On Today's Podcast
Decoding Fireflies’ Smelly Signals And Blinking Butts
Fireflies' unique body chemistry has led to advances in medical imaging. And scientists are now learning how they communicate using smell.
Listen NowAugust 15, 2025
This year marks the 100th anniversary of two papers that sparked the field of quantum mechanics. Plus, a science journalist documents his quest to understand his own cluster headaches in the new book “The Headache.” And, what the cancelation of nearly $500 million in funding means for the future of mRNA vaccine research.
2017 Science Friday Educator Collaborative
The 2017 cohort are redesigning boots, fossilizing chicken bones, and more for the classroom.
6:51
The Rules Of Entanglement, Reining In Stem Cell Claims, And Why You Shouldn’t Lick Your Turtle
Researchers have shown mathematically that the weirdness of quantum entanglement may be an essential part of the universe’s physics.
5:17
On The Mississippi, A Battle Of The Levees
A plan to address Mississippi River flooding rests on those who disagree on control measures.
11:56
In Florida, A New Law Is Hitting Textbooks
A new state law allows people to challenge the content in school textbooks. Will it put classroom science at risk?
17:04
The Myths That Persist About How We Learn
The idea that some people learn best from visual or audio materials has been around since the 1950s. But there’s little evidence to support it.
All Spun Up: A Look At Properties Of Rotation
Why do hardboiled eggs spin better than raw ones? How can you engineer faster race car wheels? The key is understanding rotational inertia.
16:53
Back-To-School Lessons From Science Friday’s Educator Collaborative
Seven innovative science teachers have turned Science Friday stories into lessons you can use in the classroom and at home.
Why Are Honeycomb Cells Hexagonal?
Honeybees make the cells of their hives in the shape of hexagons, but why?
33:33
Hurricane Harvey And The New Normal
As Harvey devastates Houston, Michael Mann says it becomes increasingly clear that we live in an ever-evolving state of a “new normal.” Where do we go from there?
How Cities Are Preparing For More Extreme Weather
Tropical Storm Harvey may have taken Houston by surprise, but places around the world are getting ready for more extreme weather due to climate change.
Science Friday Trivia: San Francisco
On October 30, we’re teaming up with the Bay Area Science Festival to bring the ultimate battle of the geeks to the West Coast.
How Animals Keep Their Cool
From horses to humans, here’s how animals have evolved to beat the heat.
The Third Stage Of Life? A.I.
In his new book, physicist Max Tegmark breaks down the technological future of life, and anticipates when artificial intelligence may arrive.
7:43
Don’t Throw Away Those Eclipse Glasses!
Here’s what to do with your leftover solar glasses. Plus, substance abuse in baby boomers.
17:30
The Spaceships At The End Of The Solar System Turn 40
From solar explorers to record bearers, scientists and the public reflect on the many lives of Voyagers 1 and 2.
14:09
What Microbes Are Hiding In Your Home?
From slime in your shower head to fungi in your drywall, there’s no escaping the microbiome of the great indoors.
2:34
‘That Is Unreal!’ Experiencing The Total Solar Eclipse
On August 21st, millions of Americans stopped what they were doing and looked up. Science Friday was there.
10:46
Oh, Really? How Our Brain Turns Pitch Into Meaning
Researchers mapped the neurons that pick up on pitch in spoken language.
23:54
What Would An A.I.-Influenced Society Look Like In 10,000 Years?
Physicist Max Tegmark contemplates how artificial intelligence could reshape work, justice, and society in the future.