On Today's Podcast
How A Mutation Made This Year’s Flu Season So Bad
A flu variant called subclade K emerged too late to be fully covered by this year's vaccine. But the flu shot can still help protect you.
Listen NowJanuary 23, 2026
An epidemiology study finds that variations in one gene play a major role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, X’s Grok AI is undressing users, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg with fake imagery online. What can we do about deepfakes? And, Louisiana communities continue collecting data on industrial pollution, despite a law restricting its use.
17:27
The Lasting Allure Of Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’
The maritime archeologist who found the storied wreck discusses the mission and his new book.
12:18
Inside The ‘Chaos Machine’ Of Social Media
Author Max Fisher takes a deep dive into how big tech has accumulated so much unchecked power.
8:51
Taking On Renewables’ AC/DC Disconnect
A project aims to make large-scale solar plants more efficient and reliable.
8:17
Are These Ancient Galaxies Too Big For Their Age?
Tiny red dots observed by the Webb telescope have some astronomers pondering theories of galactic formation.
7:22
How These Russian Wasps Could Help Save Ash Trees
Scientists recruited the help of the emerald ash borers’ natural predator to keep their population in check.
10:15
Vocal Fry Serves Up Treats For Toothed Whales
A new study shows the creaky voice effect some people love to hate is important for echolocation in the deep ocean.
16:28
It’s Spacetime And Science Season At The Oscars
From multiverses to volcanoes, this year’s Academy Award nominees include many pictures where science drives the plot.
How Big Tech’s Obsession With Engagement Destabilized Society
Investigative journalist Max Fisher chronicles how social networks prioritized profits and ideals over society’s wellbeing.
What Makes A Superbloom So Super?
A super bloom a desert phenomenon where massive amounts of wildflowers bloom at exactly the same time. How is it possible?
Sustainable Tech For The City Of Ember
The classic young adult novel The City Of Ember is a dystopian struggle for survival underneath the surface of the Earth. But what if they had made use of aquaponics and geothermal power? Find out in this claims, evidence, and reasoning STEM challenge that lives up to this novel’s compelling premise.
Science Friday in Traverse City: Great Lakes Stories with IPR
On April 26, join Ira Flatow and the Interlochen Public Radio Points North team in Traverse City, MI for an evening of local science stories.
Build A Model Dinosaur
Gather fossil evidence of natural history, physiology, and behavior to design and build a model dinosaur–then animate it!
Celebrate Biodiversity for Citizen Science Month
April is Citizen Science Month and Science Friday is an official partner! Join us for crowdsource science projects celebrating biodiversity.
Community Science
You can do science anywhere. Learn about crowd, collaborative, community and citizen science projects for anyone to participate in!
12:18
A Medication Abortion Drug Faces Potential Nationwide Restriction
An upcoming ruling in Texas could restrict access to the medication abortion drug mifepristone nationwide.
8:27
A New Twist On Sowing Seeds
An engineered wooden wrapper helps seeds bury themselves in damp soil.
9:08
A Long History Shadows Fight Over California’s Shasta Dam
The Shasta Dam helped turn the state into an agricultural cornucopia—but it destroyed the home of the Winnemem Wintu.
17:07
Rapper And Scholar Sammus Confronts AI In Hip-Hop
A conversation with rapper and academic Sammus about what the intersections between hip-hop and AI mean for music.
17:03
Appreciating The Brilliance Of Benjamin Banneker
From the stars to cicadas, this self-taught Black scientist left a long legacy.
11:43
‘All That Breathes:’ A Story Of Two Brothers Saving New Delhi’s Raptors
The Oscar-nominated documentary follows two brothers on their mission to save black kites.