On Today's Podcast
Tangling With Entanglement And Other Big Ideas In Physics
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts that had our audience wondering.
Listen NowDecember 26, 2025
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts. Plus, we revisit some of our top stories of 2025, covering research into how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocalizations, how algorithms and social media are changing language, and what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
What The Sigma Is Algospeak?
You might think sticking out your gyatt for the rizzler is chopped, but “Algospeak” author Adam Aleksic says we should let Gen Alpha cook.
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
Tangling With Entanglement And Other Big Ideas In Physics
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts that had our audience wondering.
The Science Of Thriving In Winter—By Embracing It
In a conversation from January, a psychologist and author of “How To Winter” explains what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
A Neurologist Investigates His Own Musical Hallucinations
In a story from August, neurologist Bruce Dobkin discusses how he started hearing a phantom choir singing on a loop after he received a cochlear implant.
Mushroom Foragers Find Connection And Belonging Outdoors
Mushroom hunting is increasingly popular. A new wave of foraging groups by and for people of color could also help close the “nature gap.”
How Did Vaccine Policies Actually Change In 2025?
After a year of near-daily headlines about changes to vaccine policy, what has actually changed? And what do we need to know?
Why Astronomers Are Excited About Comet 3I/ATLAS’ Close Approach
Comet 3I/Atlas is just the third known object to visit us from outside our solar system. So yes… we’ll be talking about aliens.
How Do Ants Crown A Queen?
Discover how identical ant genes create queens or workers. Learn how genotype and environment shape ant development and phenotype.
‘Fire Amoeba’ Likes It Hot, And A Faraway Lava Planet
A newly identified amoeba can survive at the temperature of a medium-well steak. Plus, a distant lava planet shows signs of an atmosphere.
What’s The Reality Behind The Humanoid Robot Hype?
Humanoid robots are all over social media, doing everything from dancing to serving drinks. But are they really going to show up in our lives?
‘Just’ A Blue Jay? Don’t Overlook These Magnificent Common Birds
This Christmas Bird Count, we salute the fabulous, underappreciated, common species. Here’s to you, house sparrow.
Can We Just Throw Our Plastic Garbage Into A Volcano?
A volcanologist answers your questions about glass-shard hairballs, cooking breakfast over lava, Gollum’s end on Mount Doom, and more.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2025
From fish to Phish, Science Friday has had a big year. Our staff chose their favorite stories and projects from 2025.
How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
What did a vulture-bone flute sound like inside a cave? How about singing inside a tomb? Researchers are bringing ancient sounds back to life.
What The Sounds Of Melting Glaciers Can Tell Us
A glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. This team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice.
How A Fringe Idea Led To Lifesaving Cancer Treatments
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead.
Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?
When cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
Don’t Let Their Name Fool You—Sea Slugs Are Awesome
Across their 10,000 species, sea slugs sport striking colors, external gills, and even the ability to regrow a body from a severed head.
‘Prehistoric Planet’ Defrosts Strange Animals Of The Ice Age
The nature documentary series uses new research and photorealistic CGI to bring the huge, bizarre animals of the Ice Age back to life.