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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1,369 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes1369

Newest first

July 6 · 12 min
How the US patent system keeps drug prices high
Pharmaceutical companies can use overlapping patents to extend their exclusive rights to a drug, delaying production of cheaper generic forms.
July 3 · 29 min
What was science like in America 250 years ago?
Sure, the American colonies had Benjamin Franklin and his kite. But many other natural philosophers were thinking big thoughts about the world.
July 2 · 18 min
An artificial cell eats, grows, and reproduces. Is it alive?
Researchers have engineered an artificial cell, hoping to build a customizable chassis for chemical production.
July 1 · 17 min
Growing lunar potatoes + Dealing with razor-sharp moon dust
As NASA prepares for long-term moon bases, scientists are working on how to grow food in lunar soil and deal with razor-sharp moon dust.
June 30 · 36 min
Even Nobel Prize winners deal with imposter syndrome
In a story from 2025, neuroscientist Ardem Patapoutian discusses immigrating to the U.S., finding belonging, and pioneering touch research.
June 29 · 17 min
Squirrel poop drops Ice Age clues + The neuroscience of laughter
Ancient squirrel poop provides a snapshot of life during the last ice age. And, how different types of laughter originate in the brain.
June 26 · 18 min
Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS
A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. And a new treatment for a rare form of ALS slows and improves some patients' symptoms.
June 25 · 12 min
That chlorine smell at the pool? It’s pee
The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe.
June 24 · 12 min
Under proposed rule, science funding must pass political review
The Office of Management and Budget has proposed rule changes to insert a political review step into the scientific grantmaking process.
June 23 · 18 min
Can you learn to love the scorpion?
Fossils suggest there were ancient scorpions over 3 feet long. Terrifying? Perhaps, but there’s a lot to love about these arachnids.
June 22 · 12 min
FDA approves a well-known sunscreen ingredient—finally
The FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 20 years—one that's long been used around the world. What took so long?
June 19 · 13 min
Why do sports announcers talk like that?
A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech and rising pitch to the world-famous goal roar.
June 18 · 21 min
Swords, cannibalism, poison: inside the world of killer microbes
Some microbe species have evolved to stab, bomb, cannibalize, or poison each other. Can we harness their weapons for good?
June 17 · 18 min
When music transports you to a different place
Musical daydreams are a phenomenon shared across humankind—what do they tell us about our brains?
June 16 · 18 min
A vast whale graveyard + Zombie sea cucumbers
A massive "whale graveyard" contains whale remains dating back 5 million years. Plus, some detached parts of sea cucumbers don’t seem to die.
June 15 · 12 min
Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast?
A wildlife conservationist discusses an ambitious and controversial plan to reintroduce mountain lions in New England.
June 12 · 12 min
Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew
The Blue Origin rocket explosion is forcing NASA to reconsider its Artemis timeline. Plus, who’s on the Artemis III crew?
June 11 · 21 min
Why can I handle tequila but not rum?
Do sugary drinks really cause more intense hangovers? Is wine both bad for you and good for you? Experts take on the chemistry of happy hour.
June 10 · 19 min
AI + turfgrass science in the most high-tech World Cup yet
The 2026 World Cup will be infused with AI. How will it change the beautiful game? Plus, what it takes to get perfect grass into 16 stadiums.
June 9 · 22 min
How extreme athletes like Alex Honnold keep their cool
Everyone has stressful moments. But for some athletes, keeping calm can be the difference between life and death.

Science Friday

How the US patent system keeps drug prices high

What was science like in America 250 years ago?

An artificial cell eats, grows, and reproduces. Is it alive?

Growing lunar potatoes + Dealing with razor-sharp moon dust

Even Nobel Prize winners deal with imposter syndrome

Squirrel poop drops Ice Age clues + The neuroscience of laughter

Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS

That chlorine smell at the pool? It’s pee

Under proposed rule, science funding must pass political review

Can you learn to love the scorpion?

FDA approves a well-known sunscreen ingredient—finally

Why do sports announcers talk like that?

Swords, cannibalism, poison: inside the world of killer microbes

When music transports you to a different place

A vast whale graveyard + Zombie sea cucumbers

Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast?

Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew

Why can I handle tequila but not rum?

AI + turfgrass science in the most high-tech World Cup yet

How extreme athletes like Alex Honnold keep their cool