Brain fun for curious people.
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.
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
Plants called “hyperaccumulators” have evolved to absorb high levels of metals. Scientists want to harness them for greener metal mining.... more
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted... more
The COVID vaccines proved that RNA could be extremely powerful. A new book explores even more medical applications for the... more
Boeing’s Starliner successfully launched and docked at the ISS, SpaceX’s Starship rocket launched and returned. Also, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo brings... more
Scientists are studying birds’ unique vocal organ, the syrinx, to better understand its evolutionary history. Also, the eerie calls of... more
Indigenous data sovereignty is the idea that Indigenous Peoples should decide how to collect, own, and use their own data.
Science journalist Zoë Schlanger discusses plants’ ability to communicate, store memories, and more in her new book, “The Light Eaters.”
A growing number of states are adopting laws that force companies to give consumers better options to repair their devices.
The much-delayed crewed test flight is back on the calendar, despite a helium leak. Also, researchers used data from the... more
Metabolic markers could eventually result in a test for “biological age,” which considers how things other than time age the... more
After decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor.
A van outfitted as a mobile laboratory helps scientists study how legal cannabis products affect users—without breaking the law.
For the first time, scientists have recorded how salps form chains and swim in corkscrews to reach the ocean’s surface... more
An early study found that electrical stimulation could improve hand and arm function in people with spinal cord injuries. Also,... more
Scientists are breeding wine grapes that will grow in Iowa’s climate in hopes of expanding the state’s wine industry.
Scientists have developed a way to recycle rare earth elements found in discarded electronics without using acid or harsh chemicals.
Early data from the DESI collaboration suggests that dark energy, which powers the universe’s accelerating expansion, may evolve over time.
The latest update moves the recommended age to start mammograms from 50 down to 40. How are these decisions made?
Upgrades to the power grid under a new rule could help accommodate an increasing renewable energy supply and meet data... more
Sports ecologist and author Dr. Madeline Orr discusses how climate change is affecting sports, from ski conditions to athletes’ health.
Medical researchers are working to better understand—and hopefully mute—tinnitus, a persistent “ringing in the ears.”
In her new book, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant shares how her lifelong love for the natural world led her to become... more
The Field Museum has unveiled a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, a species that may hold the key to how ancient... more
Astronomers have confirmed they found an atmosphere around an Earth-like rocky exoplanet for the first time. Also, Boeing’s Starliner craft... more
In a conversation from 2023, SciFri producer Kathleen Davis talks to journalist Christine Yu about how most participants in sports... more
The geology of Mars could provide a snapshot of what our planet was like as the crust was forming and... more
As climate change intensifies storms, Louisiana is dealing with catastrophic flooding of cemeteries. Now other states face similar problems.
The Ada Hayden Herbarium preserves hundreds of thousands of specimens, including some collected by George Washington Carver. And, as the... more