On Today's Podcast
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.
Listen NowJune 26, 2026
The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe. A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. Plus, 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. And, how different types of laughter originate in the brain.
7:37
An Aborted Launch Brings Space Station Questions
On Thursday, two astronauts en route to the International Space Station had to abort their launch, making a ‘ballistic descent’ back to Earth.
4:37
Eagles And Foxes, Plants And Ants
Ecologists are using tools—from captive breeding programs to ant-sniffing dogs—to restore and protect the unique ecosystem of California’s Channel Islands.
17:29
A U.N. Report Gives A Glimpse Of A World Warmed By 1.5 Degrees Celsius
How much will half a degree save us from the worst impacts of climate change?
12:14
Mining For Clues Of The Mayan Salt Producers
Scientists uncovered clues about a Mayan salt production system off the coast of Belize. What does this reveal about their economy?
17:32
Lessons From Squirrel Monkeys
They’re big-brained chatterboxes, and they’ve even been to space.
7:10
‘You Can Never Feel My Pain’
A new podcast tells the story of rapper Prodigy and his life with sickle cell disease.
9:49
Finding Home, Magnetically
Landlocked for 60 years, these juvenile Atlantic salmon still have the tools to navigate the sea.
17:35
How Secure Are The 2018 Midterm Elections?
A look at how the voting infrastructure can be secured against malicious hacks and technological errors.
Bumblebee Barf? Yaaas Queen!
Bumblebees are one of our most important native pollinators. To learn more about them, researchers study their vomit.
The Logic Of Blame
When it comes to blame and logic, it may be more useful to understand the system rather than the individual.
The Pursuit Of ‘Pure’ Food
Nineteenth century milk sellers used formaldehyde to preserve their product. Just how far have food regulations come?
7:42
Introducing The 2018 Nobel Prize Laureates In The Sciences
This week, a handful of scientists got early morning calls with some exciting news.
12:37
The Number Of Female Nobel Laureates Grows By Two
For the first time ever, female scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics and chemistry in the same year.
11:48
Some Dung Beetles Carry Parasites On Their Genitals, And It’s Not A Bad Thing
Eating poop isn’t the worst thing these beetles have to live with.
10:10
That’s No Space Station, It’s A Moon (Maybe)
Researchers may have spotted signs of a moon orbiting a planet some 8,000 light years away.
23:59
Borax: It’s What’s For Dinner
In the early 20th century, milk could be spiked with formaldehyde and pepper could contain coconut shells or charred rope—until a government chemist called for new food safety.
24:11
Using Logic In A Maddening World
We all think we’re logical. So why do we have so many disagreements?
Science Friday Live In The Sunshine State
On Saturday November 17, we’re heading to Tampa, Florida to soak up the local science.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Alcohol’
“The cause of (and solution to) all life’s problems” is derived from Arabic. But the word ‘alcohol’ originally referred to a method of manufacturing makeup, among other things.
Shell Shocked
Study gastropod shells to understand the evolutionary trade-off between the costs and benefits of building a shell for protection in this resource from Shape of Life