On Today's Podcast
As Companies Build Data Centers For AI, Communities Push Back
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes.
Listen NowDecember 5, 2025
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes. Plus, to save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. And, geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
17:29
Russia Meteor Renews Focus on Asteroid Threats
Astronomers weigh in on how to keep the planet safe from near-Earth objects.
23:32
Ask A Dentist: Facts To Sink Your Teeth Into
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. And, it turns out, the dentist. Did you know that the fibery skin is good for your teeth?
23:38
The SciFri Book Club Visits ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
Dian Fossey’s classic account of her fieldwork is on the reading list this month.
How Dirty Roaches Get Clean
Cockroaches are constantly grooming themselves, especially their antennae, says entomologist Coby Schal. A new study investigates benefits of clean antennae.
Wild Advice for Shutterbugs
Photographer Alex Wild shares some tips for getting those insect glamour shots.
Open Invitation to Lamar Smith, House Science Committee Chairman
Science Friday invites Chairman Lamar Smith to discuss technology that will track objects such as asteroids that threaten Earth.
Cold Snap: Our Winter Nature Photo Contest Returns
Warm us up with your best winter nature shots.
Watch the Asteroid Flyby Live
A roundup of live streams that will let you watch the approach of asteroid 2012 DA14 online.
Silence Is Noisy
An excerpt from “Shouting Won’t Help: Why I—and 50 Million Other Americans—Can’t Hear You.”
Meteor Steals Asteroid’s Thunder
A meteor streaks over Russia, just before Earth’s close shave with an asteroid.
4:42
Art Meets Geek at Toni Dove’s Studio
“This is geek central,” says artist Toni Dove of her New York City studio.
21:09
A New View of Newton in ‘Isaac’s Eye’
A new play looks at the rivalry—real and imagined–between scientists Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke.
41:43
Tracking a Space Rock’s Streak Past Earth
Asteroid 2012 DA14 spans half a football field, and will whiz by the Earth a mere 17,000 miles above us–closer than many satellites.
25:14
Katherine Bouton Opens Up About Going Deaf in ‘Shouting Won’t Help’
Katherine Bouton discusses hearing loss, a condition that affects nearly 50 million Americans.
Art Meets Geek in Toni Dove’s Studio
You’ll find cyborgs, robots, 3D projections, digital puppets and more in Dove’s techno-savvy productions.
Battle of the Electric Cars: ‘Hydrogen Sucks,’ Says Elon Musk
War of the Currents Redux: Fuel Cells vs. Batteries.
11:59
Automakers Drive Towards Hydrogen Cars
Carmakers are teaming up to develop fuel cell cars. Is the time right for the technology?
17:21
Tracking Privacy and Ownership in an Online World
How much of your personal data is really yours to control?
16:27
Researchers Point to the Demise of the Dinosaurs
Scientists are working to refine the dates for an ancient cosmic collision.