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.
17:14
Can Earth’s Past Climate Help Us Understand Today’s Crisis?
Renowned climate scientist Michael Mann talks about how important it is to take action now—before we see climate change’s worst consequences.
How Earth’s Climate Has Guided Human History
Misunderstanding climate variability can stall climate action, but navigating nuance is the path to positive change.
How The Climate Movement Is Poised To Create Change
Systemic change is integral to climate change mitigation—but what role can individuals play in these important conversations?
Murry Burgess On Inclusive Field Safety
Murry Burgess shares her experience managing social field safety and how what she learned has helped her support marginalized scientists.
How Video Game Devs And Musicians Are Processing Climate Change
How does our changing climate get expressed in a folk song versus a video game?
12:11
Astronomers Find Exoplanet That May Be Covered In Water
Exciting news in the search for extraterrestrial life.
10:35
Waiting for the Bus in Houston is Hot. And Dangerous.
Reporters at Houston Public Media found just how dangerous heat can be for public transit riders.
5:44
The Psychology Behind Wide Receivers’ Jersey Numbers
A new study explains why wide receivers on professional football teams feel slimmer and faster when they wear smaller numbers.
12:19
New COVID Boosters Arrive Amid Rise In Infections
Three new vaccines will be available this fall to address COVID, the flu, and RSV. Here’s how you can stay safer in the coming months.
17:30
The Science Behind Devastating Earthquakes
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco left thousands of people dead, injured, or lost.
16:54
The Buzz On Native Bees In Your Neighborhood
Around 4,000 species of bee are native to the US, playing an unsung role as pollinators.
17:26
What Radioactive Animals Teach Us About Nuclear Fallout
Measuring cesium in wild boar and uranium in turtles sheds light on how radioactive materials travel through the environment.
Matt Covington On Facing Fears
Geoscientist Dr. Matt Covington has created a prolific caving career through facing his fears and following his passion in the field.
11:58
Scientists Develop Human Embryo Model Without Sperm Or Eggs
Their findings may allow scientists to study embryonic development more closely and better understand things like miscarriage and genetic diseases.
24:42
Sweating Is Our Biological Superpower
Sweat gives us so much more than a smell, thanks to the cool chemistry of this vital bodily fluid.
10:15
Vocal Fry Serves Up Treats For Toothed Whales
A new study shows the creaky voice effect some people love to hate is important for echolocation in the deep ocean.
12:09
Where Soil Grows Above The Trees
Canopy soil builds up over decades in the nooks and crannies of old trees. How does it get there?
16:27
‘I Will Not Be Vole Girl’—A Biologist Warms To Rodents
From land-mine sniffing rats to to the mice in your backyard, biologist Danielle Lee is asking big questions about how ecology shapes behavior.
17:14
This Soundscape Artist Has Been Listening To The Planet For Decades
Jim Metzner, a pioneer of science radio, looks back on his lifetime of recordings, now heading for the Library of Congress.
Science Friday Live In Chicago
On Sunday, October 29, join Ira Flatow and the Science Friday team in Chicago, Illinois to hear local science stories.