On Today's Podcast
A vast whale graveyard + Zombie sea cucumbers
A massive "whale graveyard" contains whale remains dating back 5 million years. Plus, some detached parts of sea cucumbers don’t seem to die.
Listen NowJune 12, 2026
How poison dart frogs deal with their kids asking for snacks, and other parenting inspiration from the animal kingdom. Plus, do sugary drinks really cause more intense hangovers? Is wine both bad for you and good for you? Experts take on the chemistry of happy hour. And, the 2026 World Cup will be infused with AI. How will it change the beautiful game? And, what it takes to get perfect grass into 16 stadiums.
8:34
Accidental Breakthrough Makes Web-Slinging Silk A Reality
In a materials science discovery, scientists made a liquid silk solution that hardens and picks up objects—not unlike Spider-Man’s web.
17:08
How Empire and Environmental Destruction Go Hand-In-Hand
“The Burning Earth” examines over 800 years of history to demonstrate how violence against people and the planet are one and the same.
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.