On Today's Podcast
Why are we changing the way we keep time?
Timekeeping scientists around the world voted to stop using leap seconds, but what does this mean for us?
Listen NowOctober 23, 2026
CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna discusses the evolution of gene-editing technology and what it takes to be a good scientist. Timekeepers around the world voted to stop using leap seconds, but what does that mean for us? Plus, how "problem bears" help test engineers evaluate consumer products, author Kazuo Ishiguro on emotional truth in our age of AI, and the science of apple varieties.
17:26
Climate Change’s Toll On Our Social Fabric
Research points to more conflict when our climate changes. Plus, the intergenerational effect of a climate-driven disaster.
Meet Us For A Field Story, Our New Science-Inspired Beer
The Science Friday team helped make a new beer with Sixpoint Brewery called A Field Story! You can grab a can with us on November 10.
Read ‘The Sounds Of Life’ With The SciFri Book Club
‘The Sounds Of Life’ uncovers the world of little-known sounds that make up life on Earth. Read it with us this November.
Decoding The Hidden World Of Nonhuman Sound, With New Biotech
Can humans better listen to the natural world? Karen Bakker thinks yes, with the help of biotechnologies—and a new world perspective.
The Science Of Mental Health
Can psychedelics treat depression? How do grief and trauma work? Keep up with the latest science on mental health.
Make A Swirling Shaving Cream Sun Model
Model our closest star, the Sun, with this crafty hands-on science activity using shaving cream and food coloring.
12:11
Scientists Are Trying To Study Human Neurons… In Rat Brains?
Human neurons implanted in rat brains could offer scientists a new way to study the brain. Plus, more stories from this week in science.
16:21
A Taste Of New York In A Hyper-Local Beer
Instead of hops, brewers traditionally crafted gruit-style beer from local herbs and spices, making each unique.
12:19
Making A Meal Fit For An Astronaut
NASA’s team of food scientists must make food nutritious, delicious (or at least edible), and fit for spaceflight.
7:36
This Brain Prosthesis Could Improve Memory Loss
A team of neuroscientists are designing a device that could help the brain remember information through the use of implanted electrodes.
26:30
Burying Green: Eco-Friendly Death Care On The Rise
Can new regulations help make dying more eco-friendly? A mortician and the developer of a start-up remains company discuss grief and the choices everyone will eventually face.
16:43
How Gamification Has Crept Into School, Work, And Fitness
Game developer and author Adrian Hon explains the consequences of allowing gaming principles to creep into so many corners of our lives.
How You’re Getting Played By Gamification
A video game designer takes a hard look at how gamification has spread from video games to many aspects of our daily lives.
‘Bengal Water Machine’ Data Offers Potential For Increasing Food Security
A “win-win” side effect of Bangladeshi farmers pumping groundwater to irrigate crops is that the technique can store monsoon water for the dry season.
11:25
Hurricane Ian Destroys Iconic Florida House Meant To Survive Hurricanes
Rising sea levels and Hurricane Ian finally destroyed the Cape Romano Dome House in Florida, built to withstand the elements.
33:13
How States Are Planning To Power The Electric Vehicle Boom
As more electric vehicles hit the road, how can we improve infrastructure to support the transition? Plus, the future of electric trains.
7:10
Svante Pääbo Awarded Nobel For Examining The Ancient Human Genome
Geneticist and Nobel Laureate Svante Pääbo performs archeological explorations on the human genome.
9:14
What We Can Learn About Diabetes From Hibernating Bears
Unlike humans, bears can turn their insulin resistance on and off.
28:45
The Politics Of Science: Voters Have An Important Voice
Science underlies many civic issues—from adapting to extreme weather to funding STEM education—and important choices are being decided at the ballot box.
12:00
New Alzheimer’s Drug Reduces Cognitive Decline, Say Biotech Firms
A new Alzheimer’s drug is slated for approval by the FDA, but some experts are skeptical of its usefulness in patients.