Certain words are overrepresented in text written by AI language models. A study investigates why such patterns develop. Also, the... more

TB kills more than a million people each year. Dr. Mireille Kamariza has spent her career developing better detection and... more

In a new book, author John Green traces how the disease has impacted culture, geography, and even fashion over the... more

Researchers built the largest 3D map of our universe yet. What they found supports the idea that dark energy could... more

After nine months aboard the International Space Station, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally landed back on Earth.... more

The framework of Adverse Childhood Experiences started with an unexpected finding over 30 years ago. How is our approach changing?... more

Former NIH director Dr. Harold Varmus speaks out about what recent budget cuts and policy changes could mean for science.

Fungal networks in the ground ferry crucial nutrients to plants. But how do brainless organisms form complex supply chain networks?... more

Layoffs at the agency, which releases weather forecasts and monitors extreme weather, could have serious implications. Also, funds for climate... more

Mathematician Dr. Steven Strogatz breaks down the history of the math concept and brings it full circle to recent science.

A new book explores how prehistoric plants and dinosaurs co-evolved, and puts the spotlight on often overlooked flora.

An international team of researchers used drones to study narwhals and learn more about their behavior. And, a total lunar... more

A new study of butterfly populations in the US shows a 22% decline among over 500 species in just 20... more

USAID has historically funded programs focused on disease eradication, maternal and child health, and healthcare infrastructure.

Scientists aren’t always encouraged to be politically active. But recent political interference by the Trump administration has many fired up.... more

Last year, 9,000 deceased donor kidneys were discarded due to storage and time limitations. A kidney “life support” machine could... more

A journalist traveled to five continents to learn about the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually... more

A study finds that Peto’s Paradox, which states that larger animals are no more likely to get cancer than smaller... more

Changes limiting programs, grants, and even the nature of studies are already underway at the NIH, NSF, FDA, CDC, and... more

The acting head of the NIH reportedly pushed back against legal guidance to resume grant funding, leaving federal workers in... more

The bone and joint structures in mammal tails help them keep their balance. Could those benefits be adapted for robots?... more

In a small trial, nearly half of pancreatic cancer patients who received an mRNA vaccine for the disease had no... more

Flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths.... more

The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can... more

Finding the original tomb of the royal is one of the most significant developments in Egyptian archeology in recent history.... more

In a new book, Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor explores the ways grief affects the body, from the heart to the immune... more

Just like in “When Harry Met Sally”, the answer isn’t so simple for Kinda baboons, which form long-term friendships between... more

A new book explores how one biologist’s work at the North and South Poles changed the way he sees the... more

It’s the first FDA approval for a pain medication in 25 years. How does the drug work, and who is... more

A neutrino with a record-breaking level of energy was picked up by a detector in the Mediterranean Sea. Also, listener... more

In "Common Side Effects," the starring scientist finds a mushroom that can heal any ailment. But powerful people will do... more

In “Doctored,” an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments.

The Karuk Tribe in Northern California has stewarded its home using prescribed burns for millennia. Now, they’re training others on... more

Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by... more

Scientists determined that Lucy, a human ancestor from 3.2 million years ago, couldn’t have beaten modern humans in a foot... more

Researchers tagged mouse RNA with the enzyme that makes fireflies glow, in hopes of better understanding how viruses and memories... more

On the heels of some big quantum computing advances in 2024, at least one company is telling businesses to get... more

Early analysis of asteroid samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission show the residue of an icy brine, and a soup of... more

When a fire burns in an urban area, it unleashes a slurry of chemicals. Scientists are trying to understand the... more

The outbreak of H5N9 avian influenza occurred at a California duck farm in November 2024. Also, new research pinpoints 298... more

A psychologist and author of “How To Winter” explains what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest, darkest... more

An analysis of 140,000 vocalizations from 77% of bird species showed that beak size and geography play a big role... more

Research on long COVID patients who took an extended course of Paxlovid shows mixed results.

AI models are able to design molecules that don’t even exist in nature. Some have proven effective as snake antivenom.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health say the move has sent fear and confusion throughout the agency. Plus, what's... more

Publishers want to put out more papers with less editorial staff, all while charging scientists more to publish. Editors have... more

Astronomer Dean Regas gives us the lowdown on what to look for in the sky this winter, from a “planet... more

The award-winning novel explores the inner thoughts of astronauts during a single day aboard the International Space Station.

About a third of US homes are in a wildland-urban interface, a kind of high-risk area where development meets open... more

The SpaceX rocket carries lunar landers from companies based in Texas and Japan. They could arrive at the moon in... more

For years, AI companies have said that AGI is coming soon. But what does the term mean, and what is... more

Scientists investigated how the shape of the human body makes hula hooping possible—and what hips and a waist have to... more

In his final advisory, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spotlights how alcohol increases the risk of developing certain cancers.

This week, the U.S. reported its first human death from bird flu amid a rise in cases globally.

After her SciFri internship 20 years ago, Flora went on to become a beloved science journalist, video producer, and podcaster.... more

Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their... more

A “mirror organism” would have proteins and DNA shaped in a way that’s the mirror image of how they naturally... more

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is still poised to be a major driver of technological change this year.

This winter marks Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. It’s the longest-running community science project in the world.

Without climate action, the United States would only have snow cover high in the mountains by the end of the... more

In an interview from 2002, the primatologist gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps.

Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.

Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in... more

What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved. And, archaeologists make... more

To wrap up 2024, science writer Riley Black shares her favorite paleontology discoveries of the year. And, if treated properly,... more

On December 24, 2024, NASA’s probe will break its own record for closest approach to the sun—just 3.8 million miles... more

For its 10th anniversary, the science advisor for “Interstellar” discusses the film’s impact and how new information about gravitational waves... more

Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States. Also, with... more

A program trains women as tactile medical examiners to identify tumors before they show up on imaging scans. And, in... more

Scientists studied the sitting habits of more than 1,000 adults to zero in on the link between time spent sitting... more

The host of the “Hazard NJ” podcast talks about the origins of PFAS “forever chemicals” and their impact on New... more

“The Burning Earth” examines over 800 years of history to demonstrate how violence against people and the planet are one... more

The effect, known as the Hubble Tension, has been confirmed by James Webb Space Telescope observations. Also, despite near daily... more

New research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members.

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

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.