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.

Listen On

Recent Episodes

Play

Investigating ‘flow state’ with the bassist from Phish Tuesday, July 7, 2026

In a 2025 story, Phish bassist Mike Gordon explains his work with neuroscientists to explore the transcendent experience of musical flow state.

Play

How the US patent system keeps drug prices high Monday, July 6, 2026

Pharmaceutical companies can use overlapping patents to extend their exclusive rights to a drug, delaying production of cheaper generic forms.

Play

What was science like in America 250 years ago? Friday, July 3, 2026

Sure, the American colonies had Benjamin Franklin and his kite. But many other natural philosophers were thinking big thoughts about the world.

Play

An artificial cell eats, grows, and reproduces. Is it alive? Thursday, July 2, 2026

Researchers have engineered an artificial cell, hoping to build a customizable chassis for chemical production.

Play

Growing lunar potatoes + Dealing with razor-sharp moon dust Wednesday, July 1, 2026

As NASA prepares for long-term moon bases, scientists are working on how to grow food in lunar soil and deal with razor-sharp moon dust.

Play

Even Nobel Prize winners deal with imposter syndrome Tuesday, June 30, 2026

In a story from 2025, neuroscientist Ardem Patapoutian discusses immigrating to the U.S., finding belonging, and pioneering touch research.

Play

Squirrel poop drops Ice Age clues + The neuroscience of laughter Monday, June 29, 2026

Ancient squirrel poop provides a snapshot of life during the last ice age. And, how different types of laughter originate in the brain.

Play

Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS Friday, June 26, 2026

A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. And a new treatment for a rare form of ALS slows and improves some patients' symptoms.

Play

That chlorine smell at the pool? It’s pee Thursday, June 25, 2026

The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe.

Play

Under proposed rule, science funding must pass political review Wednesday, June 24, 2026

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed rule changes to insert a political review step into the scientific grantmaking process.

Play

Can you learn to love the scorpion? Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Fossils suggest there were ancient scorpions over 3 feet long. Terrifying? Perhaps, but there’s a lot to love about these arachnids.

Play

FDA approves a well-known sunscreen ingredient—finally Monday, June 22, 2026

The FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 20 years—one that's long been used around the world. What took so long?

Play

Why do sports announcers talk like that? Friday, June 19, 2026

A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech and rising pitch to the world-famous goal roar.

Play

Swords, cannibalism, poison: inside the world of killer microbes Thursday, June 18, 2026

Some microbe species have evolved to stab, bomb, cannibalize, or poison each other. Can we harness their weapons for good?

Play

When music transports you to a different place Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Musical daydreams are a phenomenon shared across humankind—what do they tell us about our brains?

Play

A vast whale graveyard + Zombie sea cucumbers Tuesday, June 16, 2026

A massive "whale graveyard" contains whale remains dating back 5 million years. Plus, some detached parts of sea cucumbers don’t seem to die.

Play

Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast? Monday, June 15, 2026

A wildlife conservationist discusses an ambitious and controversial plan to reintroduce mountain lions in New England.

Play

Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew Friday, June 12, 2026

The Blue Origin rocket explosion is forcing NASA to reconsider its Artemis timeline. Plus, who’s on the Artemis III crew?

Play

Why can I handle tequila but not rum? Thursday, June 11, 2026

Do sugary drinks really cause more intense hangovers? Is wine both bad for you and good for you? Experts take on the chemistry of happy hour.

Play

AI + turfgrass science in the most high-tech World Cup yet Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The 2026 World Cup will be infused with AI. How will it change the beautiful game? Plus, what it takes to get perfect grass into 16 stadiums.