On Today's Podcast
Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew
The Blue Origin rocket explosion is forcing NASA to reconsider its Artemis timeline. Plus, who’s on the Artemis III crew?
Listen NowJune 12, 2026
How poison dart frogs deal with their kids asking for snacks, and other parenting inspiration from the animal kingdom. Plus, do sugary drinks really cause more intense hangovers? Is wine both bad for you and good for you? Experts take on the chemistry of happy hour. And, the 2026 World Cup will be infused with AI. How will it change the beautiful game? And, what it takes to get perfect grass into 16 stadiums.
5:05
What Makes A Hula Hoop Stay Up?
Scientists investigated how the shape of the human body makes hooping possible—and what hips and a waist have to do with it.
11:41
NASA Considers Cheaper, Faster Ways To Retrieve Mars Samples
The decision for how to proceed with the Mars Sample Return Mission will fall to the incoming administration.
17:31
First U.S. Bird Flu Death Raises Concerns About Preparedness
This week, the U.S. reported its first human death from bird flu amid a rise in cases globally.
16:50
‘Artificial General Intelligence’ Is Apparently Coming. What Is It?
For years, AI companies have said that AGI is coming soon. But what does the term mean, and what is the science behind it?
17:26
Surgeon General Highlights Link Between Alcohol And Cancer
In his final advisory, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spotlights how alcohol increases the risk of developing certain cancers.
Flora Lichtman To Host Science Friday Alongside Ira Flatow
Veteran science journalist Flora Lichtman has been named a Host of Science Friday, joining Ira at the mic.
A Play About Pregnancy Inspired By Mushroom Research
Playwrights and scientists teamed up to create plays based on scientific research. One of them explores pregnancy through fungal computing.
Workshop: Putting The “A” In STEAM
Blend creativity with science, engineering and math through interactive projects and digital art in this free workshop.
Workshop: Exploring Science Through Stories
Discover how interactive read-alouds can transform your elementary science curriculum in this workshop for formal and informal educators.
11:41
Scientists Predict Loss Of Deep Snow In Most Of U.S.
Without climate action, the United States would only have snow cover high in the mountains by the end of the century.
17:23
What Scientists Have Learned From 125 Years Of Bird Counts
This winter marks Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. It’s the longest-running community science project in the world.
29:57
What Lichen Tell Us About Ecology, Air Quality, And More
Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.
16:22
The Breakthrough Technologies To Watch In 2025
Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is still poised to be a major driver of technological change this year.
17:28
Biologists Call For A Halt To ‘Mirror Life’ Research
A “mirror organism” would have proteins and DNA shaped in a way that’s the mirror image of how they naturally appear.
46:49
Health, Astronomy, And Climate Experts On 2024’s Coolest Science
Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science.
29:23
Jane Goodall On Life Among Chimpanzees
In an interview from 2002, the primatologist gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps.
17:11
The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.
12:09
Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew You
Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States.
12:38
Meet 3 Leaders Addressing Local Conservation Problems
What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved.
4:14
A New Argument For Preserving ‘Space Junk’ Left On Mars
Archaeologists call for tracking and preserving artifacts left on Mars to chronicle humans’ first attempts at interplanetary exploration.