On Today's Podcast
Maine nearly became the first state to ban data centers
Maine shows how public mobilization is making a difference in determining where data centers go, and how they impact local communities.
Listen NowApril 24, 2026
The LuSEE-Night mission would place a radio telescope on the far side of the moon to listen for signals of the cosmic “dark ages.” Plus, the design and layout of ancient temples, plazas, and cities provide clues about how societies were governed. And, everyday DNA mutations can help us understand immune function and aging—and even mitigate harm caused by some inherited diseases.
17:29
Defending Science In A ‘Post-Truth’ Era
Sue Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Gates Foundation, says scientists and science journalists can do more to help the public think critically about scientific news.
Breakthrough: The Killer Snail Chemist
Mandë Holford wanted to bridge the gap between biology and chemistry. Then, she saw a video of a snail eating a fish.
Spine-Chilling Science
Don’t let these science stories send a shiver down your spine.
7:48
Farmers Ditch The Scarecrow, Bring Out The Big (Laser) Guns
A blueberry farm in Oregon turns to a high-tech trick to ward off birds from eating crops.
4:26
I Am Not A Robot. Or Am I?
A new computer model can learn and generalize visual information more efficiently. But it could render CAPTCHA tests obsolete.
17:34
A Mortician’s Search For ‘The Good Death’
Caitlin Doughty traveled the world to document how different cultures deal with their dead. Now, she challenges us to develop a better relationship with mortality.
From The Flame To Eternity
Author Caitlin Doughty recounts the spiritual and “transformative” ceremony of a funeral pyre in a Colorado town.
12:04
It’s A Bee! It’s A Dragonfly! It’s A Robot!
A new insect-like robot can take off using—and from under—water.
If A Robot Offers You A Cookie…
Authors Zach and Kelly Weinersmith examine the evolving nature of human-robot interactions.
17:27
Is It Time For CRISPR 2.0?
Scientists expand the gene editing functions of CRISPR, making it safer and more precise.
17:18
The Future, Coming ‘Soonish’
From space elevators to brain-computer interfaces, Kelly and Zach Weinersmith ponder the good, bad, and “maybes” of emerging technologies.
17:33
In Defense Of Spiders
Two scientists want you to stop worrying and love spiders.
The Marvelous, Misunderstood Lives Of Common Spiders
These eight-legged crawlers have an unnecessarily bad rap.
Six Bestselling Authors Share Their Favorite ‘Other Worlds’
Kim Stanley Robinson, Andy Weir, and more share some of their favorites.
Science Friday Live In Louisville
From raining diamonds in space to the chemistry behind the perfect glass of bourbon, SciFri pours one on the rocks.
8:05
As Legal Pot Proliferates, How Do We Test For Impairment?
Plus, the secret to cows that produce less methane may be genetic.
4:04
Can The Latest Wi-Fi Security Bug Be Patched?
Researchers have exposed a bug in WPA2, the standard protocol used to secure all modern Wi-Fi networks.
17:19
A Stellar Collision, Ripples In Space-Time, And The Origins Of Gold
Astronomers have detected signals produced by two neutron stars that collided millions of years ago.
11:58
The Health Risks That Follow A Wildfire
The recent Northern California wildfires have burned entire neighborhoods—a look at the potential health hazards of the resulting smoke and debris.
17:00
What Happens When Your Unconscious Mind Is In Charge
A new book explains how hidden influences affect our behavior and feelings towards others.