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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Is that spooky old house full of ghosts, or just infrasound? Friday, May 22, 2026

Low-frequency noises that humans can feel, but not hear, may be behind the spooky feeling of old houses—and serve as a warning to animals.

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How do clinical trials work, and who can participate? Thursday, May 21, 2026

A bioethicist walks us through the complexity of clinical trials, from their core scientific questions to patient selection to FDA approval.

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Use of herbicide linked to Parkinson's is on the rise in the US Wednesday, May 20, 2026

A processing plant in Mississippi is leaking massive amounts of Paraquat into the air. Its biological link to Parkinson's is becoming clear.

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Why does fashion repeat in 20-year cycles? Math has the answer Tuesday, May 19, 2026

A mathematician analyzed 150 years of women’s fashion to understand 20-year trend cycles, and how “optimal distinctiveness” drives change.

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Earth's ancient hydrogen, and fossilized vomit Monday, May 18, 2026

A new simulation shows large amounts of hydrogen in our planet’s core. And, what scientists found in 290-million-year-old vomit.

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How yawning might help clear dirty fluid from the brain Friday, May 15, 2026

Research shows yawning might help clear waste from our brains. Plus, breaking down a CDC report on how little sleep Americans are getting.

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The new frontier of cancer research is in space Thursday, May 14, 2026

In the microgravity of space, tumors can triple in size in just 10 days. That could be a boon for cancer research, and a risk for astronauts.

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Who's composing music for my washing machine? Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Why are appliances playing elaborate tunes, and where do they come from? Two sonic designers explain how they compose for your vacuum.

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How El Niño shapes the world’s weather trends Tuesday, May 12, 2026

The cycle of El Niño and La Niña is a powerful shaper of weather trends worldwide. What could a "super" El Niño bring?

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Planning your photo ops for a trip around the moon Monday, May 11, 2026

The Artemis II crew took photos of the far side of the moon with handheld cameras. A science team on Earth had plenty of requests.

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Understanding the gynecological health crisis facing Black women Friday, May 8, 2026

Black women face systemic issues accessing gynecological care. A physician-scientist outlines her vision to improve healthcare disparities.

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Data about your body is up for sale. Who's buying it? Thursday, May 7, 2026

Your personal biometric data—from your face, to your gait, to your weight—is constantly being collected and sold. Who’s buying it, and why?

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Sci-fi thriller combines aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture Wednesday, May 6, 2026

The sci-fi thriller “Hole in the Sky” imagines an alien first-contact scenario set in the heart of Cherokee Nation.

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Beavers could be humans' biggest ally, if we let them Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Beavers and humans tend to clash over landscape management. Pixar's “Hoppers” captures the struggle, and Oregon proves coexistence is possible.

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Searching for dark matter, deep in the Earth Monday, May 4, 2026

The SuperCDMS-SNOLAB experiment, located deep in a nickel mine, aims to detect signs of dark matter particles passing through the Earth.

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The decades-long movement to kill FEMA Saturday, May 2, 2026

A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.

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What cats and dogs hear + A 'smell map' of the nose Friday, May 1, 2026

What do cats and dogs hear that we don't? Plus, what a “smell map” of the receptors in a mouse nose tells us about this sense.

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How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab? Thursday, April 30, 2026

Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they're everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.

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What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news? Wednesday, April 29, 2026

A recent executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it?

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The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.