On Today's Podcast
Kazuo Ishiguro on emotional truth in sci-fi and in our AI reality
Five years after “Klara and the Sun” was published, the film adaptation exists in an entirely different AI landscape.
Listen NowOctober 23, 2026
CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna discusses the evolution of gene-editing technology and what it takes to be a good scientist. Timekeepers around the world voted to stop using leap seconds, but what does that mean for us? Plus, how "problem bears" help test engineers evaluate consumer products, author Kazuo Ishiguro on emotional truth in our age of AI, and the science of apple varieties.
7:16
Why Car Companies Set Tougher Emission Standards For Themselves
Four car manufacturers strike a deal with California despite newly lax EPA rules.
4:42
What’s Next For The University Of Alaska System?
In the face of major budget cuts, the University of Alaska system takes a step towards consolidation.
16:39
Practice Makes Perfect: How Birds Learn To Sing
What do a song bird and a toddler have in common? The way they learn to vocalize.
12:02
A Spike In Tree Loss Puts The Amazon Rainforest At Risk
The Amazon Rainforest may soon be classified as a savanna instead of a rainforest, due to accelerating deforestation. What does that mean for the planet?
16:46
Is Chemical Sunscreen Safe? Scientists Aren’t Sure
New studies show that sunscreen ingredients can stay in your bloodstream days after you apply it.
16:27
Algae, The Mighty Slime Of The Planet
Researchers are tapping into the power of algae for everything from agriculture, alternative fuels, to making cows burp less methane.
17:31
The Planned Thirty Meter Telescope On Mauna Kea Raises Ethical Concerns
Native Hawaiian scientists support the pursuit of knowledge—but question the human cost.
Science Friday Live In San Francisco
On Saturday, November 16, Ira Flatow and Science Friday are heading to San Francisco, California.
The Rise Of South Korea’s Seaweed Farming Industry
In her book ‘Slime,’ Ruth Kassinger visits a family-run seaweed farm in South Korea to see how the crop is grown and transformed into nori.
Cocktail Chemistry Quest In New York City
On Wednesday, October 9th in NYC, we’re brewing up trouble at Littlefield with a chance to taste and learn about the science behind spirits.
Exploring Science in North Carolina, From Coast to Ghost
On September 18th, join us in Raleigh to explore the diverse, natural landscapes and impactful science happening across the state.
11:44
Ebola Outbreak Now An International ‘Public Health Emergency’
The Ebola crisis in the D.R.C. is now the second biggest outbreak on record. That, and other science stories in the news this week.
17:07
The Data That Makes You Unique
A new study suggests that anyone can be identified by just a few pieces of seemingly harmless data.
22:51
Food Failures: The Scoop On Perfecting Your Ice Cream And Frozen Desserts
Icy ice cream? Gooey gelato? Ice cream experts dish on the science behind your favorite frozen desserts.
22:57
Your Language Is Changing, Because Internet
An internet linguist explores how online communication has changed the way we write.
16:11
Into The Woods—For Birds!
Wherever you go this vacation season, there are bound to be birds. How beginner birders can find, identify, and appreciate them.
Change Up Your Homemade Ice Cream Recipe With Chemistry
Looking for dairy-free or low-sugar ice cream recipes? A chemist gives tips and substitutes to customize your favorite frozen treats.
Studying Language In The Age Of The Internet
In this excerpt from ‘Because Internet,’ Gretchen McCulloch explains why the internet age is a golden one for linguists.
The State Of Science
The State of Science is a collaboration with public radio reporters and local media, featuring local science stories of national significance.
Degrees Of Change
Understanding the challenges, but focused on the solutions, Degrees of Change was a project exploring the problem of climate change and how we as a planet are adapting to it.