On Today's Podcast
How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
What did a vulture-bone flute sound like inside a cave? How about singing inside a tomb? Researchers are bringing ancient sounds back to life.
Listen NowDecember 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
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).
11:51
The Recipe for California’s Wildfires? A Wet Winter And A Sweltering Summer
Epic rains and snows quenched California’s drought earlier this year. But record summer temperatures and dry, searing winds triggered a devastating wildfire season.