On Today's Podcast
Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival
With science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Plus, an ancient sea turtle stampede.
Listen NowMarch 13, 2026
AI-generated songs are breaking onto the charts, and music labels are pivoting from lawsuits to partnerships with AI startups. What comes next? Plus, what’s the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can “reset” your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve? And, with science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galápagos.
24:42
Sweating Is Our Biological Superpower
Sweat gives us so much more than a smell, thanks to the cool chemistry of this vital bodily fluid.
10:15
Vocal Fry Serves Up Treats For Toothed Whales
A new study shows the creaky voice effect some people love to hate is important for echolocation in the deep ocean.
12:09
Where Soil Grows Above The Trees
Canopy soil builds up over decades in the nooks and crannies of old trees. How does it get there?
16:27
‘I Will Not Be Vole Girl’—A Biologist Warms To Rodents
From land-mine sniffing rats to to the mice in your backyard, biologist Danielle Lee is asking big questions about how ecology shapes behavior.
17:14
This Soundscape Artist Has Been Listening To The Planet For Decades
Jim Metzner, a pioneer of science radio, looks back on his lifetime of recordings, now heading for the Library of Congress.
Science Friday Live In Chicago
On Sunday, October 29, join Ira Flatow and the Science Friday team in Chicago, Illinois to hear local science stories.
Rachel Lupien On Talking It Out
Paleoclimatologist Dr. Rachel Lupien shares why making time for conversation and connection with other scientists helped her find her own path in science.
How Scientifically Accurate Are The Sharks In ‘Meg 2: The Trench’?
The new monster action flick plays fast and loose with ancient shark science, but this megalodon researcher doesn’t mind that much.
11:56
What To Expect From Hurricane Season
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida this week, but this year’s season is a little different from the past.
5:19
Keeping Tabs On Tick Bites
“The Tick App” lets you log information about your bite and helps scientists understand how ticks are spreading.
12:17
What’s That Smell? An AI Nose Knows
A computer model can map the structure of a chemical to predict what it probably smells like.
9:25
As Temperatures Rise, Farmworkers Are Unprotected
Advocates demand additional safety measures amidst preventable heat-related deaths.
8:01
The Golden Lion Tamarin Rebounds From The Brink Of Extinction
Decades of intensive conservation work in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest helped this charismatic primate recover.
17:00
Unraveling the Mysteries Of The Y Chromosome
Assembling the complete sequence of the Y chromosome is an important step toward understanding the human genome.
29:12
The Surgeon General Warns About An Epidemic Of Loneliness
Dr. Vivek Murthy on the intersection of youth mental health, social media, and loneliness.
Solve Real-World Soil Science Problems With Math
Learn the secrets to good soil and what helps plants grow. Then use science and math to analyze dirt and develop your own custom blend.
Your Tick Bite Can Help Scientists Map The Spread Of Disease
Resources like “The Tick App” and local tick research labs can help you learn about tick exposure and contribute to the science that’s tracking their impact.
12:15
Countries Seek To Return To The Moon
India’s Chandrayaan-3 craft landed at the lunar south pole on Wednesday, while Russia’s Luna-25 craft crashed.
7:15
Salmon Flourish After Mine Damage Restored In Alaska
A collaboration between the mining company and the Forest Service aim to restore local Alaskan ecosystems.
17:13
All About Sea Otters
An expert from the Monterey Bay Aquarium talks all things sea otter.