Science Friday

Yohannes Haile-Selassie has a talent for spotting fossils, and has discovered clues to several branches of the human family tree.

Author Sam Kean explores our fascination with lost knowledge in his new book, “The Museum of Lost Things”

As black bears return to their historic ranges across the U.S., human encounters are increasing. How can bears and people live in harmony?

Shorter courses of antibiotics may reduce antimicrobial resistance. Plus, a new study finds a group of genes associated with fibromyalgia.

Cannabis seems to be everywhere, in many forms. We're learning more about its effect on teenage brains and its usefulness as a therapeutic.

The LUX-ZEPLIN detector picked up a strange signal that scientists haven’t cracked yet. Could it be a dark matter interaction?

Physicist Carlo Rovelli urges conversations between physics and philosophy in a search for answers about the universe.

Food recalls abounded this summer, but was it unusual? Plus, why some modern cars burst into flames, even when turned off.

In March 2026, we explored the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can "reset" your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.

Jennifer Chayes’ game-changing ideas in math and computer science helped pave the way for today’s innovations in machine learning and AI.

Moderna and Merck say an mRNA vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence in a clinical trial. Could this usher in a new era of cancer treatment?

One of the world’s largest organisms is an Oregon fungus thought to be over 8,000 years old. But what does age mean to a fungus, anyway?

The ocean is in trouble. But the sea has a hold on us, and the stories we tell about it are helping turn the tide.

Our January 2026 conversation about the goals for a crewed mission to Mars. Plus, updates on NASA's mission to survey the asteroid Psyche.

Medical AI tools are transcribing patient visits, responding to doctors' questions, and analyzing scans. What are the benefits—and the risks?

We know that climate change causes weather to be more extreme, more often. Attribution science tries to nail down exactly by how much.

How GPS transformed from a niche military technology to one we rely on every day.

In an effort to protect natural resources, environmentalists and tribes are using state-level public trust doctrines to fight development.

Little red dots appear all over images from the James Webb Space Telescope. They may belong to a new cosmic category called black hole stars.

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?

Microplastics have been found throughout the body, including in placentas and reproductive organs. What does that mean for pregnancy?

Physics and climate science use the same basic principles, but institutions often keep them separate. Morgan O’Neill is trying to change that.

How do you create a model to help AI understand the physical world? Plus, the latest AI-driven advancements in math.

Researchers are looking into what triggers lucid episodes in Alzheimer's patients, and what they tell us about caring for people with dementia.

A record-breaking snow drought in Colorado jeopardizes skiing, fishing, and rafting. Can economies that rely on outdoor recreation adjust?

A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.

An immunologist who's been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust.

What do the hydrodynamics of insect pee, $1 hearing aids, and squid robots have in common? A lab organized around curiosity, not disciplines.

Scientists have long thought extreme childbirth was unique to humans. But some other primates appear to face similar anatomical challenges.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recounts her unconventional path into politics in a new book. And she tells us why lawsuits can be good.

Modern life involves a lot of sitting and staring at screens, and that takes a toll. Can moving for 5 minutes make a difference?

Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 when Nagasaki was bombed. In August 2025, he spoke with Ira Flatow about a lifetime caring for fellow survivors.

DNA signatures of plant and animal species remain behind even after they’ve been eaten, digested, excreted, and flushed down the toilet.

In a March 2026 story, Astronomer and Queen guitarist Brian May teamed up with astrophysicist Derek Ward-Thompson to bring the cosmos to 3D.

In a March 2026 story, Frances Arnold discusses her technique of “directed evolution” that creates enzymes with unusual abilities.

A pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments.

As NASA plans for longer spaceflights to the moon and Mars, a better menu is important both nutritionally and psychologically.

Extreme heat is hitting India hard. One physician is trying to understand the health impacts, and help Indians prepare for future heat waves.

A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.

A new book tells the story of Black women cryptologists who deciphered Soviet telegrams intercepted during the early days of the Cold War.

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.

In a story from February, how companies collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.

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.

In a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.

Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman.

The cyclospora outbreak causing diarrhea for thousands has been linked to shredded lettuce. What's making it so hard to pinpoint a source?

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is slated for launch in August. Plus, routine maintenance for the Alvin deep-sea submersible is no joke.

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?

The sci-fi movie “Disclosure Day” predicts that our reaction to intelligent alien life will be chaotic. But what does the science say?

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.

China's biotech industry is on a rapid rise, with the first approved brain-computer interface and massive growth in drug discovery.

