On Today's Podcast
Why do sports announcers talk like that?
A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech and rising pitch to the world-famous goal roar.
Listen NowJune 19, 2026
The FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 20 years—one that’s long been used around the world. What took so long? A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech to the world-famous goal roar. What do musical daydreams tell us about our brains? Plus, a massive whale graveyard, zombie sea cucumber parts, and the case for loving scorpions.
6:32
Ride-Sharing Data Will Be Available to All. Will Privacy Be Protected?
Uber has resisted sharing data in the past. Now the company plans to give it to everyone.
16:29
Lucy and Psyche Asteroid Missions Explore the Early Universe
NASA’s upcoming asteroid missions will examine a metal world and primitive planetesimals.
11:34
As Automation Advances, What’s Next for Human Jobs?
A new report looks at potential impacts of automation and artificial intelligence on jobs in a variety of industries.
7:56
Twisted Science: Tying The Strongest Molecular Knot
There are more than six billion known knot configurations. Scientists have used metal ions to tie the tightest molecular knot.
9:00
Why You Should Be Patient With Your Indecisive Teen
A roundworm model suggests that teenage indecision isn’t just a torture tactic.
16:32
After Concussion, What Blood Can Reveal About the Brain
A blood test may help athletes gauge concussion recovery, plus new concerns about the risks for CTE.
17:30
Eight Years of Science Under Obama: Boom or Bust?
A look at President Obama’s science legacy.
How To Talk To A Climate Change Denier
Use these tips to have more productive conversations about climate change.
An Algorithm to Identify Every Tree
Researchers are hoping a computer algorithm can help track the health of our urban forests.
7:24
A Trip to a Gadget Nirvana
The annual Consumer Electronics Show opened this week in Las Vegas, with gizmos galore.
4:44
Solar Manufacturers Suffer as Panel Prices Drop
The price of solar photovoltaic panels is dropping, and solar manufacturers are being squeezed.
17:39
What’s the Best Way to Convince a Climate Change Denier?
More data doesn’t seem to change minds, but focusing on solutions might help.
17:00
There’s a Science Advocate in the House (of Representatives)
A conversation with congressman and physicist Bill Foster.
11:37
Genetically Modified Parasite Shows Promise for Malaria Vaccine
A new approach to defeating a top killer looks safe, but will it be effective?
7:35
Cracking Open How Dinosaurs Hatched
The incubation period for dinosaurs, depending on the species, could have ranged from 3–6 months.
9:33
Create Your Own Tractor Beam
It’s not exactly like the one in “Star Wars,” but it’s pretty cool all the same.
16:27
Slow Science: A Look at Long-Lived Experiments
A look at a 140-year-old seed viability project and E.coli populations that have evolved for more than 66,000 generations.
Can I Drink Alcohol With a Cold? Your Cold Questions, Answered.
Arm yourself with these cold facts, and fight sniffles smarter.
30:01
This Census Requires Eagle Eyes
Every December, tens of thousands of birders grab binoculars, bundle up, and head outside for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count.
17:17
What Gives Bubbly Its Bubbles?
With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, SciFri salutes the fizz in your champagne flute.