On Today's Podcast
The heaviness and (not) hope of climate change
Elizabeth Kolbert has been writing about the environment for decades. And right now, she isn't feeling optimistic.
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.
29:09
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.
4:51
Who Will Sweep The Charismatic Creature Carnival?
Will the mantis shrimp, opossum, or shoebill stork come out on top? The choice is up to you.
12:25
When The Water Comes
The Science Friday Book Club is discussing how communities are responding to sea level rise with author Elizabeth Rush.
11:59
Ice-Hunting Lunar Rover Robot Gets A Landing Site
NASA chose a landing site for its first-ever robotic moon rover, VIPER, slated to launch in 2023 to look for ice near the lunar south pole.
16:41
Behind The Booster Battle
How U.S. agencies with different goals are leading to muddled messaging on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
12:12
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant Gears Up To Move Its Radioactive Waste
Decommissioning the nuclear power plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts has been a long, dangerous process.
17:24
Dr. Fauci’s Life Illustrated In A New Book For Kids
A new children’s book revisits the NIH doctor’s childhood and history, with an emphasis on curiosity.
17:25
A Charismatic Match-up Between Two Feathered Friends
Who is more charismatic: the shoebill stork or pigeon? The decision is in your hands.
17:24
Congress Is Considering Two Climate Change Bills. What’s In Them?
Two bills aim to reduce the U.S. carbon footprint. If they pass, it would be Congress’ first major actions on climate change.
Peek Inside Dr. Fauci’s Picture Book Biography
View excerpts from the illustrated story of young Anthony Fauci’s journey: from ‘sewer baseball’ to ‘America’s doctor.’
12:06
Scientists Potty Train Cows To Lower Greenhouse Gasses
The ‘MooLoo’ is the latest idea to make cows more environmentally friendly.
12:01
Do I Really Need 10,000 Steps A Day? Scientists Say 7,000 Is Fine
It turns out “getting your steps” is more than a trope. New research finally backs up the health benefits of walking.
4:07
NASA Scientist Answers Kids’ Questions About The Mars Rover
A NASA research scientist answers questions from kids about the Perseverance Mars rover, like how its samples will get back to Earth.
12:10
Nighttime Streetlights Are Stressing Out Urban Insects
New findings suggest that streetlights are contributing to the decline of insect populations.
17:32
The Endemic End To The Pandemic
Will the COVID-19 pandemic eventually shift to an endemic stage?
17:24
Charismatic Creature Carnival: Who Rules The Night?
Two fuzzy creatures of the night, the opossum and the aye-aye, battle it out during the Charismatic Creature Carnival.
16:47
With Worsening Wildfire Seasons, How Can We Learn To Live With Them?
A fire scientist on how we can change our relationship with fire.
Earn P.D. Certificates At SciFri’s Educator Phenomena Forum
On November 4, K-12 STEM teachers are invited to Science Friday’s free professional development series, this time all about space!
Science Diction: Knock On Wood And Tsunami
The origin of a superstitious phrase, and a Japanese word that’s staked its place in English.