Science Friday

Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and other cool stuff.

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Recent Episodes

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The Nobel winner searching for deep-space neutrinos in Antarctica Wednesday, October 7, 2026

In 2013, Frances Halzen spoke with Ira about the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. This week, Halzen won the Nobel Prize.

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How important ideas get reawakened, with David Byrne Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Why do some breakthroughs go dormant—and then wake up? Artist David Byrne writes about these sleeping beauties in his new book.

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'The History of Concrete' with John Wilson Monday, October 5, 2026

John Wilson’s latest feature film, “The History of Concrete” is an idiosyncratic journey about more than just concrete.

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The tilcayo is the new wild cat on the block Friday, October 2, 2026

The tiny, three-pound tilcayo is the first cat species to be described in a century, and, yes—it is as cute as you’d think.

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Are natural history museums going extinct? Thursday, October 1, 2026

The country’s oldest natural history museum, in Philadelphia, has closed its doors to visitors. Will other museums follow?

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Examining a new lunar crater + searching for signs of alien technology Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Scientists are learning more about a recent impact crater on the moon. Plus, hunting for extraterrestrial life through technological clues.

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Did the COVID pandemic stunt kids’ development? Tuesday, September 29, 2026

The pandemic interrupted the lives of millions of kids. Researchers are studying the impact on their social and emotional development.

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How do concussions affect the brain? Monday, September 28, 2026

The latest scientific understanding of concussions is upending treatment recommendations for recovery.

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Are new treatments for celiac disease on the horizon? Friday, September 25, 2026

More than 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, an illness with no current treatment. Is help on the way?

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Everyone is calling for safer AI. So what does that mean? Thursday, September 24, 2026

Concerns about AI safety are growing. Two researchers explain the unintended consequences of training AI models and what questions remain.

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Underwater archeology reveals clues about Ice Age humans Wednesday, September 23, 2026

At the end of the last ice age, glacial melt inundated human settlements near shorelines. Underwater archeologists are uncovering their artifacts.

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Climate change is increasing hurricane risk for Hawaiʻi Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Hawaiʻi has generally been safe from the worst effects of hurricanes. But this year two hurricanes battered the islands in a matter of weeks.

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Bringing hard electronics into soft and squishy bodies Monday, September 21, 2026

Inventor John Rogers bridges the natural and artificial worlds with flexible, biocompatible electronics.

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What is lymphatic drainage, anyway? Friday, September 18, 2026

A new wellness trend focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. What does this system do, and is there science to back these claims?

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Hot flashes, hormone therapy, and the science of perimenopause Thursday, September 17, 2026

After decades of controversy over prescribing hormone therapy for perimenopause, many providers are reconsidering their approach.

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Telling the tale of human origins, one fossil tooth at a time Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Yohannes Haile-Selassie has a talent for spotting fossils, and has discovered clues to several branches of the human family tree.

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Did the fire at the Library of Alexandria set humanity back? Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Author Sam Kean explores our fascination with lost knowledge in his new book, “The Museum of Lost Things”

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Black bears are moving into the neighborhood. How do we coexist? Monday, September 14, 2026

As black bears return to their historic ranges across the U.S., human encounters are increasing. How can bears and people live in harmony?

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Is a shorter course of antibiotics OK? + Genetic risk of fibromyalgia Saturday, September 12, 2026

Shorter courses of antibiotics may reduce antimicrobial resistance. Plus, a new study finds a group of genes associated with fibromyalgia.

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Why cannabis’s health effects are so hard to study Friday, September 11, 2026

Cannabis seems to be everywhere, in many forms. We're learning more about its effect on teenage brains and its usefulness as a therapeutic.