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.
16:01
What To Do When 500-1,000 Crows Roost In Your Neighborhood
When hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.
10:01
Science Says Eat More Beans
SciFri staff round up their favorite bean recipes to help address the humble legume’s PR problem.
2:00
The World According To Sound: Feeding Time
The gnarly sound of grizzlies feasting on a bison.
17:20
Bees Have Feelings, Too
After fifty years of studying bees, pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman suggests bees have feelings.
17:09
Pinning Down The Origin Of Butterflies
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago.
17:20
Debunking Common Myths About Being Fat
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health.
The Fascinating Case For Bees’ Feelings
Pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman makes the case that bees aren’t just smart, but sentient, too.
Unpacking What You Know About Fat People
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon debunks stereotypes and discusses anti-fat bias in healthcare.
Diving Into The Reign Of Cephalopods
They may not be as popular as dinosaurs, but cephalopods—squid, octopuses and their ancestors—reigned supreme for 400 million years.
Squid Scientists On Deck: ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ Author Q&A
On June 21, join our event with a squid biologist and the author of ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ as they talk all things cephalopods.
Soak In The Sounds Of A River With This Composer’s Sound Maps
Composer Annea Lockwood uses stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps.”
Xiaodong Lin-Siegler On Failing Upward
Meet a scientist who studies how failure in the classroom can lead to success in life.
Introducing Our Limited-Run Newsletter ‘Sincerely, Science’
What does it mean to be a scientist? This newsletter delivers personal stories from professional scientists to your inbox.
Scientist Stories
Get to know the human side of researchers behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Join A Live Recording Of Science Friday’s Radio Show
Join the live conversations with Ira Flatow and guests as they record for our radio program—and get the chance to have your voice on the show!
12:02
FDA Advisory Board Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
If approved, the progestin-only pill would be sold under the brand name Opill.
33:55
US Declares An End To The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Funding and policy changes loom as the federal health emergency that’s covered things like free tests and vaccines comes to an end. Ira and Dr. Anthony Fauci discuss.
29:26
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
17:01
The Sweet Song Of The Largest Tree On Earth
The ancient Pando tree inspired a sound artist to record the leviathan’s many movements.
12:10
A Dying Planet Offers A Peek Into The Future
Astronomers spot a planet being swallowed by its star—a fate that may come to Earth in billions of years.