Science Friday

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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.

How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
What did a vulture-bone flute sound like inside a cave? How about singing inside a tomb? Researchers are bringing ancient sounds back to life.
What The Sounds Of Melting Glaciers Can Tell Us
A glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. This team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice.
How A Fringe Idea Led To Lifesaving Cancer Treatments
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor's environment instead.
Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?
When cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It's treatable, but how and why does it persist?
Don’t Let Their Name Fool You—Sea Slugs Are Awesome
Across their 10,000 species, sea slugs sport striking colors, external gills, and even the ability to regrow a body from a severed head.
As Companies Build Data Centers For AI, Communities Push Back
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes.
A Toast To Bats That Pollinate Agave, And Tracking Monarchs
How bats, agave plants, and tequila are connected. Plus, tiny trackers on monarch butterflies reveal their migration journeys.
A Startling Plan To Save Spotted Owls—From Barred Owls
To save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. Conservationists and activists are at odds.
Can A Microbe Conservation Movement Take Off?
Microbes make up about 99% of all species, but they’re not part of any global conservation plans. One group is trying to change that.
How To Tap Into The Hidden Histories Of Rocks
Geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
Fingernails And Indigestion At The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate unusual scientific research—this year including lizard pizza preferences and fingernail growth.
Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health?
In a conversation from August, two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to mental health—from boosting to straining it.
Everything You Never Knew About Squash And Pumpkins
It’s squash, pumpkin, and gourd season. In a conversation from 2023, an expert answers listener questions about these colorful fall favorites.
Where Does Plastic And Other Trash Go After We Throw It Away?
In a conversation from February, a journalist discusses the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t.
‘A Many-Headed Beast’: Telling The Story Of Cancer
Science writer and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee discusses what we get wrong about cancer, and why he leans into nuance as an author.
African Grey Parrots Are Popular—And It’s Fueling Illegal Trade
Talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival.
Attention, Trivia Nerds! It’s A Food Science Fact Feast
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia.
Can Animal Super-Agers Teach Us Their Secrets?
Some animals seem to defy the rules of aging. Understanding how they do it could help us live longer, healthier lives.
How Alphafold Has Changed Biology Research, 5 Years On
Google's tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year. How is it fitting into biological research—and where is it going?
How A Woodpecker Pecks Wood, And How Ants Crown A Queen
Is it all in the hips? Scientists break down woodpeckers' head-hammering moves. Plus, what makes one ant a queen and another a worker?

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