Episodes

Gravitational waves, the rise of fake news, and Cassini’s mission to Saturn—the big science stories of 2016. And we talk with bubbleologists about the fizz in your champagne flute.

Apollo 13 mission commander Jim Lovell tells the story of the flight’s survival after an explosion in space. Plus, Disney animators discuss how they created the shapeshifting effects of water in the hit film “Moana.”

A deep dive on the hurdles still facing women scientists in 2016, from sexual harassment down to the grant gap. Plus, possible solutions to stem the flow of prescription pain pills contributing to the opioid epidemic.

How an astronaut’s off-duty time can lead to stunning works of art, plus U.S Chief Data Scientist DJ Patil on the future of “big data” in government.

Taxidermy brings both art and science to reanimating the dead, whether in a museum exhibit or at your kitchen table. Plus, we discuss the best science books of 2016.

Aside from writing classic tales of Peter Rabbit, author Beatrix Potter was an avid naturalist who left a large trove of scientific illustrations. Plus, laughing at, and thinking about, the Ig Nobel Awards.

Cold and flu season comes around every year, and yet it always seems to vex us. But understanding the common cold virus might help you fight it better. Plus, add a dash of science to your Thanksgiving recipes to avoid a food failure.

What you can do to alleviate the long-lasting negative impacts of a stress-filled election season, and filmmaker Werner Herzog on the stories we tell about volcanoes.

The complications of developing new male options for contraception…plus the strange world of jumping spiders, and a wheelchair designed for dancing.

Science Friday takes the show on the road to St. Louis. And Alan Alda joins Ira to talk about science communication and his latest “Flame Challenge.”