On Today's Podcast
‘Underground Atlas’ Shows How Vulnerable Fungal Networks Are
Underground fungal networks are crucial to life on Earth. But a new map shows that less than 10% of fungal hotspots are in protected areas.
Listen NowAugust 8, 2025
Solar power adoption has been rising fast. Amid recent federal efforts to limit clean energy, will it make a dent in our climate impact? Plus, the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease have eluded scientists for decades. But a new breakthrough points to lithium as a possible explanation. And, Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 years old when the US bombed Nagasaki. Eighty years later, he reflects on a lifetime of treating other survivors.
16:52
How Might Technology Shift Our Morality?
Author Juan Enriquez argues that genomics, neuroscience, and other advancements will change our ethical frameworks for years to come.
28:03
Anthony Fauci Reflects On 40 Years Of HIV/AIDS Research
June 5 marks the 40th anniversary of the first report on HIV and AIDS. Anthony Fauci looks back on four decades of research.
Crown 2021’s Cephalopod Of The Year For #CephalopodWeek
From June 18-25, we’re celebrating the 8th Annual Cephalopod Week by awarding one lucky, many-armed invertebrate the award of a lifetime.
Choose Your Virtual Cephalopod Week Adventure!
Aquariums, trivia, watch parties, oh my! From June 18 to 25, join three special virtual events in celebration of our favorite undersea buddies.
12:08
Big Oil Reckons With Climate Change
From the courtroom to the boardroom, oil companies saw new pressure to act on climate change this week. Plus Moderna’s vaccine tested in youth, and more stories.
10:01
What Happens When The Colorado River Runs Dry?
The water system supplies water to 40 million people. What happens if it dries up?
7:15
Making Syrup From More Than Maple Trees
To make forests and farmers more resilient, researchers and hobbyists are branching beyond maple syrup.
11:57
Shifting The Sand Business To Greener Practices
As a key ingredient in everything from asphalt to microchips, scientists are trying to make sand extraction more ecologically friendly.
17:28
A Trip Back In Time With Jane Goodall
Listen to highlights from our first interview with the primatologist and winner of this year’s Templeton Prize.
11:15
A Bowl Full Of Pasta Engineering
Researchers created pasta that can fold itself like origami, making shapes like boxes and flowers.
5:55
How To Take A Bite Of The Brood X Cicada Swarm
Chef Bun Lai explains how to see this summer’s cicada swarm as a sustainable snack.
17:23
How Do We Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy?
50% of American adults are now considered fully vaccinated. How do we get everyone else on board?
East Palo Alto Community Rises Up To Face Rising Seas
As the threat of sea level rise looms over the Bay Area, community members in flood-prone East Palo Alto search for solutions.
Teachers! Collaborate At SciFri’s Educator Phenomena Forum
On July 21-22, Science Friday is hosting a phenomena-based learning sessions specially designed for K-12 STEM teachers. PD and cool science!
Serendipity And Syzygy: Fortunate Accidents
How syzygy saved the Suez ship, and how a country’s name ended up inside the word “serendipity.”
Unpacking The Demand For Multilingual Science Media
Audiences tell us how they engage with and share science stories in multiple languages.
11:34
Zombie Wildfires Can Rage On For Months
Zombie wildfires are forest fires that ignite in the summer and pop back up during the spring.
16:52
Can A New Vaccine Put An End To Malaria?
More than 400,000 people die from the mosquito-borne disease every year. But a new vaccine may soon aid efforts to fight the disease.
12:05
Americans’ Online Security Needs An Update
Ransomware attacks, like the one that shut down an American gas pipeline last week, are on the rise.
9:16
In West Virginia, Opioid Distributors Are Finally On Trial
The county with the worst drug overdose rate in the country is attempting to prosecute the massive companies that fueled its crisis.