Science Friday

Telling the tale of human origins, one fossil tooth at a time

Sep 16, 2026 · 25:33

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

Did the fire at the Library of Alexandria set humanity back?

Sep 15, 2026 · 14:08

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

Black bears are moving into the neighborhood. How do we coexist?

Sep 14, 2026 · 18:08

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

Is a shorter course of antibiotics OK? + Genetic risk of fibromyalgia

Sep 12, 2026 · 17:58

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

Why cannabis’s health effects are so hard to study

Sep 11, 2026 · 18:28

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

Did scientists just find a dark matter particle? Maybe

Sep 10, 2026 · 12:47

The LUX-ZEPLIN detector picked up a strange signal that scientists haven’t cracked yet. Could it be a dark matter interaction?

Why physics and philosophy need each other

Sep 9, 2026 · 18:00

Physicist Carlo Rovelli urges conversations between physics and philosophy in a search for answers about the universe.

Recall rodeo: A food safety update + Why cars are catching fire

Sep 8, 2026 · 18:27

Food recalls abounded this summer, but was it unusual? Plus, why some modern cars burst into flames, even when turned off.

Is there science behind the ‘nervous system reset’?

Sep 7, 2026 · 18:04

In March 2026, we explored the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can "reset" your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.

For Jennifer Chayes, math is a 'native tongue'

Sep 4, 2026 · 30:46

Jennifer Chayes’ game-changing ideas in math and computer science helped pave the way for today’s innovations in machine learning and AI.

What an mRNA melanoma vaccine may mean for cancer treatment

Sep 3, 2026 · 11:54

Moderna and Merck say an mRNA vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence in a clinical trial. Could this usher in a new era of cancer treatment?

Why it's so hard to tell the age of a fungus

Sep 2, 2026 · 9:59

One of the world’s largest organisms is an Oregon fungus thought to be over 8,000 years old. But what does age mean to a fungus, anyway?

The power of the stories we tell about the ocean

Sep 1, 2026 · 18:10

The ocean is in trouble. But the sea has a hold on us, and the stories we tell about it are helping turn the tide.

What should astronauts do first when they reach Mars?

Aug 31, 2026 · 18:14

Our January 2026 conversation about the goals for a crewed mission to Mars. Plus, updates on NASA's mission to survey the asteroid Psyche.

AI is everywhere in healthcare now. Doctors are conflicted

Aug 28, 2026 · 18:18

Medical AI tools are transcribing patient visits, responding to doctors' questions, and analyzing scans. What are the benefits—and the risks?

How much worse was that storm because of climate change?

Aug 27, 2026 · 12:22

We know that climate change causes weather to be more extreme, more often. Attribution science tries to nail down exactly by how much.

How GPS shaped our world

Aug 26, 2026 · 18:07

How GPS transformed from a niche military technology to one we rely on every day.

The ancient Roman doctrine guiding modern environmental fights

Aug 25, 2026 · 14:54

In an effort to protect natural resources, environmentalists and tribes are using state-level public trust doctrines to fight development.

What are the mysterious ‘little red dots’ in images of space?

Aug 24, 2026 · 13:26

Little red dots appear all over images from the James Webb Space Telescope. They may belong to a new cosmic category called black hole stars.

Could we live in a dinosaur world?

Aug 22, 2026 · 5:25

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?

Do microplastics in the body affect pregnancy?

Aug 21, 2026 · 12:34

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

Making a case for physicists to join climate research

Aug 20, 2026 · 12:36

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

Creating 'world models' for robots + An AI math shakeup

Aug 19, 2026 · 17:47

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

What can moments of lucidity teach us about Alzheimer’s?

Aug 18, 2026 · 17:46

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

Colorado’s snow drought deals a major blow to recreation

Aug 17, 2026 · 11:44

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

How do you find a ‘lost’ species?

Aug 14, 2026 · 18:08

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

What we get wrong about vaccine hesitancy

Aug 13, 2026 · 12:14

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

Why this lab studies the speed of bug pee and other curiosities

Aug 12, 2026 · 18:22

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

Some primates undergo even more extreme childbirth than humans

Aug 11, 2026 · 11:49

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

Deb Haaland is a politician, and proud of it

Aug 10, 2026 · 17:21

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

Sitting all day is terrible for us. Moving a little can help

Aug 7, 2026 · 18:59

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

A Nagasaki survivor and physician recounts his life's work

Aug 6, 2026 · 18:18

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

What do people eat? Plant and animal DNA in sewage provide clues

Aug 5, 2026 · 12:32

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

3D images of galaxies will rock you (ft. Queen)

Aug 4, 2026 · 22:37

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

The evolution of an enzyme engineer who changed chemistry

Aug 3, 2026 · 30:07

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

Why is brain cancer so hard to treat?

