On Today's Podcast
Were Dinos On Their Way Out Before The Asteroid Hit? Maybe Not
Two new studies suggest that, contrary to longstanding beliefs, dinosaurs were not on the decline before the Chicxulub asteroid impact.
Listen NowNovember 7, 2025
Two new studies suggest that, contrary to longstanding belief, dinosaurs were not on the decline before the Chicxulub asteroid impact. Plus, a giant infrastructure project aims to block invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan, but Chicago’s polluted water already keeps them out. And, Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City is the only place where axolotls live in the wild, and they face growing threats.
You Share Your Gut Microbiome With Your Friends
In this story from 2024, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members.
Full-Body MRIs Promise To Detect Disease Early. Do They Work?
In this story from 2023, experts say the potential harms of full-body MRIs outweigh any possible benefits touted by influencers.
Your Guide To Conquering History’s Greatest Catastrophes
In this story from 2023, author Cody Cassidy uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
In ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ Paleontology Is Still The Star
We talked to the movie’s paleontology consultant about the new ways he wanted to bring these magnificent dinosaurs to life.
Mars? It Was A Miracle We Got To Florida
Geologist Steve Squyres risked his career and millions of dollars to get the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars.
After Her Grants Got Cut, This Researcher Is Suing The NIH
Katie Edwards has lost millions of dollars in grant money, bringing her research to a standstill. She’s taking the fight to court.
17:21
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Override Our Biology?
In his new book, a former FDA commissioner unpacks the latest science on metabolism, weight loss, and how GLP-1 drugs actually work.
16:38
The Goo In Your Home Could Help Science Address Climate Change
Microbes—from deep in the ocean to inside your AC—might play a key role in our fight against climate change.
17:18
Killer Whales Seen Making Kelp Tools To Scrub Their Backs
Researchers have observed a population of orcas that cut and position kelp tools between their bodies to scrub each other’s backs.
A Former FDA Commissioner’s Path To Weight Management
David Kessler took GLP-1 drugs to help manage his weight. In his new book, he explains why the drugs are revolutionary, but not a panacea.
New Telescope Captures The Cosmos In Groundbreaking Detail
The telescope has the largest digital camera ever made. It’s so precise that one image alone contains 10 million galaxies.
How Scientists Made The First Gene-Editing Treatment For A Baby
Last month, a baby got the world’s first personalized gene-editing treatment. What will this mean for the millions of others with genetic diseases?
You Do Realize… That’s Impossible
Physicist Suchitra Sebastian may have discovered a new state of matter. But the hardest part was convincing the doubters.
12:20
Alaska Issues Its First-Ever Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory earlier this week, with temperatures in central Alaska climbing to the mid-80s.
17:00
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients And Which Ones You Need
Picking a sunscreen can be overwhelming. We’ll break down what to look for, and what ingredients matter.
17:00
You Can Whistle While You Work—But How Does A Whistle Work?
Whistling requires attention to your mouth, muscles, and breath. Here’s how it works, and how to get better at it.
29:00
Is It Time For A New Model Of The Universe?
Is the Hubble constant—a key part of how we measure the expansion of our universe—in a crisis? Some cosmologists say yes.
17:00
How To Fight The Brain’s Desire For Revenge
The new book “The Science of Revenge” explores the neuroscience of revenge, and how its addictive potential could make it dangerous.
SciFri Is Headed To Redwood City!
Don’t miss Ira Flatow, Flora Lichtman, and the SciFri team in Redwood City, CA, on September 18 for a live stage version of our radio show.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Biochemist Virginia Man-Yee Lee has spent her career unlocking the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Her secret? Happiness.