On Today's Podcast
A Look Back At 2025 In Science, From Federal Cuts To Space Junk
There was major science news in 2025. Plus, underreported developments in geoengineering and a triumph for furniture rearrangement.
Listen NowDecember 26, 2025
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts. Plus, we revisit some of our top stories of 2025, covering research into how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocalizations, how algorithms and social media are changing language, and what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
32:57
A Mathematician Asks ‘Is Math Real?’
When math is based on abstract concepts, how do we know it’s correct? Dr. Eugenia Cheng takes on that question in a new book.
28:45
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
8:08
The Science Behind Your Unraveling Sweaters
A textile professor and knit expert explains why many sweaters today are of poorer quality than sweaters in the past.
7:38
Why It Feels So Good To Eat Chocolate
An artificial tongue helps researchers understand how texture impacts what people like about chocolate.
The Delightfully Silly Science Comics Of Rosemary Mosco
Nature cartoonist Rosemary Mosco shares her process about how she dreams up scenes from the funny side of science.
12:12
The Top Science News Stories of 2023
This year brought us new vaccines, a highly anticipated asteroid sample, and an update to T. rex’s smile.
5:42
Solar Panels In Historic Cape Cod: Who Decides Where ‘Modern’ Fits?
Local historic committees in Cape Cod are blocking some residents from installing solar panels, citing visual impact on the neighborhood.
11:53
‘Dark Fungi’ Species Don’t Get Names. Should They?
Scientists have recovered the DNA of thousands of new species of fungi from the environment, but they aren’t eligible for scientific names.
16:03
Music’s Emotional Power Can Shape Memories—And Your Perception Of Time
Researchers used music to elicit different emotions, then looked at how shifts in emotion influenced participants’ memory formation.
16:58
The Unseen World Of Seaweeds
A new book celebrates the beautiful and underappreciated seaweeds shaping coastlines around the world.
29:36
How ‘Panda Diplomacy’ Led To Conservation Success
For decades, panda policy has guided conservation advancements. Now, pandas in the US are being returned to China.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2023
This year science reached new frontiers, and our coverage followed suit. Our staff—and audience—share their favorite SciFri creations of 2023.
Crafting Inclusive Narratives: The Role Of Sensitivity Consultation In Media Design
We share what we learned about how to design accessible media when telling stories about the deaf community.
11:57
Climate Conference Ends, With Few Immediate Results
COP28 ended with an agreement calling for a transition away from fossil fuels, but critics say it’s too little, too late.
17:01
The Military’s Carbon Footprint Is A Hidden Cost Of Defense
A recent report estimates that climate reparations of the US and UK militaries would reach $111 billion.
8:58
Why Are Some People Affected By Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people are more prone to develop seasonal depression. A researcher discusses the most effective treatments.
7:00
These Penguins Are Masters Of Microsleeping
While they’re nesting, chinstrap penguins take thousands of seconds-long naps a day. It adds up.
7:49
Flame Retardant Could Be Made From Discarded Cocoa Husks
Scientists are using leftover cocoa husks to extract lignin, an organic polymer that can become flame retardant, foam, or a straw.
9:02
The Oozy Physics Of Oobleck
Non-Newtonian fluids challenge our ideas of what’s liquid and what’s solid. We now have a better understanding of how they work.
7:52
Pennsylvania Drug Laws May Limit Syringe Services
Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.6 billion in opioid settlement funds. But state laws may prevent that money from going to syringe services.