Jul 31, 2026 · 17:41

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

How can astronaut food be better?

Jul 30, 2026 · 17:48

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

The reality of living with extreme heat in India

Jul 29, 2026 · 14:51

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

Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time

Jul 28, 2026 · 18:07

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

The Black women codebreakers of the Cold War

Jul 27, 2026 · 12:42

A new book tells the story of Black women cryptologists who deciphered Soviet telegrams intercepted during the early days of the Cold War.

Asha de Vos’ journey from deck hand to marine science leader

Jul 24, 2026 · 18:09

In a 2025 story, Asha de Vos tells how she became the first Sri Lankan to earn a PhD studying marine mammals, then built a biology program.

Why worry about my data If I have nothing to hide?

Jul 23, 2026 · 16:10

In a story from February, how companies collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.

Peering through dust clouds to the center of the galaxy

Jul 22, 2026 · 30:10

Andrea Ghez developed a way to peer through dust clouds and observe stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Why a paper about relocating coastal communities hit a nerve

Jul 21, 2026 · 12:17

In a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.

How do you piece together what life was like in Pompeii?

Jul 20, 2026 · 22:13

Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman.

Hold the lettuce: Updates on the 'explosive' cyclospora outbreak

Jul 17, 2026 · 12:21

The cyclospora outbreak causing diarrhea for thousands has been linked to shredded lettuce. What's making it so hard to pinpoint a source?

A space telescope launch + Alvin submersible check-up

Jul 17, 2026 · 17:54

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is slated for launch in August. Plus, routine maintenance for the Alvin deep-sea submersible is no joke.

How does a tick bite cause a red meat allergy?

Jul 16, 2026 · 17:58

Cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that comes from a tick bite, are climbing fast. But why does it only develop in certain people?

What will our reaction be when we discover aliens?

Jul 15, 2026 · 18:04

The sci-fi movie “Disclosure Day” predicts that our reaction to intelligent alien life will be chaotic. But what does the science say?

Beautiful botflies, luscious leeches, and the wonder of parasites

Jul 14, 2026 · 19:49

Sure, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the world of parasites.

China's booming biotech, from a brain implant to drug discovery

Jul 13, 2026 · 18:25

China's biotech industry is on a rapid rise, with the first approved brain-computer interface and massive growth in drug discovery.

Reconnecting with the night sky and reining in light pollution

Jul 10, 2026 · 17:54

Writer Craig Childs biked from the brightest sky to the darkest in our Book Club pick "The Wild Dark." Plus, the latest on light pollution.

Amid shifting politics, can we build stable global health systems?

Jul 9, 2026 · 18:06

Virologist, policymaker, diplomat: Dr. John Nkengasong discusses the current Ebola outbreak, and how public health is inherently political.

How does the gut-brain connection work?

Jul 8, 2026 · 36:46

Two experts at the forefront of untangling the gut-brain connection explain its role in IBS, Parkinson’s, and depression.

Investigating ‘flow state’ with the bassist from Phish

Jul 7, 2026 · 18:16

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

How the US patent system keeps drug prices high

Jul 6, 2026 · 12:22

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

What was science like in America 250 years ago?

Jul 3, 2026 · 29:57

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

An artificial cell eats, grows, and reproduces. Is it alive?

Jul 2, 2026 · 18:01

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

Growing lunar potatoes + Dealing with razor-sharp moon dust

Jul 1, 2026 · 17:40

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.

Even Nobel Prize winners deal with imposter syndrome

Jun 30, 2026 · 36:02

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

Squirrel poop drops Ice Age clues + The neuroscience of laughter

Jun 29, 2026 · 17:46

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

Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS

Jun 26, 2026 · 18:52

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

That chlorine smell at the pool? It’s pee

Jun 25, 2026 · 12:24

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

Under proposed rule, science funding must pass political review

Jun 24, 2026 · 12:56

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

Can you learn to love the scorpion?

