On Today's Podcast
How Math Helps Us Map The World
In "Mapmatics," a mathematician tells the stories of how math helps us track epidemics, map the seafloor, and plot a complex delivery route.
Listen NowOctober 10, 2025
We check in on some exciting space missions and projects from IMAP to LIGO. Plus, in “Dinner With King Tut,” Sam Kean shows how experimental archaeology can recreate the stinky, slimy, and tasty parts of ancient history. And, behind the scenes of the removal of four dams along the Klamath River, and the massive restoration effort that’s followed.
Catching Sonic Wisps of Cataclysmic Mayhem
Author Janna Levin on gravitational waves and how the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories help us detect them.
Design a Better Vortex Cannon
Build an air vortex cannon that shoots air across the room, then modify and test your design to make an air cannon that shoots even farther.
The Paleobiologist Who Inspired the Science in ‘Jurassic Park’
George Poinar, Jr.’s lifelong obsession with amber has led to remarkable discoveries of ancient specimens.
Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom’ Walls Weren’t Always Blue
The Art Institute of Chicago recently made a surprising discovery about an iconic Van Gogh painting.
Incredible Eggs
They’re nutritious, delicious, and come in all shapes and sizes.
Live Online Discussion: Bringing Climate Science Into the Classroom
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Science Friday hosted a live online web panel to discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom. Led by passionate educators who are committed to best practices in climate education, this discussion provided strategies for bringing climate change data into the classroom.
12:00
DARPA ‘Improv’ Challenge, a Tiny T-Rex, and Plastic Homes for Sea Life
DARPA turns to the crowd to find “off-the-shelf” threats, and a look at how floating plastic waste can provide a home for sea life.
11:58
Tricking Tumor Cells to Accept a Lethal Payload
A new method convinces cancer cells to gobble up a ball of poison and ferry it directly to the cell nucleus.
26:19
Teaching Climate Change Science in the Classroom
A panel of education experts discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom.
8:34
Investigating Sea Level Rise on a Local Level
Researchers estimate as 13.1 million U.S. residents could be displaced by rising sea levels by 2100.
16:59
The Laws of Nature, From the Sea to the Savannah
In his latest book, The Serengeti Rules, biologist Sean B. Carroll tells of some of the greatest experiments in ecology.
16:44
‘A Space Program’ Documents a DIY Journey to Mars
Sculptor Tom Sachs has built his own space program—and it’s 100 percent DIY.
In the Serengeti, Clues to Life’s Persistence on Earth
Sean B. Carroll connects cell regulation at the molecular level to rules that govern the Serengeti ecosystem.
How Do You Create Moral Robots?
As we move towards self-aware artificial intelligence, engage students in discussion and writing about teaching robots the difference between right and wrong.
How Do You Teach a Robot Right From Wrong? Story Time.
Stories are a great medium for communicating social values.
What Places on the Planet Would You Save?
We compiled your responses into an interactive map.
Botanicals In Blue: A Victorian Woman’s Take On Algae
Anna Atkins, the first person to publish a book of photography, showed a predilection for botany.
Great Salt Lake’s Earthen Spiral
You can only see this artwork when the water level of Utah’s Great Salt Lake is below average levels.
12:11
Uterus Transplant, Missing Lizard Link, and a Sea Level Solution
Failure of the first uterus transplant in a patient in the United States, and an outside-the-box approach to coping with rising sea levels.