Science Friday

Science Friday and WNYC Studios

Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and other cool stuff.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 17 min
Why is brain cancer so hard to treat?
A pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments.
Thursday · 17 min
How can astronaut food be better?
As NASA plans for longer spaceflights to the moon and Mars, a better menu is important both nutritionally and psychologically.
Wednesday · 14 min
The reality of living with extreme heat in India
Extreme heat is hitting India hard. One physician is trying to understand the health impacts, and help Indians prepare for future heat waves.
Tuesday · 18 min
Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time
A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.
Monday · 12 min
The Black women codebreakers of the Cold War
A new book tells the story of Black women cryptologists who deciphered Soviet telegrams intercepted during the early days of the Cold War.
July 24 · 18 min
Asha de Vos’ journey from deck hand to marine science leader
In a 2025 story, Asha de Vos tells how she became the first Sri Lankan to earn a PhD studying marine mammals, then built a biology program.
July 23 · 16 min
Why worry about my data If I have nothing to hide?
In a story from February, how companies collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.
July 22 · 30 min
Peering through dust clouds to the center of the galaxy
Andrea Ghez developed a way to peer through dust clouds and observe stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
July 21 · 12 min
Why a paper about relocating coastal communities hit a nerve
In a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.
July 20 · 22 min
How do you piece together what life was like in Pompeii?
Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman.
July 17 · 12 min
Hold the lettuce: Updates on the 'explosive' cyclospora outbreak
The cyclospora outbreak causing diarrhea for thousands has been linked to shredded lettuce. What's making it so hard to pinpoint a source?
July 17 · 17 min
A space telescope launch + Alvin submersible check-up
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is slated for launch in August. Plus, routine maintenance for the Alvin deep-sea submersible is no joke.
July 16 · 17 min
How does a tick bite cause a red meat allergy?
Cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that comes from a tick bite, are climbing fast. But why does it only develop in certain people?
July 15 · 18 min
What will our reaction be when we discover aliens?
The sci-fi movie “Disclosure Day” predicts that our reaction to intelligent alien life will be chaotic. But what does the science say?
July 14 · 19 min
Beautiful botflies, luscious leeches, and the wonder of parasites
Sure, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the world of parasites.
July 13 · 18 min
China's booming biotech, from a brain implant to drug discovery
China's biotech industry is on a rapid rise, with the first approved brain-computer interface and massive growth in drug discovery.
July 10 · 17 min
Reconnecting with the night sky and reining in light pollution
Writer Craig Childs biked from the brightest sky to the darkest in our Book Club pick "The Wild Dark." Plus, the latest on light pollution.
July 9 · 18 min
Amid shifting politics, can we build stable global health systems?
Virologist, policymaker, diplomat: Dr. John Nkengasong discusses the current Ebola outbreak, and how public health is inherently political.
July 8 · 36 min
How does the gut-brain connection work?
Two experts at the forefront of untangling the gut-brain connection explain its role in IBS, Parkinson’s, and depression.
July 7 · 18 min
Investigating ‘flow state’ with the bassist from Phish
In a 2025 story, Phish bassist Mike Gordon explains his work with neuroscientists to explore the transcendent experience of musical flow state.

Science Friday

Why is brain cancer so hard to treat?

How can astronaut food be better?

The reality of living with extreme heat in India

Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time

The Black women codebreakers of the Cold War

Asha de Vos’ journey from deck hand to marine science leader

Why worry about my data If I have nothing to hide?

Peering through dust clouds to the center of the galaxy

Why a paper about relocating coastal communities hit a nerve

How do you piece together what life was like in Pompeii?

Hold the lettuce: Updates on the 'explosive' cyclospora outbreak

A space telescope launch + Alvin submersible check-up

How does a tick bite cause a red meat allergy?

What will our reaction be when we discover aliens?

Beautiful botflies, luscious leeches, and the wonder of parasites

China's booming biotech, from a brain implant to drug discovery

Reconnecting with the night sky and reining in light pollution

Amid shifting politics, can we build stable global health systems?

How does the gut-brain connection work?

Investigating ‘flow state’ with the bassist from Phish