On Today's Podcast
How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they're everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
Listen NowMay 1, 2026
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future. Plus, an executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it? And, measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab.
29:13
Scientists Search for Gulf War Illness Answers
More than 20 years later, many Gulf War veterans still suffer from an array of unexplained ailments.
16:24
Project Seeks to Bring Extinct Species Back to Life
Michael Archer, leader of the “Lazarus Project,” describes early efforts to bring a frog species back from extinction.
Black Bear for the Win
Jim Stroner’s shot of a bear emerging from its den wins our 2013 Winter Nature Photo Contest.
12:16
Can Just One Concussion Change the Brain?
A single concussion may cause brain damage, but it remains difficult to diagnose these injuries.
7:21
Arming Fat Cells to Fight Brain Cancer
Researchers are investigating ways to turn fat cells into Trojan horses to fight brain cancer.
21:35
Improving Healthcare, One Search at a Time
By combing through 100 million search queries, researchers detected a previously unknown interaction between two commonly prescribed drugs.
5:31
Physicists Tie Water Into Knots
If you thought a smoke ring was fancy, check out these fluid knots.
12:23
Curiosity Hits Paydirt: New Clues to Life on Mars
Microbes may once have thrived in a freshwater lake on Mars, according to clues in an ancient rock.
17:38
‘Bones’ Inspires a New Generation of Crime Fighters
Forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs chats about “Code,” her new crime novel for young adults.
17:19
And the Award for Best Picture Goes To…
See who took first place in SciFri’s Winter Nature Photo Contest.
Tying Water in a Knot
These fluid knots are like smoke rings–but made of water and shaped like a pretzel instead of a donut.
Pi Day Mashup
It’s Pi Day (and Einstein’s birthday). Celebrate with this mix of tributes to the telltale Greek letter that symbolizes that endless number.
Wildlife Portraits by Our Photo Contest Judge
Clay Bolt, co-founder of the Meet Your Neighbours photo project, shares some of his shots.
Painting by Insects
For a unique artistic style, there’s nothing like an insect’s feet to get the job done.
James Watson: Studio Session
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA — the now-famous double helix.
Vote for the Winner of the Winter Nature Photo Contest
Pick your favorite photo from the 11 finalists.
12:03
Can the Anti-Aging Secret Be Found in…Red Wine?
Researchers are examining the link between red wine and longevity.
29:21
Getting the Springtime Buzz on Bees
New research on bee behavior offers a glimpse into the lives of these important pollinators.
4:27
Behold the Mighty Water Bear
Water bears, a.k.a. tardigrades, can withstand boiling, freezing, and the vacuum of space.