Jun 23, 2026 · 18:00

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

FDA approves a well-known sunscreen ingredient—finally

Jun 22, 2026 · 12:25

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?

Why do sports announcers talk like that?

Jun 19, 2026 · 13:14

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

Swords, cannibalism, poison: inside the world of killer microbes

Jun 18, 2026 · 21:14

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

When music transports you to a different place

Jun 17, 2026 · 18:39

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

A vast whale graveyard + Zombie sea cucumbers

Jun 16, 2026 · 18:03

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

Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast?

Jun 15, 2026 · 12:39

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

Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew

Jun 12, 2026 · 12:19

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

Why can I handle tequila but not rum?

Jun 11, 2026 · 21:00

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.

AI + turfgrass science in the most high-tech World Cup yet

Jun 10, 2026 · 19:56

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.

How extreme athletes like Alex Honnold keep their cool

Jun 9, 2026 · 22:49

Everyone has stressful moments. But for some athletes, keeping calm can be the difference between life and death.

Parenting tips from the animal kingdom

Jun 8, 2026 · 21:08

How poison dart frogs deal with their kids asking for snacks, and other parenting inspiration from the animal kingdom.

Wait, is my washing machine playing Schubert?

Jun 6, 2026 · 6:04

A heartfelt apology from Science Friday to fans of the composer sadly overlooked in our segment about the music played by our appliances.

A virus hunter in Nigeria has thoughts on the Ebola outbreak

Jun 5, 2026 · 20:12

A Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa.

How did Neanderthals deal with illness and injuries?

Jun 4, 2026 · 18:03

Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up?

Looking for life in the clouds of Venus

Jun 3, 2026 · 27:11

Despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.

Meet the drug developer taking on wildlife diseases

Jun 2, 2026 · 12:20

Chemist Tim Cernak has a wild to-do list: Cure sea turtle cancer. Save frogs from fungal diseases. Take on avian flu.

Can the shingles vaccine stave off dementia?

Jun 1, 2026 · 17:38

A growing body of research suggests that some common vaccinations have benefits far beyond preventing the disease they were designed for.

Inside the Nebraska quarantine facility responding to hantavirus

May 29, 2026 · 12:13

The National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is housing 18 people exposed to hantavirus, and preparing for possible cases of Ebola exposure.

Surveying wildlife along Lewis and Clark's route, 220 years later

May 28, 2026 · 17:00

A new wildlife survey follows Lewis and Clark's route, 220 years later. And, cell and GPS data show how animals react to humans' presence.

Pope Leo's encyclical on AI, and the Vatican science advisors

May 27, 2026 · 18:31

On the release of Pope Leo’s encyclical about AI, we peek inside the Vatican academy that helps inform the pope’s scientific views.

Bizarre exoplanet clouds + Counting insects with weather radar

May 26, 2026 · 20:16

Astronomers have spotted clouds of vaporized sand on an exoplanet. And, weather radar data reveal insects in U.S. skies—100 trillion of them.

A trailblazing geneticist reflects on her life and work

May 25, 2026 · 47:13

In September 2025, Dr. Mary-Claire King discussed her groundbreaking work in genetics, from identifying cancer risk to reuniting families.

Is that spooky old house full of ghosts, or just infrasound?

May 22, 2026 · 17:47

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.

How do clinical trials work, and who can participate?

May 21, 2026 · 21:44

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

Use of herbicide linked to Parkinson's is on the rise in the US

May 20, 2026 · 12:29

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

Why does fashion repeat in 20-year cycles? Math has the answer

May 19, 2026 · 15:17

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

Earth's ancient hydrogen, and fossilized vomit

May 18, 2026 · 17:55

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

How yawning might help clear dirty fluid from the brain

May 15, 2026 · 18:11

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

The new frontier of cancer research is in space

May 14, 2026 · 17:28

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.

Who's composing music for my washing machine?

May 13, 2026 · 17:37

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

How El Niño shapes the world’s weather trends

May 12, 2026 · 12:19

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

Planning your photo ops for a trip around the moon

May 11, 2026 · 18:15

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.

Understanding the gynecological health crisis facing Black women

May 8, 2026 · 17:54

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

Data about your body is up for sale. Who's buying it?

May 7, 2026 · 11:53

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?

Sci-fi thriller combines aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture

May 6, 2026 · 17:56

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