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Outdated and poorly maintained sewage and stormwater systems have led to chronic sewage backups in communities across the country.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.

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

Science Friday is in Ames, Iowa, home to prairies, greater prairie chickens, and an array of wildlife. Also, the co-emergence... more

A study found aggression between male bonobos to be more frequent than aggression between male chimpanzees. Also, visual artist Todd... more

An array of new products monitors users’ brain waves using caps or headbands. That neural data has few privacy protections.

Researchers are trying to develop a better picture of what’s happening in the regions closest to a black hole’s event... more

For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms.

While progress has been made in replacing water pipes in Flint, Michigan, many residents say they still don’t know if... more

America’s most-consumed fruit is at risk from a fungal disease. Researchers in North Carolina are on a mission to save... more