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.
The Geologists Who Control Lava
The molten material can be a menace of destruction in nature, but a geologist and an artist are investigating how it maneuvers.
7:44
Yes, It’s Cold. But Also, It’s Warmer
While the polar vortex has the Midwest in a deep freeze, Australia is having a heatwave—and globally, the planet’s warmer than average.
4:15
More Desalination, More Problems?
Desalination converts salt water into drinkable water, but there are pros and cons to the process.
6:18
Inside The Lava Lab, Burning Questions
A Syracuse University team studies the viscosity and flow of searing-hot lava…from a parking lot.
11:47
Feel Sleepy When You’re Sick? That Could Be Your Immune System Kicking In
Researchers identified a protein linked to the immune system that may make you feel sleepy when you’re sick.
17:08
How Much Carbon Do Our Forests Capture?
Forests are some of the biggest natural weapons we have to fight rising global temperatures. But how well are they working?
17:02
Peter A. Browne’s Hairy Obsession
Meet the 19th-century citizen scientist who collected hair from elephant chins, mummies, and presidents.
28:01
How Artists Made Code Their Paintbrush
Reflecting on the history and future of coding and technology in art.
How Do Scientists Know What Dinosaurs Looked Like?
Put yourselves in the shoes of a paleontologist and paleoartist as you try to recreate what dinosaurs looked like using the same methods as the experts.
4:13
A Phone Call From A Penguin Colony
Science Friday education director Ariel Zych calls in live from Antarctica.
7:51
Meet The Vampire-Like Beetles That Prey On Ants
One group of ground beetles has evolved to live in ant nests and feed on hapless workers.
3:52
The Complex Problem Of The Invasive Common Reed
Common reeds are invading New England marshlands—but could this “stubborn bully of a plant” help marshes weather climate change?
15:25
The Silent Tremors Of Volcanoes, Caught On Mic
Researchers are using the inaudible vibration of air in volcanic craters to learn more about what’s going on deeper down.
11:51
Saturn Put A Ring On It Only Relatively Recently
Saturn’s rings are estimated to have only formed millions of years ago, which is much younger than the planet itself.
23:26
Doctors Failed To Disclose When Drug Companies Were Paying Them
A ProPublica and New York Times investigation found that dozens of doctors failed to disclose their industry ties in scientific journals.
6:19
The Cold Case That Began A DNA Forensics Revolution
The investigative podcast “Bear Brook” explores the first case to use consumer genetic testing to find a killer.
17:07
100 Years Of Your Daily Weather Forecast
How has the field of weather prediction improved over the past 100 years, and what challenges do forecasters still face?
SciFri Extra: Charly Evon Simpson On ‘Behind The Sheet’
In this extended interview, playwright Charly Evon Simpson discusses the enslaved women whose bodies paved the way for modern gynecology.
