Brain fun for curious people.
Researchers found hundreds of viruses that prey on bacteria on toothbrushes and showerheads. They’re unlikely to pose a threat to... more
Researchers are connecting two ecological problems in the Northeast in hopes of reducing the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Also, a... more
In her new book, medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut.
Leaders from the top-polluting countries, like the US and China, aren’t showing up to the UN’s big climate conference in... more
On Science Friday’s 33rd anniversary, excerpts from a classic interview with neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks about music and... more
In a Chinese study, donor CAR-T cells sent autoimmune diseases into remission. There’s hope that the therapy is scalable. And,... more
Blood pressure categories are based on patients who are sitting in a certain position. But not every doctor’s office takes... more
Decades of research shows that expanding highways, despite its promise to reduce congestion, actually increases travel times.
Abortion was on the ballot in 10 states, and seven of them passed constitutional amendments defending abortion rights. Also, this... more
Author and naturalist Sy Montgomery discusses chicken intelligence and her experience raising a flock in New Hampshire. And, snapshots from... more
The legislation gave the U.S. some of the world’s cleanest air. But with industrial zones and climate change, it’s not... more
Running a marathon is a major physical feat. One expert answers listener questions about how it impacts the body and... more
Gender-affirming care is lifesaving treatment for many transgender people. Its availability could drastically change after the election.
Two years ago, energy companies scrambled for offshore wind contracts. At a recent auction, the demand was significantly lower. Plus,... more
Great news for the nearly-extinct monarch butterflies, which will pass through the area as they migrate back to Mexico. Also,... more
In “The Insect Epiphany,” an entomologist explores the history of insects in art, food, engineering, and more.
Abortions later in pregnancy are the most stigmatized, leading to misinformation and a hesitancy to talk openly about why people... more
Outdated and poorly maintained sewage and stormwater systems have led to chronic sewage backups in communities across the country.
Some paleontologists argue the ancient footprints found in South Korea show flight may have evolved in multiple dinosaur lineages. And,... more
Philosopher Susana Monsó unpacks the latest research into how animals like possums, chimps, and ants interpret death.
New research sheds light on changes in gray and white matter during this transformational event.
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside. And, a pair of musicians... more
Scientists suspect that beneath Europa’s icy crust is a giant ocean of liquid water. They launched a spacecraft to investigate.
Two giant pandas on loan from China have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Also, originally from Central Asia, Kernza... more
We kick off a series on health misinformation leading up to the election. Plus, tell us what health information you’d... more
Several astronomy projects are mapping vast areas of space, searching for traces of tiny quantum fluctuations in the early universe.
Scientists are looking to recruit 10,000 people over age 95 to study how their genes may contribute to longer, healthier... more
Although the kinds of risks vary by location, there is no place that’s immune to the damaging effects of climate... more
Hurricane Milton caused a major storm surge, but also a reverse one. And, Lake Michigan's surface temperature has been above... more
With the presidential election a month away, researchers explain the psychology behind holding, changing, and acting on political opinions.
A recent study concluded that people who are highly resilient to stress have specific biological signatures in their gut microbiomes.
One lab’s approach to transcranial magnetic stimulation has sent many patients with hard-to-treat depression into remission.
In his book “Is Earth Exceptional?,” Mario Livio tackles a question that has captured imaginations for centuries: Are we alone... more
The storm flooded mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, which supply the tech industry with some of the purest quartz... more
This summer, the Bureau of Land Management approved seven herbicides to fight invasive plants in the West. Also, when scientists... more
Emergency departments often handle incidents of self-inflicted injury. Equipping them better could save lives.
Emissions from anesthesia are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases from hospitals. This anesthesiologist wants to change that.... more
Climate activists Bill McKibben and Akaya Windwood say it isn’t fair to leave the climate crisis for younger generations to... more
The company is betting big on nuclear energy to meet increasing power needs of data centers and new technologies like... more
In his new book, Dr. Francis Collins explores how the pandemic increased skepticism of the scientific process and what to... more
Emissions from anesthesia are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases from hospitals. This anesthesiologist wants to change that. And, a... more