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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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54 episodes
daily
Avg 17 min
English

Episodes 54

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August 22 · 5 min
Could we live in a dinosaur world?
If you got sucked back to dino times, you might get snacked on by a giant meat-eater. But what other dangers would you face?
#1373
August 21 · 12 min
Do microplastics in the body affect pregnancy?
Microplastics have been found throughout the body, including in placentas and reproductive organs. What does that mean for pregnancy?
#1372
August 20 · 12 min
Making a case for physicists to join climate research
Physics and climate science use the same basic principles, but institutions often keep them separate. Morgan O’Neill is trying to change that.
#1371
August 19 · 17 min
Creating 'world models' for robots + An AI math shakeup
How do you create a model to help AI understand the physical world? Plus, the latest AI-driven advancements in math.
#1370
August 18 · 17 min
What can moments of lucidity teach us about Alzheimer’s?
Researchers are looking into what triggers lucid episodes in Alzheimer's patients, and what they tell us about caring for people with dementia.
#1369
August 17 · 11 min
Colorado’s snow drought deals a major blow to recreation
A record-breaking snow drought in Colorado jeopardizes skiing, fishing, and rafting. Can economies that rely on outdoor recreation adjust?
#1368
August 14 · 18 min
How do you find a ‘lost’ species?
A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
#1367
August 13 · 12 min
What we get wrong about vaccine hesitancy
An immunologist who's been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust.
#1366
August 12 · 18 min
Why this lab studies the speed of bug pee and other curiosities
What do the hydrodynamics of insect pee, $1 hearing aids, and squid robots have in common? A lab organized around curiosity, not disciplines.
#1365
August 11 · 11 min
Some primates undergo even more extreme childbirth than humans
Scientists have long thought extreme childbirth was unique to humans. But some other primates appear to face similar anatomical challenges.
#1364
August 10 · 17 min
Deb Haaland is a politician, and proud of it
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recounts her unconventional path into politics in a new book. And she tells us why lawsuits can be good.
#1363
August 7 · 18 min
Sitting all day is terrible for us. Moving a little can help
Modern life involves a lot of sitting and staring at screens, and that takes a toll. Can moving for 5 minutes make a difference?
#1362
August 6 · 18 min
A Nagasaki survivor and physician recounts his life's work
Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 when Nagasaki was bombed. In August 2025, he spoke with Ira Flatow about a lifetime caring for fellow survivors.
#1361
August 5 · 12 min
What do people eat? Plant and animal DNA in sewage provide clues
DNA signatures of plant and animal species remain behind even after they’ve been eaten, digested, excreted, and flushed down the toilet.
#1360
August 4 · 22 min
3D images of galaxies will rock you (ft. Queen)
In a March 2026 story, Astronomer and Queen guitarist Brian May teamed up with astrophysicist Derek Ward-Thompson to bring the cosmos to 3D.
#1359
August 3 · 30 min
The evolution of an enzyme engineer who changed chemistry
In a March 2026 story, Frances Arnold discusses her technique of “directed evolution” that creates enzymes with unusual abilities.
#1358
July 31 · 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.
#1357
July 30 · 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.
#1356
July 29 · 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.
#1355
July 28 · 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.

Showing 21–40 of 54 episodes