On Today's Podcast
mRNA Vaccine For Pancreatic Cancer Continues To Show Promise
In the wake of funding cuts to mRNA vaccine research, we revisit a February story about a promising vaccine for pancreatic cancer.
Listen NowAugust 22, 2025
Humans drove wolves nearly to extinction in the American West. Reintroducing them in 1995 was, and still is, controversial. Plus, the FDA and HHS plan to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes as part of the MAHA agenda. What does science say about their effects on health? And, astronomers found a supernova whose lighter outer layers had been stripped away, revealing an inner shell rich in silicon and sulfur.
17:31
First U.S. Bird Flu Death Raises Concerns About Preparedness
This week, the U.S. reported its first human death from bird flu amid a rise in cases globally.
16:50
‘Artificial General Intelligence’ Is Apparently Coming. What Is It?
For years, AI companies have said that AGI is coming soon. But what does the term mean, and what is the science behind it?
17:26
Surgeon General Highlights Link Between Alcohol And Cancer
In his final advisory, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spotlights how alcohol increases the risk of developing certain cancers.
Flora Lichtman To Host Science Friday Alongside Ira Flatow
Veteran science journalist Flora Lichtman has been named a Host of Science Friday, joining Ira at the mic.
A Play About Pregnancy Inspired By Mushroom Research
Playwrights and scientists teamed up to create plays based on scientific research. One of them explores pregnancy through fungal computing.
Workshop: Putting The “A” In STEAM
Blend creativity with science, engineering and math through interactive projects and digital art in this free workshop.
Workshop: Exploring Science Through Stories
Discover how interactive read-alouds can transform your elementary science curriculum in this workshop for formal and informal educators.
11:41
Scientists Predict Loss Of Deep Snow In Most Of U.S.
Without climate action, the United States would only have snow cover high in the mountains by the end of the century.
17:23
What Scientists Have Learned From 125 Years Of Bird Counts
This winter marks Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. It’s the longest-running community science project in the world.
29:57
What Lichen Tell Us About Ecology, Air Quality, And More
Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.
16:22
The Breakthrough Technologies To Watch In 2025
Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is still poised to be a major driver of technological change this year.
17:28
Biologists Call For A Halt To ‘Mirror Life’ Research
A “mirror organism” would have proteins and DNA shaped in a way that’s the mirror image of how they naturally appear.
46:49
Health, Astronomy, And Climate Experts On 2024’s Coolest Science
Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science.
29:23
Jane Goodall On Life Among Chimpanzees
In an interview from 2002, the primatologist gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps.
17:11
The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.
12:09
Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew You
Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States.
12:38
Meet 3 Leaders Addressing Local Conservation Problems
What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved.
4:14
A New Argument For Preserving ‘Space Junk’ Left On Mars
Archaeologists call for tracking and preserving artifacts left on Mars to chronicle humans’ first attempts at interplanetary exploration.
12:20
What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone Sightings
With drone sightings in the news, we take a look at the current laws and regulations around hobby and commercial drone operation.
17:19
Parker Solar Probe Will Make Closest-Ever Approach To Sun
On December 24, 2024, NASA’s probe will break its own record for closest approach to the sun—just 3.8 million miles away.