On Today's Podcast
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Small Talk with Scientists: The Ig Nobel Prize Winners Unwind
Here’s what it’s like to party with researchers whose work might first make you laugh, then make you think.
Here’s What a Fire Whirl Looks Like
Firefighter Greg Sanders encountered a flaming, cobra-like swirl while doing reconnaissance work in Virginia.
A New Beginning: Science Friday Partners with PRI
We’re excited to work with PRI to expand their science and technology coverage.
Voyager: The Story JPL Tried to Kill
When trouble with Voyager turned into trouble for me.
5:35
World’s Largest Volcano Discovered on Pacific Seafloor
A 145-million-year-old volcano covers an area the size of New Mexico.
38:12
Chemistry Research Roundup
A look at highlights from this week’s American Chemical Society conference.
2:41
Stephen Hawking Looks Back
Stephen Hawking says that, were he to start from scratch, he wouldn’t focus on physics.
11:49
Are We There Yet? Voyager 1 Finally Answers ‘Yes’
Scientists announced this week that Voyager has finally reached interstellar space.
17:07
U.S. Cities Quench Growing Thirst with Saltwater
Desalination is growing in popularity, but is it sustainable enough to solve our water problems?
17:08
Food Failures: When Home Canning Goes Wrong
Jars broke? Lids buckled? Home canning expert Jessica Piper explains common preserving pitfalls.
Afloat in a French Flying Machine
The Tissandier brothers contributed to France’s reputation as the balloon capital of the world.
How Stephen Hawking Got Sucked Into Black Holes
An excerpt from “My Brief History.”
What’s the Best Way to Dispose of Pet Poop?
Prevent disease by tossing feces in the trash.
12:02
Do Your Gut Bacteria Influence Your Metabolism?
The microbes in your gut may help determine if you are thin or obese.
17:32
Life From Mars
Could Mars have been a better starting point for the origins of life on Earth?
12:48
Alzheimer’s Potential Missing Link
An existing drug has been shown to block a key protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and restore memory in mice.
3:49
SciFri Snapshot: Monty Hall
The Monty Hall Problem: using probability to win a car…or a goat.
9:24
Worldwide Researchers Flock to Penguin Meeting
The Eighth International Penguin Conference is being held this week.
20:19
Wildfires Consume Funds Flagged for Prevention
Fire historian Steve Pyne says our fire system resembles our health care system—it’s focused on emergencies and not prevention.
6:48
NASA Craft to Sniff Moondust, Test Laser Broadband
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer will suck up dust and gas above the Moon.