On Today's Podcast
What is the Kelvin wave on the West Coast?
El Niño is driving a Kelvin wave up the West Coast, raising sea levels. What is it, and how does it work?
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
Beware the Antibiotic Winter
An excerpt from “Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues.”
10 Questions for George Church, Geneticist
The Harvard genetics professor talks DNA sequencing, raising extinct species from the dead, and going vegan.
The Agony, And Reward, Of Passing A Kidney Stone
This otherworldly orb with purple projections comes from a surprising source: the urinary tract of its photographer.
12:08
Antarctic Ice Sheet Slipping Into the Sea
Scientists confirmed a West Antarctic ice sheet the size of the Dakotas is melting.
11:12
Should the Last Samples of Smallpox Virus Be Saved?
World health experts will meet to discuss whether or not to destroy the last live samples of smallpox virus.
23:23
Can’t Read This Headline? It’s Written in Invisible Ink
“Prisoners, Lovers, & Spies” tells the story of invisible writing, from lemon juice to microdots.
12:00
Listening In on Seizures
A “brain stethoscope” turns seizure patients’ brainwaves into music.
24:21
Is Graphene the New ‘Wonder’ Material?
Graphene is stronger than steel and more conductive than copper—a look at the applications and limitations of this “wonder” material.
9:30
Remembering Nereus, Explorer of Ocean Depths
The robotic deep-sea submersible Nereus was destroyed while diving over six miles beneath the surface in the Kermadec Trench.
Foraging with Tama Matsuoka Wong
Guided by professional forager and author, Tama Matsuoka Wong, Science Friday toured western New Jersey’s meadows and forested trails to discover the native plants and invasive weeds that are used as culinary delicacies.
A Recipe For Invisible Ink
An excerpt from “Prisoners, Lovers & Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda.”
This Cryptocurrency Could Be an Answer to Bitcoin’s Privacy Problems
A new cryptocurrency in development called ZeroCash claims to preserve its users’ anonymity. Here’s how it works.
This Bee Buzzes For Blueberries
This metallic beauty is one of an estimated 4,000 bees native to the U.S., hundreds of which haven’t been scientifically named yet.
Why Are Elephant Ears So Big? And Other Pachyderm Questions
Research scientist Joseph Soltis answers your elephant-related queries.
11:59
Young Blood Sharpens Memory in Old Mice
The blood of young mice seems to rejuvenate older mice, both strengthening their muscles and improving their ability to learn and remember.
26:41
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Transcendence’
SciFri’s scientist-film critics weigh in on the science behind the Hollywood techno-thriller “Transcendence.”
7:42
What’s Shaking Up Oklahoma?
Earthquakes have increased by 50 percent in Oklahoma since 2013 and may be linked to drilling disposal wells.
29:18
Another Climate Report, But Who’s Listening?
The White House released its latest climate report this week, with much the same message as recent IPCC findings—climate change is real, and it’s happening fast.
16:54
The Serious Science of Humor
Author Scott Weems lets us in on the jokes and uncovers the science of humor.
Alan Friedman, We Will Miss You
The former director of the New York Hall of Science was a champion for the public’s understanding of and involvement with science.