On Today's Podcast
The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.
Listen NowApril 24, 2026
The LuSEE-Night mission would place a radio telescope on the far side of the moon to listen for signals of the cosmic “dark ages.” Plus, the design and layout of ancient temples, plazas, and cities provide clues about how societies were governed. And, everyday DNA mutations can help us understand immune function and aging—and even mitigate harm caused by some inherited diseases.
24:42
A Hue Of A Different Color
There’s a whole spectrum of science that explores how light and matter interact to give us the rainbow. Chemists and biologists alike are seeking new ways to make shades we take for granted.
‘The Dinosaur Looked Just Like A Bird.’
On average, a new species of dinosaur is discovered every week. Meet the paleontologists who are uncovering them.
Earth’s History In A Column Of Coral
Take a look back in time by examining x-ray images of the insides of corals.
Kelp: It’s What’s For Dinner
Meet the farmers who want to make cheap, environmentally friendly kelp America’s next favorite vegetable.
Lost And Found In A Museum’s Archive
Specimens from a voyage in 1906 sat in a jar for more than a century, until one scientist named them.
7:20
Breast Cancer Advances, Slower Hurricanes, and Peacock Problems
New research finds that not all women with breast cancer need chemotherapy. Plus, more stories in this week’s News Round-up.
4:50
Marine Habitats Are Protected—But Are They Effective?
Ten percent of the world’s oceans are on track to be protected by 2020. But do they need to be?
11:39
Curiosity Digs Up Clues To The Early Martian Environment
What do organic molecules on Mars tell us about how the planet works and the possibility of life on the planet?
23:56
Want To Find A New Species? Start In A Museum
These brand new species were hiding in plain sight—in the vast, but incompletely catalogued collections of natural history museums.
10:12
Riding The Wave Of Kelp Farming
The kelp revolution has reached the U.S. and it could change everything (including how cows fart).
34:56
Dark Matter Eludes Particle Physicists
Most of the “stuff” in the universe is invisible “dark matter,” if our theories are correct. So why is it so hard to find?
How To Grow Coral
Corals have long been at risk of bleaching. At Georgia Aquarium, a team of biologists are helping restore coral in the wild—by cultivating them in the lab.
SciFri Extra: Marking 40 Years Since Apollo 11
In this archival interview, Alan Bean, Harrison Schmidt, and more remember the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon.
7:43
The Best Studied Volcano On The Planet
Plus, researchers uncover the reproductive trickery of stick bugs and a high stakes game of “Pandemic” gets real.
4:10
In Wyoming, A Solution To Wildlife Traffic Accidents May Be In The Bag
Out with the reflectors, in with the canvas totes.
17:14
How Is The Microbiome Keeping Peace? Ask The Immune System
Researchers are learning how immunoglobulin A is responsible for much more than fighting infection in the gut.
16:16
What Can Scientists Bring To Congress?
Many scientists are showing up on the ballot this year. What unique perspectives can they bring to the political process?
12:00
Looking Ahead To Hurricane Season
Forecasters use statistics and modelling to estimate the number of major tropical storms and hurricanes in the months ahead.
34:25
How Seafaring Scientists Are Mapping The Deep
Scientists are discovering new species nearly everywhere they look in the deepest parts of the ocean. Two of them make a case for why this remote habitat is worth our close attention.
Meet A ‘Blue Planet’ Sub Pilot
From the first filming of a live giant squid to underwater lakes, Buck Taylor has seen it all.