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.

Virologist, policymaker, diplomat: Dr. John Nkengasong discusses the current Ebola outbreak, and how public health is inherently political.

Two experts at the forefront of untangling the gut-brain connection explain its role in IBS, Parkinson’s, and depression.

In a 2025 story, Phish bassist Mike Gordon explains his work with neuroscientists to explore the transcendent experience of musical flow state.

Pharmaceutical companies can use overlapping patents to extend their exclusive rights to a drug, delaying production of cheaper generic forms.

Sure, the American colonies had Benjamin Franklin and his kite. But many other natural philosophers were thinking big thoughts about the world.

Researchers have engineered an artificial cell, hoping to build a customizable chassis for chemical production.

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.

In a story from 2025, neuroscientist Ardem Patapoutian discusses immigrating to the U.S., finding belonging, and pioneering touch research.

Ancient squirrel poop provides a snapshot of life during the last ice age. And, how different types of laughter originate in the brain.

A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. And a new treatment for a rare form of ALS slows and improves some patients' symptoms.

The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe.

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed rule changes to insert a political review step into the scientific grantmaking process.

Fossils suggest there were ancient scorpions over 3 feet long. Terrifying? Perhaps, but there’s a lot to love about these arachnids.

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?

A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech and rising pitch to the world-famous goal roar.

Some microbe species have evolved to stab, bomb, cannibalize, or poison each other. Can we harness their weapons for good?

Musical daydreams are a phenomenon shared across humankind—what do they tell us about our brains?

A massive "whale graveyard" contains whale remains dating back 5 million years. Plus, some detached parts of sea cucumbers don’t seem to die.

A wildlife conservationist discusses an ambitious and controversial plan to reintroduce mountain lions in New England.

The Blue Origin rocket explosion is forcing NASA to reconsider its Artemis timeline. Plus, who’s on the Artemis III crew?

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.

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.

Everyone has stressful moments. But for some athletes, keeping calm can be the difference between life and death.

How poison dart frogs deal with their kids asking for snacks, and other parenting inspiration from the animal kingdom.

A heartfelt apology from Science Friday to fans of the composer sadly overlooked in our segment about the music played by our appliances.

A Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa.

Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up?

Despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.

Chemist Tim Cernak has a wild to-do list: Cure sea turtle cancer. Save frogs from fungal diseases. Take on avian flu.

A growing body of research suggests that some common vaccinations have benefits far beyond preventing the disease they were designed for.

The National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is housing 18 people exposed to hantavirus, and preparing for possible cases of Ebola exposure.

A new wildlife survey follows Lewis and Clark's route, 220 years later. And, cell and GPS data show how animals react to humans' presence.

On the release of Pope Leo’s encyclical about AI, we peek inside the Vatican academy that helps inform the pope’s scientific views.

Astronomers have spotted clouds of vaporized sand on an exoplanet. And, weather radar data reveal insects in U.S. skies—100 trillion of them.

In September 2025, Dr. Mary-Claire King discussed her groundbreaking work in genetics, from identifying cancer risk to reuniting families.

Low-frequency noises that humans can feel, but not hear, may be behind the spooky feeling of old houses—and serve as a warning to animals.

A bioethicist walks us through the complexity of clinical trials, from their core scientific questions to patient selection to FDA approval.

A processing plant in Mississippi is leaking massive amounts of Paraquat into the air. Its biological link to Parkinson's is becoming clear.

A mathematician analyzed 150 years of women’s fashion to understand 20-year trend cycles, and how “optimal distinctiveness” drives change.

A new simulation shows large amounts of hydrogen in our planet’s core. And, what scientists found in 290-million-year-old vomit.

Research shows yawning might help clear waste from our brains. Plus, breaking down a CDC report on how little sleep Americans are getting.

In the microgravity of space, tumors can triple in size in just 10 days. That could be a boon for cancer research, and a risk for astronauts.

Why are appliances playing elaborate tunes, and where do they come from? Two sonic designers explain how they compose for your vacuum.

The cycle of El Niño and La Niña is a powerful shaper of weather trends worldwide. What could a "super" El Niño bring?

The Artemis II crew took photos of the far side of the moon with handheld cameras. A science team on Earth had plenty of requests.

Black women face systemic issues accessing gynecological care. A physician-scientist outlines her vision to improve healthcare disparities.

Your personal biometric data—from your face, to your gait, to your weight—is constantly being collected and sold. Who’s buying it, and why?