Science Friday

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?

The sci-fi thriller “Hole in the Sky” imagines an alien first-contact scenario set in the heart of Cherokee Nation.

Beavers and humans tend to clash over landscape management. Pixar's “Hoppers” captures the struggle, and Oregon proves coexistence is possible.

The SuperCDMS-SNOLAB experiment, located deep in a nickel mine, aims to detect signs of dark matter particles passing through the Earth.

A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.

What do cats and dogs hear that we don't? Plus, what a “smell map” of the receptors in a mouse nose tells us about this sense.

Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they're everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.

A recent executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it?

Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.

Everyday DNA mutations can help us understand immune function and aging—and even mitigate harm caused by some inherited diseases.

Maine shows how public mobilization is making a difference in determining where data centers go, and how they impact local communities.

Archaeologists can use the design of ancient temples, plazas, and cities to piece together the story of how a place was governed.

The LuSEE-Night mission would place a small radio telescope on the far side of the moon to listen for signals of the cosmic "dark ages."

For Earth Day, we wanted to know how to best put our feelings about nature into words. Two poets help us out.

An astrophysicist explores all that it took for life to exist on Earth, from the formation of stars to self-organizing molecules.

In 2018, New Jersey began limiting PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Levels of the regulated chemicals have dropped as much as 55%.

The Human Organ Atlas gives an extremely detailed look at 56 human organs, scanned with the help of a particle accelerator.

Inventor Simone Giertz rose to YouTube fame with comically bad robots. Now she designs comically useful objects for our very normal problems.

Recordings from a decades-long research project in Florida are helping scientists decode the complexity of dolphin whistles.

Tracy Scott’s dad walked on the moon. Now, as a sociologist, she studies the lives and families of other Apollo-era astronauts.

As spring gardens sprout, we're digging into the basics of composting, and how to get started no matter where you are.

An analysis of thousands of social science studies found that half couldn't be replicated. What's behind this pattern, and can it be fixed?

Erik Aadahl, the sound designer behind “Project Hail Mary” and 2014’s “Godzilla,” uses his background in biology to bring characters to life.

Researchers are investigating whether GLP-1 drugs could be used to treat addiction disorders, following patient reports of reduced cravings.

Ten whales helped a mama sperm whale give birth—giving us a glimpse into whale culture and why animals help each other out.

With super-fast charging times and low prices, Chinese-made cars are a driving force in the global EV market. Is the U.S. getting left behind?

Microplastics are everywhere, including in our water. One scientist wants wastewater plants to put bioengineered algae to work for a cleanup.

The Artemis II mission has launched, and its four astronauts are en route to the moon for a lunar flyby.

NASA's administrator wants to reclassify Pluto as a planet, reigniting a 20-year controversy over its status in our solar system.

You probably shouldn’t spend time on your phone while you’re on the toilet, and other pooping tips from a gastroenterologist.

From lassoing prey to designing cutting-edge sensors, both spiders and humans are using silk in astounding ways.

New views of reality, from the discovery of a “super-heavy” subatomic particle to an alert system announcing changes from the universe.

A few years ago, ChatGPT couldn’t do simple arithmetic. Now, some experts say that AI could make mathematicians obsolete.

A young macaque at a zoo in Japan has a fan base that can’t get enough of him. Why are we so invested in the social life of one cute monkey?

As local reports of dead birds rise, the greatest human risk continues to fall on some of the most vulnerable: farm workers.

Flowers are known for their beauty, but biologist David George Haskell argues they are also critical to the diversity of life as we know it.

April 1 marks 50 years since the founding of the Apple Computer Company, and we're diving into some of the company's lesser-known stories.

Move over, Ryan Gosling: Rocky the alien is the breakout star of the big-budget movie adaptation of "Project Hail Mary."

How a particle accelerator, a robot, highspeed cameras, and 2,000 ants came together to paint a picture of biological diversity.

Elizabeth Kolbert has been writing about the environment for decades. And right now, she isn't feeling optimistic.

Scientists are working to create "digital twins" of patients that they can test treatments on, in hopes of delivering personalized health care.

Have climate change and weather apps made Farmers' Almanacs obsolete? Plus, home decorating tips from zebra finches.

With science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Plus, an ancient sea turtle stampede.

The Pentagon has given AI a powerful role in the Iran war. We dig into the DOD conflict with Anthropic, and the state of autonomous weapons.

What's the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can "reset" your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve?

AI-generated songs are breaking onto the charts, and music labels are pivoting from lawsuits to partnerships with AI startups. What comes next?

The forces that cause sneakers to squeak also create mini-earthquakes (shoe-quakes, if you will) and tiny lightning bolts.

An epidemiologist’s visit to her hometown helped her understand how to put positive community impact at the center of public health research.

How did we come to think of society's toughest problems as something for individuals to manage rather than governments to regulate?

Astronomer and Queen guitarist Brian May teams up with astrophysicist Derek Ward-Thompson to bring the cosmos to 3D.

Some money allocated for scientific research has been restored to the federal budget, but the White House OMB has been slow to release it.

Frances Arnold's game-changing technique of "directed evolution" creates enzymes with unusual capabilities. Her own evolution made it possible.

A new comedic play and a 20-year neurology study explore what we can do to prevent dementia and cognitive decline.

Genetic research could speed the restoration of the American chestnut tree. Plus, "rewilding" small spaces with fast-growing miniforests.

The endangerment finding forced the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Now, the agency says it doesn’t have the authority to do that.

An epidemiology study finds variations in one gene, APOE, play a major role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

A federal law aims to close the legal loophole that lets stores sell THC products from hemp. Why are laws around cannabis so confusing?

Despite major advances in neuroscience, there are no blood tests or scans to confirm the diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. Why not?

Autism has long been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys—but data suggest that’s not true.

The American Medical Association and Vaccine Integrity Project are partnering to create a vaccine review process independent from the CDC.

States like Utah and Colorado have had abysmal snow totals this winter. It’s not a good sign for a region struggling to maintain its water.

What’s the secret to landing a quadruple lutz, or speeding your death spiral? A figure skating researcher weighs in.

How are the first state-run psilocybin therapy programs going? Plus, psilocybin clinical trials for cancer patients dealing with anxiety.

Researchers are homing in on how kids reap long-term health benefits from getting dirty, whether cuddling furry pets or playing with friends.

An evolutionary biologist weighs in on mating and dating in the age of the apps. Is pair bonding passé? Is single the new married?

Is the capacity to imagine unique to humans? Scientists thought so—but a pretend tea party with a bonobo named Kanzi suggests otherwise.

Researchers have correlated brain and behavioral changes in kids to increased time on phones and other screen devices.

Chemists and perfumers are using new techniques to bring ancient scents back to life, from mummies to a 5,000-year-old incense burner.

In turbulent times, it helps to hear stories of resilience. What can we learn from 3.5 billion-year-old bacteria that eat light?

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, or RHIC, has ceased operation. What’s next for particle physics?

The mountaineering history behind "skimo," a new Winter Olympic event. Plus, research into a true alpine champion, the mountain goat.

It's easier than ever for companies to collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.

New USDA dietary guidelines tell us to “eat real food.” Should policymakers get highly processed foods out of our stores and school lunches?