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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Could we live in a dinosaur world? Saturday, August 22, 2026

If you got sucked back to dino times, you might get snacked on by a giant meat-eater. But what other dangers would you face?

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Do microplastics in the body affect pregnancy? Friday, August 21, 2026

Microplastics have been found throughout the body, including in placentas and reproductive organs. What does that mean for pregnancy?

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Making a case for physicists to join climate research Thursday, August 20, 2026

Physics and climate science use the same basic principles, but institutions often keep them separate. Morgan O’Neill is trying to change that.

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Creating 'world models' for robots + An AI math shakeup Wednesday, August 19, 2026

How do you create a model to help AI understand the physical world? Plus, the latest AI-driven advancements in math.

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What can moments of lucidity teach us about Alzheimer’s? Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Researchers are looking into what triggers lucid episodes in Alzheimer's patients, and what they tell us about caring for people with dementia.

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Colorado’s snow drought deals a major blow to recreation Monday, August 17, 2026

A record-breaking snow drought in Colorado jeopardizes skiing, fishing, and rafting. Can economies that rely on outdoor recreation adjust?

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How do you find a ‘lost’ species? Friday, August 14, 2026

A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.

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What we get wrong about vaccine hesitancy Thursday, August 13, 2026

An immunologist who's been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust.

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Why this lab studies the speed of bug pee and other curiosities Wednesday, August 12, 2026

What do the hydrodynamics of insect pee, $1 hearing aids, and squid robots have in common? A lab organized around curiosity, not disciplines.

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Some primates undergo even more extreme childbirth than humans Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Scientists have long thought extreme childbirth was unique to humans. But some other primates appear to face similar anatomical challenges.

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Deb Haaland is a politician, and proud of it Monday, August 10, 2026

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recounts her unconventional path into politics in a new book. And she tells us why lawsuits can be good.

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Sitting all day is terrible for us. Moving a little can help Friday, August 7, 2026

Modern life involves a lot of sitting and staring at screens, and that takes a toll. Can moving for 5 minutes make a difference?

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A Nagasaki survivor and physician recounts his life's work Thursday, August 6, 2026

Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 when Nagasaki was bombed. In August 2025, he spoke with Ira Flatow about a lifetime caring for fellow survivors.

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What do people eat? Plant and animal DNA in sewage provide clues Wednesday, August 5, 2026

DNA signatures of plant and animal species remain behind even after they’ve been eaten, digested, excreted, and flushed down the toilet.

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3D images of galaxies will rock you (ft. Queen) Tuesday, August 4, 2026

In a March 2026 story, Astronomer and Queen guitarist Brian May teamed up with astrophysicist Derek Ward-Thompson to bring the cosmos to 3D.

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The evolution of an enzyme engineer who changed chemistry Monday, August 3, 2026

In a March 2026 story, Frances Arnold discusses her technique of “directed evolution” that creates enzymes with unusual abilities.

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Why is brain cancer so hard to treat? Friday, July 31, 2026

A pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments.

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How can astronaut food be better? Thursday, July 30, 2026

As NASA plans for longer spaceflights to the moon and Mars, a better menu is important both nutritionally and psychologically.

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The reality of living with extreme heat in India Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Extreme heat is hitting India hard. One physician is trying to understand the health impacts, and help Indians prepare for future heat waves.

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Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time Tuesday, July 28, 2026

A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.