On Today's Podcast
How Is AI Being Used In The Iran War?
The Pentagon has given AI a powerful role in the Iran war. We dig into the DOD conflict with Anthropic, and the state of autonomous weapons.
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.
17:22
Ask An Expert: Why Do We Itch?
A professor of molecular and cellular biology explains the neuroscience behind itching and scratching.
17:08
Digging For Answers To Avians’ Ancestors
Paleontologist Jingmai O’Connor studies prehistoric bird fossils found in China to answer questions about the evolution of dinosaurs and flight.
17:25
Read A Collection Of Science Fiction With The Science Friday Book Club
Join us in exploring the far-out and the familiar with a new speculative fiction collection, edited by Nisi Shawl.
When The Dead Stay With Us
Read an excerpt of speculative fiction about literally carrying your dead loved ones with you from the SciFri Book Club pick ‘New Suns.’
Gather ‘Round For A Brainy Watch Party
We’re partnering with Black In Neuro to host a watch party! Watch the film featuring Bianca Jones Marlin and ask questions during the Q&A.
A Mile In The Shoes Of A Volcanologist
Meet Kayla Iacovino, a NASA petrologist (and Star Trek superfan) who looks for tiny clues atop volcanoes to understand eruptions on Earth and beyond.
Breakthrough: The Avian Authority
Follow Jingmai O’Connor as she catalogues ancient avian dinosaurs and learn how her Chinese-American roots helped lead her to incredible paleontological discoveries.
11:38
The Race For A COVID-19 Vaccine Heats Up
Four U.S. vaccines are in the final stage of clinical trials, plus other news from the week.
16:16
Oliver Sacks, In His Own Words
A new film explores the extraordinary life and legacy of neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks.
12:05
Thermal Imaging Technology Helps Firefighters See Through Smoke
Infrared waves help firefighters know where to focus their efforts—and help keep them safe.
17:21
Birds Of A Feather Flutter Together
Some birds use the shape of their feathers as a communication tool, using the sound their feathers make to relay messages.
15:56
To Milk A Tick
Compounds in tick saliva can reveal to how these parasites can create anesthetics and anticoagulants to breakdown human and animal defenses.
17:26
How Indigenous Burning Practices Could Prevent Massive Wildfires
Indigenous peoples burned their land for thousands of years to prevent much larger fires. Why it might be an important part of future wildfire prevention.
Thermal Imaging The Intense Heat Of Wildfires From Above
Flying through thick smoke in a small aircraft, researchers use thermal imaging to understand how hot the wildfires are burning in Oregon.
How Did The ‘Cosmic Crisp’ Apple Get Its Name?
When it takes 20 years to develop a new apple, you better have a dazzling name to go with it.
Breakthrough: The Volcano Trekker
Follow Kayla Iacovino as she collects volcanic rock samples from across the world in order to better understand the powerful forces that created them.
12:05
What You Need To Know About The West Coast Wildfires
Fire season has only just begun, and wildfires have already burned a record number of acres. Why they’ve been so bad, and the toll so far.
17:16
Climate Change Is On The Ballot This November
Senator Ed Markey discusses the Green New Deal, and environmental priorities for an election year—and beyond.
16:33
A History of So-Called ‘Cures’ For Deafness
From special diets to airplane dives, a deaf historian chronicles past treatments for hearing.
17:11
Hunting For The Crystalline Clues Of A Volcano’s Eruption
Volcanologist Kayla Iacovino studies the crystals and gases formed inside of volcanoes to figure out what causes eruptions.