On Today's Podcast
Harnessing the superpowers of silk
From lassoing prey to designing cutting-edge sensors, both spiders and humans are using silk in astounding ways.
Listen NowMarch 27, 2026
A young macaque at a zoo in Japan has a fan base that can’t get enough of him. Why are we so invested in the social life of one cute monkey? Plus, a few years ago, ChatGPT couldn’t do simple arithmetic. Now, some experts say that AI could make mathematicians obsolete. And, as local reports of dead birds rise, the greatest human risk of avian flu continues to fall on farmworkers.
What History Tells Us About How We Got To Today’s Climate Crisis
The human penchant for environmental destruction can be traced to historical greed for resources, power, and liberation from nature.
Las latinas en ciencia espacial quieren dejar de ser la excepción
Unas científicas espaciales de Guatemala, Costa Rica y Argentina hablan de sus retos y sus logros.
Our Favorite 2024 Science Books For Kids
You asked for science book recommendations for the kids in your life. Two bookworm experts respond—and share their own favorites.
12:11
Supreme Court Hears Case On FDA Regulation Of Flavored Vapes
The case centers on the FDA’s denial of applications for nicotine-based vapes containing flavored liquid seen as addictive for young people.
17:33
Marie Curie And The Women Scientists Who Became Her Legacy
A new book looks at the life of Marie Curie through the lens of some of the 45 women who passed through her laboratory.
16:03
You Share Your Gut Microbiome With Your Friends
New research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members.
11:56
A Warning For When A Lithium-Ion Battery Is About To Explode
Damaged lithium-ion batteries can cause deadly explosions. An algorithm could help detect when they’re about to happen.
17:22
Protecting Against Poison Exposure This Holiday Season
It’s not poinsettias: A medical toxicologist discusses the most common household risks to kids during the holiday season.
17:20
2024’s Best Science Books For Kids
You asked for science book recommendations for the kids in your life. Two bookworm experts respond—and share their own favorites.
Contribute Your Voice To SciFri Stories!
Ask a question, share an experience, or send us photos. We might feature your contribution on our radio show, social media, newsletters, or website!
Join Us Live With Astronauts Aboard The Space Station
Watch astronauts answer student questions about space research and daily life aboard the station—live from space!
Join Us Live With Astronauts Aboard The International Space Station
Watch astronauts answer student questions about space research and daily life aboard the station—live from space!
11:48
Alan Alda Reflects On Life With Parkinson’s
In a conversation from 2018, Alan Alda discusses how being a science communicator makes him think differently about a life-changing diagnosis.
17:38
A Nobel Prize For Chemistry Work ‘Totally Separate From Biology’
In a conversation from 2022, Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi discusses bioorthogonal chemistry, which could have applications in chemotherapy.
17:04
What Was It Like To Witness The End Of The Dinosaurs?
In a conversation from 2022, Riley Black discusses what happened after a massive asteroid hit Earth.
47:55
A Theatrical Tribute To Unexpected Science
This year’s Ig Nobel Prizes include awards for studying coin flipping, the movements of a dead trout, and more.
Puerto Rico y la ciencia espacial después de Arecibo
¿Cómo llenar el vacío del radiotelescopio más potente del mundo? Cuatro años después de su colapso, comienza un nuevo capítulo.
How Metaphors Help—And Hurt—Science
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside.
‘Gladiator II’ And The Evidence For Colosseum Naval Battles
Lots of moments from “Gladiator II” are fiction. But some scientists think mock naval battles in the Colosseum totally happened.
11:44
SpaceX’s Starship Completes In-Orbit Engine Test
This was the sixth test launch of the Starship vehicle, which could eventually carry humans and cargo to the moon. It was extremely loud.