On Today's Podcast
Tracking The Toxic Fallout Of The LA Fires
Urban fires can release all kinds of chemicals. One year after fires hit Los Angeles, scientists are trying to understand the toxic fallout.
Listen NowJanuary 23, 2026
An epidemiology study finds that variations in one gene play a major role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, X’s Grok AI is undressing users, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg with fake imagery online. What can we do about deepfakes? And, Louisiana communities continue collecting data on industrial pollution, despite a law restricting its use.
5:50
Desktop Diaries: Jill Tarter
“People have described my office as an eight-year-old’s daydream,” says SETI scientist Jill Tarter.
8:22
Tracking Shifting Sands Along the Nation’s Coast
Hurricane Sandy tore through New York’s Fire Island, setting off debate about coastal management.
16:48
Surf’s Up for Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria, Too
A gulp of seawater can expose swimmers to pathogens like norovirus, salmonella, and adenovirus.
8:21
Mysterious Radio Bursts, Sent From Deep Space
Physicists say the distant radio blasts could be traces of evaporating black holes.
12:03
Trying to Energize the Push for a Smart Grid
Can the country build an electrical system that can better adapt to a range of changing conditions?
Desktop Diaries: Jill Tarter
As the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute’s first employee, Tarter has accumulated E.T.-themed office ornaments for the last 30 years—including a bottle of wine to be opened “only upon detection of Extraterrestrial signal.”
Building Better Broccoli, a Nose Spray for Alzheimer’s?, Bedtime Blunders, and More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
Operation Strawberry: One Artist’s Mission to Revive a Heritage Fruit
Through social networking and word of mouth, artist Leah Gauthier is helping preserve the Marshall strawberry, a fragile, juicy, heirloom plant. Just call her Jane Strawberryseed.
Rich Diversity of Life May Be Locked In Antarctic Lake
A new study suggests that a bevy of bacteria and other life could be dwelling in Lake Vostok.
Playing the Ol’ Armonica
Benjamin Franklin invented an instrument that takes musical glasses to a whole new level.
29:05
Is Alternative Medicine Really ‘Medicine’?
In his new book, Paul Offit writes that many alternative treatments are unproven, or worse, harmful.
9:59
Building a Liver From Stem Cells
Researchers say they have created a functional human liver using induced pluripotent stem cells.
7:47
Writing Tunes to Tune In To
A behind-the-notes look at the creation of Science Friday’s new theme music.
7:51
Can White Blood Cells Spread Cancer?
Researchers say they may have found a new way that cancer spreads.
14:16
With Rising Temperatures, Infrastructure Falters
Hot weather means more than just sweaty brows and a yearning for the pool.
23:29
Benjamin Franklin’s Intellectual Revolution
Benjamin Franklin pushed innovations that set the groundwork for the political and intellectual revolution in America.
Lock Luster
The evolution of safe and vault lock technology is on view in midtown Manhattan.
Rube Goldberg Mashup
July 4th isn’t just Independence Day—it’s the anniversary of Rube Goldberg’s birthday.
Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Social Networker?
Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in founding the American Philosophical Society, which drove his goal toward improving collective, “useful knowledge.”
A Most Important Radio Station, Birds and Tornadoes, More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.