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.

New research suggests that polymetallic nodules found 13,000 feet deep produce “dark oxygen” by electrolyzing water. Also, at higher altitudes,... more

The European Space Agency mission aims to discover new exoplanets in habitable zones. It is scheduled for launch in late... more

Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges... more

The University of Hawaiʻi study will be the largest of its kind to investigate the health and social impacts of... more

In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.

Researchers developed the first anode-free solid-state battery that’s based on sodium, which is cheaper and more abundant than lithium.

Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.

Monogamous prairie voles may help us understand how our brains respond to love, and how they move on after heartbreak.... more

In a first, NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered pure sulfur on Mars. And, we revisit a conversation from 2015 about... more

As public figures promote raw milk, and sales increase, experts warn about the risks from pathogens like salmonella and avian... more

Researchers developed a prototype of a space suit that could replace the high-absorbency diapers that astronauts wear on space walks.... more

In her book, marine biologist Jasmin Graham writes about uplifting young scientists of color and why she pursues research outside... more

The panel raised concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.

The foot-long meteor passed through the Earth’s atmosphere near the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, it was fine. Also, the... more

It’s not just Ozempic. There are 323 ongoing drug shortages in the U.S., leaving patients scrambling for necessary medications.

Most gut microbiome research focuses on the colon. But understanding the small intestine might unlock better treatments for GI disorders.

Rising temperatures shut down some conchs’ impulse to reproduce. So scientists are ferrying them to colonies in deeper, cooler waters.

Congestion pricing increases commuting costs in cities, but it can also mean better air quality and a healthier population.

As the James Webb Space Telescope marks two years of operations, NASA unveils a new image of two galaxies interacting.... more

Gene variants inherited from Neanderthals can impact pain tolerance and nose shape in modern humans. What else could they influence?

From drought-resistant crops to making sure farmers of color thrive, here’s how experts in Iowa are looking at the future... more

At a live event in Washington, Ira talks to restoration experts about the science of preserving America’s founding documents.

In this story from 2023, we look back at 80 years of panda conservation, and how “panda diplomacy” paved the... more

Two science writers and voracious readers have compiled their summer reading recommendations, just for Science Friday fans.

In a conversation from 2014, Ira talks marinade myths, charcoal chemistry, and the elusive “smoke ring”—the science behind barbecue and... more

In “Becoming Earth,” author Ferris Jabr reexamines our relationship to Earth, and makes the case that Earth itself is alive.

The age of first menstruation trended downward from 1950 to 2005, but more so among low-income kids and kids of... more

In an effort to learn from scientific failure, The Journal of Trial Error only publishes “negative” results.

China’s Chang’e 6 return capsule landed in Mongolia, carrying samples from the far side of the moon. Also, Paris has... more

The larger Pacific striped octopus is unusually social. But it wasn’t recognized by scientists until 2015, despite one man’s efforts.... more

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired on June 10, but supporters are still fighting to expand it.

Researchers analyzed photos, videos, and audio from crowdsource platforms to identify bird species that have not been spotted in over... more

When the federal government wavered in its commitment to climate action, cities stepped up. But goals, and success, are hard... more

Researchers say the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a better indicator of heat stress. Also, cancer is the leading cause... more

Two mannequins walk into a science lab, and one’s got a big tick problem. She can teach humans how to... more

Two decades after his book “The Singularity is Near,” Kurzweil is back with more predictions about the future of AI.

Squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish use ink to confuse predators and to communicate. But there’s still a lot we don’t understand... more

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make the film more scientifically accurate to how a teenager’s mind works.

A new study used machine learning to analyze elephant vocalizations and identified “contact rumbles” that appear to function as names.... more

In her new book, science journalist Amorina Kingdon explores the astonishing variety of sound in the ocean, and how it... more