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

Plastics are everywhere, in packaging, clothing, and even our bodies. Could they be made less integral to manufacturing and more... more

Superfund sites contain extreme pollution. Flooding—made worse by climate change—could carry their toxic contaminants into surrounding areas.

An explosion of research is painting a clearer picture of how climate change is affecting mental health across the globe.... more

Global temperature increases are slowing, electric vehicle sales are growing, and renewable energy is now cheaper than some fossil fuels.... more

When you watch a baseball game, you’re also enjoying a spectacular display of science—from physics to biomechanics.

Some food has a larger carbon footprint when grown in urban settings than on commercial farms, while for other foods... more

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

These lesser-known nervous system cells were long thought to be the “glue” holding neurons together. They’re much more.

A long-awaited rule from the EPA limits the amounts of six PFAS chemicals allowed in public drinking water supplies. Also,... more

When an animal dies at Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo, a pathologist gathers clues about its health and death from a... more

In the ever-changing and biodiverse Chesapeake Bay, conservation and food production go hand in hand.

Satellite technology—and community outreach—can help harness trees’ cooling power for city residents.

Dr. Eric Topol discusses the promise of “opportunistic” AI, using medical scans for unintended diagnostic purposes. Also, a study in... more

A Massachusetts man who received a kidney from a genetically modified pig is recovering well. Also, on April 8, a... more

We revisit a 2020 interview with cosmologist Katie Mack about how the universe could end. Plus, remembering psychologist Daniel Kahneman.

Officials say offshore wind turbines aren’t killing North Atlantic right whales. So why do so many people think otherwise?

After a controversial Alzheimer’s medication was discontinued, a new anti-amyloid drug receives extra scrutiny from the FDA.

Particle accelerators, nanofibers, and solar physics: The science advisor for the Netflix adaptation breaks down the physics in the show.... more

We look into the engineering reasons why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it. Also,... more

In a conversation from 2019, Dr. Frans de Waal tells the story of a female chimp who didn’t produce enough... more

In a new memoir, planetary scientist Dr. Dante Lauretta takes readers behind the scenes of a mission to secure a... more

Understanding how sea lions move through water could help engineers design better underwater vehicles.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is one of 62 locations across the United States that rescue endangered species poached in the... more