and test different materials’ abilities to “clean” the oil spill.
12:07
Legal Battle Ends, But Seas Continue to Rise in Kivalina, Alaska
With its legal battle over, Kivalina, Alaska struggles to relocate a 400-person village predicted to be underwater by 2025.
23:20
Habitats Shift As Arctic Temps Creep Above Freezing
As the ice retreats, habitats shift, and certain food chains have begun to crumble.
10:31
Is Your Empty Stomach Fueling Your Shopping Spree?
Hungry shoppers spent up to 60 percent more than those who had a full stomach, according to a new study.
12:03
What Bilingual Babies Can Teach Us About Language Learning
Babies raised in bilingual households spend significantly more time lip-reading than their monolingual counterparts, which suggests that it could also be a vital skill for language learners of all ages.
17:22
Are Women at Greater Risk for Alzheimer’s?
Neurologists look at genes and hormones to understand why more women are developing Alzheimer’s than men.
16:08
Forecasting the Future of Maps
How will new maps help us navigate from point A to point B more efficiently?