On Today's Podcast
Tracking The Toxic Fallout Of The LA Fires
Urban fires can release all kinds of chemicals. One year after fires hit Los Angeles, scientists are trying to understand the toxic fallout.
Listen NowJanuary 23, 2026
An epidemiology study finds that variations in one gene play a major role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, X’s Grok AI is undressing users, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg with fake imagery online. What can we do about deepfakes? And, Louisiana communities continue collecting data on industrial pollution, despite a law restricting its use.
16:37
How Understanding Depression Goes Beyond The Scientific Method
Podcast host and author John Moe discusses his own experiences with depression, and what he’s learned interviewing others with the illness.
17:26
Climate Change’s Toll On Our Social Fabric
Research points to more conflict when our climate changes. Plus, the intergenerational effect of a climate-driven disaster.
Meet Us For A Field Story, Our New Science-Inspired Beer
The Science Friday team helped make a new beer with Sixpoint Brewery called A Field Story! You can grab a can with us on November 10.
Read ‘The Sounds Of Life’ With The SciFri Book Club
‘The Sounds Of Life’ uncovers the world of little-known sounds that make up life on Earth. Read it with us this November.
Decoding The Hidden World Of Nonhuman Sound, With New Biotech
Can humans better listen to the natural world? Karen Bakker thinks yes, with the help of biotechnologies—and a new world perspective.
The Science Of Mental Health
Can psychedelics treat depression? How do grief and trauma work? Keep up with the latest science on mental health.
Make A Swirling Shaving Cream Sun Model
Model our closest star, the Sun, with this crafty hands-on science activity using shaving cream and food coloring.
12:11
Scientists Are Trying To Study Human Neurons… In Rat Brains?
Human neurons implanted in rat brains could offer scientists a new way to study the brain. Plus, more stories from this week in science.
16:21
A Taste Of New York In A Hyper-Local Beer
Instead of hops, brewers traditionally crafted gruit-style beer from local herbs and spices, making each unique.
12:19
Making A Meal Fit For An Astronaut
NASA’s team of food scientists must make food nutritious, delicious (or at least edible), and fit for spaceflight.
7:36
This Brain Prosthesis Could Improve Memory Loss
A team of neuroscientists are designing a device that could help the brain remember information through the use of implanted electrodes.
26:30
Burying Green: Eco-Friendly Death Care On The Rise
Can new regulations help make dying more eco-friendly? A mortician and the developer of a start-up remains company discuss grief and the choices everyone will eventually face.
16:43
How Gamification Has Crept Into School, Work, And Fitness
Game developer and author Adrian Hon explains the consequences of allowing gaming principles to creep into so many corners of our lives.
How You’re Getting Played By Gamification
A video game designer takes a hard look at how gamification has spread from video games to many aspects of our daily lives.
‘Bengal Water Machine’ Data Offers Potential For Increasing Food Security
A “win-win” side effect of Bangladeshi farmers pumping groundwater to irrigate crops is that the technique can store monsoon water for the dry season.
11:25
Hurricane Ian Destroys Iconic Florida House Meant To Survive Hurricanes
Rising sea levels and Hurricane Ian finally destroyed the Cape Romano Dome House in Florida, built to withstand the elements.
33:13
How States Are Planning To Power The Electric Vehicle Boom
As more electric vehicles hit the road, how can we improve infrastructure to support the transition? Plus, the future of electric trains.
7:10
Svante Pääbo Awarded Nobel For Examining The Ancient Human Genome
Geneticist and Nobel Laureate Svante Pääbo performs archeological explorations on the human genome.
9:14
What We Can Learn About Diabetes From Hibernating Bears
Unlike humans, bears can turn their insulin resistance on and off.
28:45
The Politics Of Science: Voters Have An Important Voice
Science underlies many civic issues—from adapting to extreme weather to funding STEM education—and important choices are being decided at the ballot box.