On Today's Podcast
How a particle accelerator illuminated 56 human organs
The Human Organ Atlas gives an extremely detailed look at 56 human organs, scanned with the help of a particle accelerator.
Listen NowApril 17, 2026
Tracy Scott’s dad walked on the moon. Now, she studies the lives and families of other Apollo-era astronauts. Plus, recordings from a decades-long research project in Florida are helping scientists decode dolphin whistles. And, inventor Simone Giertz rose to YouTube fame with comically bad robots. Now she designs comically useful objects for our very normal problems.
The Many Emotions Of Animals
In this excerpt of “Mama’s Last Hug” by Frans de Waal, learn about the animals that express gratitude, seek revenge, and are even hopeful.
Celebrating 150 Years Of The Periodic Table Of Elements
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, Ira opens up the Science Friday vaults to share tales of chemical discovery and creation.
7:23
SpaceX And A Dummy ‘Crew’ Visit The International Space Station
The first commercial vehicle designed to carry a crew visits the ISS.
4:46
Jet Stream Brings California Rain, But Not Relief
Research suggests California’s wet winter will not save it from a harsh wildfire season.
11:56
A Second HIV-Positive Patient May Have Been Cured. Now What?
Why gene therapy—not bone marrow transplants—could be one piece in the puzzle of neutralizing HIV worldwide.
6:10
Trying To Determine Forest Health? Look To The Lichens
The types of lichens living in a patch of forest may be a better indicator of ecological health than the trees themselves.
16:58
The Leg Bone’s Connected To The Ankle Bone—But Why?
The story of how our skeletons evolved to look they way they do.
16:24
How Jumping Spiders Avoid Becoming A Tasty Snack
From bright colors to disguising as ants, jumping spiders have evolved different ways to evade predators.
27:28
NASA: To The Moon (And Definitely Beyond)
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine talks about the agency’s ambitions beyond Planet Earth.
The Secrets Of The Extraordinary Human Skeleton
From shoulders to skulls, learn how our bones made humans unique in this excerpt from “Skeleton Keys” by Riley Black.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Humor’
From pseudoscience to Shakespeare, it’s no laughing matter.
7:01
Blue Skies Forever? It’s Not As Cheery As It Sounds
Extreme conditions during climate change could cause the disappearance of stratocumulus clouds—for good.
5:10
Rethinking Recycling In Philadelphia Suburbs
China won’t take our subpar plastics anymore. What’s next for your local recycling plant?
8:54
White House Aims To Counter Climate Science
As the nation’s scientists and military leaders sound the alarm on climate change, the White House is assembling a group of climate change skeptics to counter them.
12:06
Blood As White As Snow
How do you breathe with no red blood cells? Scientists take a closer look at genomes to find the secrets of the strange Antarctic icefish.
26:08
The Disastrous Days Of April 1986
A new book tells the story of the engineering missteps and operational errors that led to the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.
7:49
Wireless Monitoring Gives Parents Greater Access To Newborns In The NICU
Free from wires, parents can experience more skin to skin contact with their babies thanks to a new wireless monitoring device.
25:58
Rewriting The Genomic Alphabet
Scientists are creating unnatural base pairs and synthesizing genomes to better understand DNA—and create new medicines and fuels.
The Moments After Chernobyl Blew
First responders arrive at the crippled nuclear power station in this excerpt from ‘Midnight in Chernobyl’ by Adam Higginbotham.