On Today's Podcast
What’s Happening On The Slippery Surface Of Ice?
Conventional wisdom is that ice is slippery because it has a thin layer of water on top, but new research suggests something else is at play.
Listen NowJanuary 16, 2026
Some Parkinson’s patients may experience strange symptoms, like smell loss and sleep disorders, decades before diagnosis. Plus, a Pompeii construction site preserved in ash reveals secrets of the famously durable Roman concrete. And, Greenland sharks live for hundreds of years, but their eyes never seem to get old. What can they teach us about aging human eyes?
The Very First Image Of A Black Hole
After 20 years of coordinating a global network of radio dishes, the Event Horizon Telescope photographed the shadow of a black hole.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Seaborgium’
For 20 years, it was known simply as “element 106.”
Play Event Horizon Bingo!
Remember: When it comes to amazing science, we’re all winners.
SciFri Extra: Picturing A Black Hole
The Event Horizon Telescope aims to take an image of a black hole. In this archival interview, astronomers describe the project’s methods and goals.
Egghead: The Genius Of Birds
On August 29 in NYC, birds of a feather will nest together for this edition of the Science Friday Book Club, as we explore ‘The Genius of Birds.’
Science Friday Live In San Antonio
On Saturday, August 10, we’re heading to San Antonio, Texas to learn about local science.
Do Ice Baths Work?
Long story short, they may reduce pain, but they don’t speed the healing process.
6:15
From Atoms To Airplanes And Polymers To Planets
The spring 2019 meeting of the American Chemical Society in Orlando included transparent wood, VR labs, and medicinal nanoparticles.
5:49
Missouri Looks To Regulate Coal Ash Ponds
Toxic coal ash is contaminating groundwater around the state. Will proposed new regulations be enough?
16:31
How The Sap Runs
Scientists tap into how trees move gallons of fluids from the ground to the atmosphere every day. Plus, the freeze-thaw secrets of sugar maple trees.
9:24
Fertile Soil, Washed Away
Lost topsoil may be the biggest long-term damage to this year’s flooded Midwest farms.
7:43
How Will These Long-Lived Trees Adapt To Climate Change?
Bristlecone pines—one of the longest living tree species—has to adapt and change its habitat in the face of climate change.
11:52
Right-To-Repair Would Let You Fix Your Own Devices
As our phones and cars include more software, advocates say we should have the right-to-repair our own devices.
17:02
What’s The Best Way To Recover After A Workout?
It turns out, there’s no right answer. Science writer Christie Aschwanden debunks our most commonly held beliefs about sports recovery with science.
Now Screening: Cephalopod Movie Night!
Cephalopod Movie Night returns! From June 21 to 28, celebrate our favorite undersea creatures with Science Friday at 10 cities across the nation.
16:57
Is America Ready For A Climate Change Candidate?
Presidential candidate Jay Inslee has staked his bid for the White House on fighting climate change. But is that issue enough to get people to the polls?
Science Friday Live In Boulder
On Saturday June 15th, Ira Flatow and the Science Friday crew are heading to Boulder, Colorado.
Fifth Annual Science Friday Trivia Night!
On Wednesday, May 29, our fifth annual Science Friday Trivia Night returns to Brooklyn.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Mercury’
From ancient alchemists to Lewis and Clark, mercury has a storied history.