On Today's Podcast
Can A Billion-Dollar Barricade Keep Carp Out Of The Great Lakes?
A giant infrastructure project aims to block invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan, but Chicago’s polluted water already keeps them out.
Listen NowOctober 31, 2025
Why do we find joy in the scary and the macabre? Two psychology experts weigh in on humans’ affinity for horror and desire to get spooked. Plus, tales of the amazing capabilities of bats, spiders, and snakes. And, a guided tour of some of the world’s spookiest lakes.
10:01
Science Says Eat More Beans
SciFri staff round up their favorite bean recipes to help address the humble legume’s PR problem.
2:00
The World According To Sound: Feeding Time
The gnarly sound of grizzlies feasting on a bison.
17:20
Bees Have Feelings, Too
After fifty years of studying bees, pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman suggests bees have feelings.
17:09
Pinning Down The Origin Of Butterflies
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago.
17:20
Debunking Common Myths About Being Fat
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health.
The Fascinating Case For Bees’ Feelings
Pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman makes the case that bees aren’t just smart, but sentient, too.
Unpacking What You Know About Fat People
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon debunks stereotypes and discusses anti-fat bias in healthcare.
Diving Into The Reign Of Cephalopods
They may not be as popular as dinosaurs, but cephalopods—squid, octopuses and their ancestors—reigned supreme for 400 million years.
Squid Scientists On Deck: ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ Author Q&A
On June 21, join our event with a squid biologist and the author of ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ as they talk all things cephalopods.
Soak In The Sounds Of A River With This Composer’s Sound Maps
Composer Annea Lockwood uses stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps.”
Xiaodong Lin-Siegler On Failing Upward
Meet a scientist who studies how failure in the classroom can lead to success in life.
Introducing Our Limited-Run Newsletter ‘Sincerely, Science’
What does it mean to be a scientist? This newsletter delivers personal stories from professional scientists to your inbox.
Scientist Stories
Get to know the human side of researchers behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Join A Live Recording Of Science Friday’s Radio Show
Join the live conversations with Ira Flatow and guests as they record for our radio program—and get the chance to have your voice on the show!
12:02
FDA Advisory Board Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
If approved, the progestin-only pill would be sold under the brand name Opill.
33:55
US Declares An End To The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Funding and policy changes loom as the federal health emergency that’s covered things like free tests and vaccines comes to an end. Ira and Dr. Anthony Fauci discuss.
29:26
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.
17:01
The Sweet Song Of The Largest Tree On Earth
The ancient Pando tree inspired a sound artist to record the leviathan’s many movements.
12:10
A Dying Planet Offers A Peek Into The Future
Astronomers spot a planet being swallowed by its star—a fate that may come to Earth in billions of years.
7:33
Saliva: The Unsung Hero Of Taste
Scientists are beginning to unravel saliva’s role in taste perception. Plus, a few fun experiments at home to put your saliva to the test.