On Today's Podcast
What is the Kelvin wave on the West Coast?
El Niño is driving a Kelvin wave up the West Coast, raising sea levels. What is it, and how does it work?
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
17:22
A Famous Sled Dog’s Genome Holds Evolutionary Surprises
By looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including the heroic sled dog Balto, a project called Zoonomia offers a new view of evolutionary history.
Design A One-Of-A-Kind Chatbot
Become a chatbot engineer as you design, create, and adapt your own one-of-a-kind chatbot using artificial intelligence.
AI For Kids: A Chatbox Exploration
Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) by experimenting directly with chatbots and machine learning technology.
12:16
Can Science Find An Antidote To Americium?
Researchers are testing a drug that could help remove radioactive elements from the human body.
16:01
What To Do When 500-1,000 Crows Roost In Your Neighborhood
When hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.
10:01
Science Says Eat More Beans
SciFri staff round up their favorite bean recipes to help address the humble legume’s PR problem.
2:00
The World According To Sound: Feeding Time
The gnarly sound of grizzlies feasting on a bison.
17:20
Bees Have Feelings, Too
After fifty years of studying bees, pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman suggests bees have feelings.
17:09
Pinning Down The Origin Of Butterflies
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago.
17:20
Debunking Common Myths About Being Fat
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health.
The Fascinating Case For Bees’ Feelings
Pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman makes the case that bees aren’t just smart, but sentient, too.
Unpacking What You Know About Fat People
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon debunks stereotypes and discusses anti-fat bias in healthcare.
Diving Into The Reign Of Cephalopods
They may not be as popular as dinosaurs, but cephalopods—squid, octopuses and their ancestors—reigned supreme for 400 million years.
Squid Scientists On Deck: ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ Author Q&A
On June 21, join our event with a squid biologist and the author of ‘Monarchs of the Sea’ as they talk all things cephalopods.
Soak In The Sounds Of A River With This Composer’s Sound Maps
Composer Annea Lockwood uses stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps.”
Xiaodong Lin-Siegler On Failing Upward
Meet a scientist who studies how failure in the classroom can lead to success in life.
Introducing Our Limited-Run Newsletter ‘Sincerely, Science’
What does it mean to be a scientist? This newsletter delivers personal stories from professional scientists to your inbox.
Scientist Stories
Get to know the human side of researchers behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Join A Live Recording Of Science Friday’s Radio Show
Join the live conversations with Ira Flatow and guests as they record for our radio program—and get the chance to have your voice on the show!
12:02
FDA Advisory Board Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
If approved, the progestin-only pill would be sold under the brand name Opill.