Brain fun for curious people.
A new book looks at the life of Marie Curie through the lens of some of the 45 women who... more
It’s not poinsettias: A medical toxicologist discusses the most common household risks to kids during the holiday season.
You asked for science book recommendations for the kids in your life. Two bookworm experts respond—and share their own favorites.
The Supreme Court hears a case centering on the FDA’s denial of applications for nicotine-based vapes containing flavored liquid seen... more
This year’s Ig Nobel Prizes include awards for studying coin flipping, the movements of a dead trout, and more.
In a conversation from 2009, the band They Might Be Giants tackles the scientific process, plasma physics, the role of... more
In a conversation from 2022, Dr. Riley Black discusses what happened after a massive asteroid hit Earth.
In a conversation from 2022, Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi discusses bioorthogonal chemistry, which could have applications in chemotherapy.
In a conversation from 2018, Alan Alda discusses how being a science communicator makes him think differently about a life-changing... more
Just in time for Thanksgiving, a potato researcher explains potato varieties, potato nutrition, and some tubular tuber facts. And, irregular,... more
Is seed oil bad for you? What’s the deal with apple cider vinegar? A nutritionist answers your questions about viral... more
Fifty-three days after Hurricane Helene, residents of Asheville can safely drink their tap water without boiling it. Why did it... more
On the anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, paleoanthropologists reflect on what she means to science, and what she taught us about... more
This was the sixth test launch of the Starship vehicle, which could eventually carry humans and cargo to the moon.... more
In an interview from 2012, Jack Bishop from America’s Test Kitchen explains how science can sharpen your cooking skills.
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
Generative AI is boosting production of fake scientific papers. How are journal publishers adjusting to this new reality?
May we interest you in a smog-infused cookie? The Center for Genomic Gastronomy is making foods that capture environmental crises.
In his latest advisory, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy adds parents’ wellbeing to his agenda of improving the nation’s mental... more
The ring would have gradually fallen to Earth as meteorites, correlating to a spike of impacts seen in the geological... more
The heaviest antimatter nucleus to date was spotted in a particle accelerator. It could provide new insights into the nature... more
Immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire answers audience questions about when to get the latest COVID shot, rapid test efficacy, and more.
In her new book, climate policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores what ideal climate solutions look like to a... more
Researchers, educators, and parents discuss smartphones in school. Plus, why research on how social media affects teens defies easy answers.
Two citizen astronauts on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission left their capsule and returned safely. Also, while Aaron James can’t see... more
Samples of 2.5 billion-year-old mantle rocks found at spreading ocean ridges could put bounds on models of how the planet... more
In a new book called “Cowpuppy,” neuroscientist and farmer Gregory Berns investigates cow intelligence.
Shark fishing is alive and well, but the fishermen who do it are increasingly prioritizing conservation. And, an unknown ant... more
Researchers are harnessing DNA’s incredible capacity for information storage by turning genetic code into binary code.
ESA officials said it was only the ninth time an asteroid was spotted before reaching Earth’s atmosphere. And, as the... more
A new study suggests that the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs may have originated from the outer parts of the... more
In her new book, Ellen Ruppel Shell covers the natural history of eels and the crime ring that has sprung... more
Rogue worlds float around in the cosmos, untethered to a specific star. They could help scientists understand the formation of... more
The seasons are arriving at different times than they used to. A psychologist weighs in on whether these shifts could... more
Several states have reported cases of the rare but serious mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis. And, the new sci-fi movie... more
In “Bite,” author Bill Schutt takes readers on a dental adventure spanning half a billion years and much of the... more
Misreporting on death certificates could lead to inaccurate mortality data, including for key statistics like maternal mortality rates.
Cady Coleman discusses her reaction to seeing Earth from orbit, the challenges of her path into space, and her new... more
Sequoia National Park is largely designated as wilderness. That complicates efforts to protect its iconic trees from worsening wildfires. Also,... more
A new study measuring microplastics in organs of the recently deceased found that about two dozen brain samples were 0.5%... more
September’s SciFri Book Club pick, “Forest Walking,” teaches readers how to use all five senses to engage with forests in... more
The space elevator has long been a part of science fiction, but some experts believe it could soon be a... more
Exposing mice to a specific frequency of light and sound decreases Alzheimer’s biomarkers and symptoms. Now it’s being tested on... more
His new book “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service” chronicles his work on health crises from HIV/AIDS to... more
Data from the Mars InSight lander points to the presence of liquid water underneath its crust. Also, some national and... more
Analyzing fossilized feces, called coprolites, is key to better understanding ancient ecosystems and dinosaur diets.
This specific type of solar cell is more efficient than what’s currently on the market. But what is it, and... more
As the climate changes, we need vegetables resilient to drought, pests, and heat. An expert explains how to breed plants... more
After a stegosaurus skeleton sold for $44.6 million, paleontologists are concerned about how selling dinosaur fossils affects research.
The Boeing capsule is having issues with its thrusters and cannot bring astronauts back to Earth, leaving NASA scrambling for... more
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.