On Today's Podcast
What we get wrong about vaccine hesitancy
An immunologist who's been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust.
Listen NowAugust 14, 2026
At the peak of linguistic diversity, humans may have spoken up to 10 times as many languages as we do today. An immunologist who’s been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust. Plus, a new journal documents species “lost to science,” and a conservation project aims to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
11:12
Should the Last Samples of Smallpox Virus Be Saved?
World health experts will meet to discuss whether or not to destroy the last live samples of smallpox virus.
23:23
Can’t Read This Headline? It’s Written in Invisible Ink
“Prisoners, Lovers, & Spies” tells the story of invisible writing, from lemon juice to microdots.
12:00
Listening In on Seizures
A “brain stethoscope” turns seizure patients’ brainwaves into music.
24:21
Is Graphene the New ‘Wonder’ Material?
Graphene is stronger than steel and more conductive than copper—a look at the applications and limitations of this “wonder” material.
9:30
Remembering Nereus, Explorer of Ocean Depths
The robotic deep-sea submersible Nereus was destroyed while diving over six miles beneath the surface in the Kermadec Trench.
Foraging with Tama Matsuoka Wong
Guided by professional forager and author, Tama Matsuoka Wong, Science Friday toured western New Jersey’s meadows and forested trails to discover the native plants and invasive weeds that are used as culinary delicacies.
A Recipe For Invisible Ink
An excerpt from “Prisoners, Lovers & Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda.”
This Cryptocurrency Could Be an Answer to Bitcoin’s Privacy Problems
A new cryptocurrency in development called ZeroCash claims to preserve its users’ anonymity. Here’s how it works.
This Bee Buzzes For Blueberries
This metallic beauty is one of an estimated 4,000 bees native to the U.S., hundreds of which haven’t been scientifically named yet.
Why Are Elephant Ears So Big? And Other Pachyderm Questions
Research scientist Joseph Soltis answers your elephant-related queries.
11:59
Young Blood Sharpens Memory in Old Mice
The blood of young mice seems to rejuvenate older mice, both strengthening their muscles and improving their ability to learn and remember.
26:41
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Transcendence’
SciFri’s scientist-film critics weigh in on the science behind the Hollywood techno-thriller “Transcendence.”
7:42
What’s Shaking Up Oklahoma?
Earthquakes have increased by 50 percent in Oklahoma since 2013 and may be linked to drilling disposal wells.
29:18
Another Climate Report, But Who’s Listening?
The White House released its latest climate report this week, with much the same message as recent IPCC findings—climate change is real, and it’s happening fast.
16:54
The Serious Science of Humor
Author Scott Weems lets us in on the jokes and uncovers the science of humor.
Alan Friedman, We Will Miss You
The former director of the New York Hall of Science was a champion for the public’s understanding of and involvement with science.
Why Do We Find Things Funny?
An excerpt from “Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why” by Scott Weems.
Choc Full of Science
Crystal formation is essential in making smooth chocolate that’s solid at room temperature and melts in your mouth.
Highway Expansion Uncovers Whale Graveyard
Paleontologists have pieced together clues to solve the mystery behind the largest collection of whale fossils ever found.
Going to Extremes: Chia Seeds From Outer Space
In this activity, students will devise an experiment to find out whether chia seeds are still able to grow after exposure to extreme conditions like the ones we may find on other planets. This activity was created by MAVEN Outreach and Education to help teach about NASA’s MAVEN mission to Mars.