On Today's Podcast
How To Tap Into The Hidden Histories Of Rocks
Geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
Listen NowNovember 28, 2025
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate unusual scientific research—this year including lizard pizza preferences and fingernail growth. Plus, in a conversation from August, exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to mental health. And, in a story from February, a journalist explains the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t.
Footage Shows How Narwhals Use Tusks To Hunt And Play
In a story from March, researchers used drones to study the mysterious arctic animals and learn new things about narwhal behavior.
12:17
Have Astrophysicists Spotted Evidence For ‘Dark Stars’?
Data from the Webb Space Telescope may hold evidence of ancient “dark stars,” which would’ve been powered by dark matter, not nuclear fusion.
Enter SciFri’s Nerdy Halloween Costume Contest!
It’s Nightmare on Nerd Street—and your science-inspired Halloween costume could win SciFri’s first-ever costume contest.
10:44
How Federal Cuts Hampered West Alaska’s Storm Forecasts
With gaps in weather balloon data, the National Weather Service didn’t have accurate projections of the worst flooding from Typhoon Halong.
AI Was Supposed To Discover New Drugs. Where Are They?
While some AI-designed drugs have made it to clinical trials, none of them have been approved. Why has it been harder than experts thought?
How Math Helps Us Map The World
In “Mapmatics,” a mathematician tells the stories of how math helps us track epidemics, map the seafloor, and plot a complex delivery route.
How Mapping London Helped Stop A Cholera Outbreak
A 19th century doctor was able to pinpoint which homes were affected by contaminated water, and link that to cholera deaths in the area.
The Science Of Replacing Body Parts, From Hair To Hearts
In “Replaceable You,” Mary Roach describes mind-boggling efforts to replace human body parts—and why it’s proven to be so difficult.
‘Tron: Ares’ And What Happens When AI Gets The Feels
What does AI do with human feelings? To investigate its readiness to serve as a therapist, a neuroscientist took ChatGPT for an emotional ride.
It’s Not Just You—Bad Food Habits Are Hard To Shake
The authors of “Food Intelligence” answer listener questions and discuss how our food systems make staying healthy an uphill battle.
Shocking Findings From ‘The Biggest Loser’ Contestants
A nutrition scientist found that the reality show’s contestants’ metabolisms slowed after participating—and didn’t recover.
An Off-The-Grid Nobel Win, And Antibiotics In Ancient Microbes
When the Nobel committee called, Fred Ramsdell did not pick up. Plus, searching ancient archaea for solutions to modern antibiotic resistance.
World Space Week And Promising Climate Tech Companies
We check in on some exciting space missions and projects from IMAP to LIGO. Plus, climate tech companies that have our attention.
The Story Behind The Largest Dam Removal In U.S. History
A new book goes behind the scenes of the removal of four dams along the Klamath River, and the massive restoration effort that’s followed.
How Colonization Wreaked Havoc On The Klamath River
The US government installed ecologically devastating dams in the Klamath River, which were recently removed.
How Archaeologists Try To Smell, Hear, And Taste The Past
In “Dinner With King Tut,” Sam Kean shows how experimental archaeology can recreate the stinky, slimy, and tasty parts of ancient history.
To Understand Ancient Beer, Try Brewing It Yourself
Author Sam Kean writes about how experimental archaeology engages the senses and offers an intimate look into ancient history.
Moth Survival Strategies And A Rodent Thumbnail Mystery
Moths’ evolutionary split between bright warning colors and subtle camouflage depends on the context. Plus, mysteries of the rodent thumbnail.
Mission Orbital Eats: Engineer Foods For Extreme Environments
Discover how scientists engineer foods for space missions, then design your own solutions for extreme environments on Earth.
12:13
As The CDC Falters, How Do We Fill Public Health Gaps?
Former CDC director Tom Frieden discusses how communities and health systems can move forward as the US public health system is dismantled.