On Today's Podcast
Fixing Society's Toughest Problems? ‘It’s On You’
How did we come to think of society's toughest problems as something for individuals to manage rather than governments to regulate?
Listen NowMarch 6, 2026
Astronomer and Queen guitarist Brian May teams up with astrophysicist Derek Ward-Thompson to bring the cosmos to 3D. Plus, Frances Arnold’s game-changing technique of “directed evolution” creates enzymes with unusual capabilities. And, how did we come to think of society's toughest problems as something for individuals to manage rather than governments to regulate?
34:22
Physics On The Edge
There’s a lot we still don’t know about matter, time, and the contents of the universe. Why that’s a challenge…and a thrill for physicists.
34:13
Much More Than Partridges In Pear Trees
From snowy owls to corn crakes, the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count turns its gaze toward all our feathered friends flying overhead during the winter migration.
11:49
When It Comes To Climate Policy, Money Talks
Major investors are beginning to shift their money away from fossil fuels—and towards green energy.
4:48
Urban Life Isn’t A Walk In The Park
Urban air pollution’s health effects may be significant enough to cancel out the health benefits of a brisk walk, according to a recent study.
7:13
Dangerous Cell Phone Guidelines, Interstellar “Goo,” Plus Kids And Birthday Parties
New California guidelines muddy the waters on the science of cell phone radiation
The Best Of Science Friday, 2017
The Science Friday staff share some of their favorite stories they made this year.
The Virtual Theme Park
Climbing Kilimanjaro, blasting asteroids, and stopping time to destroy robots are just some of the amazing activities people can experience at VR World NYC.
7:34
A Return To The Moon, An Ancient Bludgeon, And Anesthetized Plants
This week, President Trump signed a directive that would set NASA’s sights on the moon…again.
4:23
May Your Days Be Merry, But Less Bright
The spread of efficient LED lighting may be leading to more light use, and brighter nighttime skies.
17:22
Steering Toward Greener Transportation
We have electric vehicles. Their popularity is growing. Does this make green transportation inevitable?
4:48
The High Energy Cost Of Bitcoin’s Rise
As bitcoin’s price skyrockets, so does its energy use and carbon footprint.
11:57
Preventing A ‘Digital Dark Age’
More and more data is born into this world as digital bits, with no analog counterpart. How can we preserve it for future generations?
Have Yourself A Mathy Little Christmas
Tips for a geometrically superior holiday season.
17:19
Searching For Answers To An Age-Old Question
Researchers continue to chip away at the one thing we all have in common—getting older.
16:44
How Can Math Make Your Holidays Merrier?
Wrapping oddly shaped gifts, picking a Secret Santa, and decorating your tree can all be tackled using math.
12:00
Humans Outweigh Climate’s Influence On Fire
In heavily populated regions, the human influence on fire appears to override the effects of climate change.
Meet The People Keeping Your Home Safe From Fires
To study fire, these researchers build homes just to torch them.
7:06
Dusting Off Voyager 1’s Thrusters
After 37 years in space, Voyager 1’s thrusters still work.
5:15
The Battle Of Coastal Restoration In Louisiana
From dropping mangrove seed bombs to battling an invasive insect, a look at efforts to restore the coast of Louisiana.
10:58
A Golden Age For Children’s Science Books
Explore a curated list of engaging science books for kids (and babies, too).