On Today's Podcast
The science and politics of the new mRNA flu vaccine
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. But dysfunction at federal health agencies is complicating rollout.
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
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.
28:31
America’s Elder Care Has A Problem
Wildfires and COVID-19 are shining a light on the systemic issues in ill-equipped, worn out facilities, causing many to rethink what long-term care looks like in America.
Kansas Nursing Home Staff Struggle With COVID-19 Burn Out
Months into the pandemic, nursing home staff in Kansas get little relief due to limited testing and resources.
How Dementia Patients Are Coping During The Pandemic
At a healthcare center in Massachusetts, patients with dementia face the challenges and loneliness of the coronavirus lockdown.
In The Face Of Wildfire, California Nursing Homes Are Unprepared
In 2017, the Tubbs Fire in California raged towards a nursing home with 62 residents. Here’s what they did with no evacuation plan.
“Hearing Happiness” Facebook Watch Party With Jaipreet Virdi
Join us on Facebook for a Watch Party, where we’ll rewatch Ira Flatow’s interview with historian and author Jaipreet Virdi.
12:15
COVID-19 Vaccine Developers Promise Not To Rush Testing
As President Trump promises a vaccine before the election, some of the largest pharmaceutical companies plan to keep politics out of science.
16:56
These Moss Are Living Their Best Life—Under Rocks
Moss in the desert have learned to use rocks as sun shades.
An Argument For The Benefits Of Not Bathing
We’ve all been treating personal hygiene differently these days. Writer James Hamblin discusses breaking the rules around cleanliness.
12:13
Against Impossible Odds, The Warsaw Ghetto Stopped A Typhus Outbreak
Researchers find public health measures likely stopped a second wave of disease under impossible circumstances.
16:35
It’s Still A Wild, Wonder-Filled World
A new book of nature writing revels in creatures both strange and glorious—and explores why even a threatened world contains wonder.
17:08
Why A Medium-Sized Black Hole Is Surprising Physicists
The discovery of a medium-sized black hole offers new insights into how black holes form and grow.
The Ribbon Eel
In this excerpt of the book ‘World of Wonders,’ author Aimee Nezhukumatathil describes the life of the colorful ribbon eel—and how these creatures resurface memories of her son.
11:18
How Do You Solve The Problem Of Vaccine Distribution?
Questions swirl around how to prioritize who gets the first COVID-19 vaccines. Plus, an update on Space X’s Starlink satellite constellation.
17:11
Amid The Pandemic, Other Diseases Still Lurk
As resources are being devoted to fighting coronavirus, diseases like tuberculosis and HIV may resurge.
16:48
NYC’s Trees: A Natural Defense Against Heat, But Not Equally Shared
Creating an urban forest ecosystem can help reduce the impacts of climate change.
11:58
Can Fungus Survive Climate Change?
Networks of fungi play a critical role in forest ecosystems—but climate change is decreasing their diversity.
16:37
A Cellular Race Through A Maze
Cells can solve mazes. What does this mean for cancer research?
17:25
Fact Check My Feed: Are Kids Really COVID-19 ‘Super Spreaders’?
Headlines disagree about kids and COVID-19. Here’s what the data says.
Preview: The Science Friday Book Club Reads ‘New Suns’
Nisi Shawl edits an exciting collection of science fiction and fantasy by people of color. We’ll read it later this fall.