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.
17:05
PLATO’s Mission To Discover Exoplanets Like Earth
The European Space Agency mission aims to discover new exoplanets in habitable zones. It is scheduled for launch in late 2026.
12:12
Deep-Sea ‘Nodules’ May Produce Oxygen, Study Finds
New research suggests that polymetallic nodules found 13,000 feet deep produce “dark oxygen” by electrolyzing water.
17:22
Why Does COVID-19 Spike In Summer?
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.
7:23
Damaged Wind Turbine Blade Sinks Off Massachusetts Coast
Fiberglass is washing up on Nantucket’s shores, and residents are concerned about the long-term environmental impact of this debris.
9:50
One Bird’s Physics Trick For Flying At High Altitudes
At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, which makes it harder for birds in flight to generate lift. The turkey vulture has a solution.
17:14
Why Cancer Death Rates Have Decreased Over The Last 30 Years
Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges persist.
Take A Walk On The Lichen Side With SciFri In Portland, OR
On October 30, join Ira Flatow for a day full of the symbiotic fuzzy growths on trees, roofs and gravestones—lichen!
Putting Humboldt Back In The Spotlight With Andrea Wulf
On August 29, we’ll revisit Andrea Wulf’s book about globe-trekking explorer, scientist, and environmentalist Alexander von Humboldt.
What I Learned Setting Up The Science Friday Archive
I had two months to make sense of 33 years of programs–and set Science Friday up to document its future.
12:11
Curiosity Rover Discovers Pure Sulfur On Mars
Previously, the rover uncovered minerals mixed with sulfur. But this is the first time pure sulfur has been discovered on Mars.
11:25
What A Rodent Brain Shows Us About Love–And Loss
Monogamous prairie voles may help us understand how our brains respond to love, and how they move on after heartbreak.
6:04
If You Rolled Colorado Out Into A Brownie, How Big Would It Be?
Science suggests it would be very, very large. And still, somehow, probably larger than you think.
17:13
Inside The Race To Save Honeybees From Parasitic Mites
Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.
12:12
A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In our August book club pick, “The Invention of Nature,” Andrea Wulf restores Alexander von Humboldt to his rightful place in science history.
17:02
Sodium Replaces Lithium In A New Type Of Battery
Researchers developed the first anode-free solid-state battery that’s based on sodium, which is cheaper and more abundant than lithium.
17:25
From Farm To Fridge: The Science And History Of Refrigeration
In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.
Stepping Inside The Global Cold Chain
Author Nicola Twilley ventures into the often-overlooked—but rapidly expanding—global network of food refrigeration.
The Tornado Science Of ‘Twisters’ And A Real Life ‘Dune’ Stillsuit
A meteorologist decodes the tornado science in the new ‘Twisters’ sequel, and researchers made a spacesuit inspired by the one from ‘Dune.’
11:49
A Small Meteor Blazes Over New York City
The foot-long meteor passed through the Earth’s atmosphere near the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, it was fine.
17:20
FDA Panel Rejects MDMA Therapy For PTSD
The panel raised concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.