Science Friday
Science & Ideas
About
Ira Flatow brings you news and conversations about science.
Episodes
- Understanding the gynecological health crisis facing Black women
Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Kemi Doll joins Science Friday to discuss how systemic racism and the dismissal of Black women's pain contribute to disparities in uterine health. She explores these issues as detailed in her book, A Terrible Str…
- Data about your body is up for sale. Who's buying it?
This episode of Science Friday features privacy attorney Anne Toomey McKenna discussing the collection and sale of biometric data. The conversation covers biometric surveillance, data brokers, and how personal information is sold, includin…
- Sci-fi thriller combines aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture
Daniel H. Wilson’s novel “Hole in the Sky” is set in the Cherokee Nation and features a first contact scenario with an alien craft. Wilson discusses integrating Cherokee culture with science fiction, and how the genre can explore societal…
- Beavers could be humans' biggest ally, if we let them
This episode of Science Friday discusses beavers' role as landscape engineers, featuring insights from Emily Fairfax, a science consultant for the Pixar movie "Hoppers," and reporter Zac Ziegler, who covers a beaver-centric engineering pro…
- Searching for dark matter, deep in the Earth
Researchers are installing sensitive detectors deep in an active nickel mine in Sudbury, Ontario. They hope this location will help them detect dark matter particles as part of the SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment.
- The decades-long movement to kill FEMA
This Science Friday episode discusses the history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the movement to dismantle it. It explores how the agency has been viewed since its founding in the late 1970s.
- What cats and dogs hear + A 'smell map' of the nose
This episode of Science Friday discusses the hearing capabilities of dogs and cats with neuroaudiologist Pete Scheifele, and a new "smell map" of the nose with neurobiologist Bob Datta.
- How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
This episode discusses the difficulties of studying microplastics, especially in laboratories where plastic is common. It highlights how researchers are working to overcome these challenges to accurately measure microplastic exposure.
- What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news?
This episode discusses ibogaine, a psychedelic originating from the iboga plant, and its potential in treating opioid addiction and PTSD. It also covers the FDA approval for clinical trials involving ibogaine and its role in the growing in…
- The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
This episode of Science Friday explores the evolutionary history of birds, tracing their lineage from dinosaurs such as velociraptors to modern species. Guest paleontologist Steve Brusatte shares insights into the physiological connections…
- Your DNA is constantly mutating, and that’s a good thing
This episode of Science Friday discusses how DNA is constantly mutating. It explores the role of these mutations in immune function, aging, heart disease, and mitigating inherited diseases with science writer Roxanne Khamsi, author of "Bey…
- Maine nearly became the first state to ban data centers
Maine nearly banned data center construction after public concerns arose regarding their impact on noise, water usage, and electricity prices. This episode explores the reasons behind the proposed ban and discusses community advocacy effor…
- What urban design tells us about democracy
This episode of Science Friday examines what ancient urban design, including temples, plazas, and city layouts, can tell us about how societies were governed. It also considers if these democratic design principles are still relevant today.
- Listening for the cosmic ‘dark ages,’ from the lunar far side
This episode of Science Friday discusses the search for remnants of the universe's "dark ages" before stars formed. The LuSEE-Night mission aims to use a radio telescope on the moon's far side to detect low-frequency radio signals from thi…
- How do you describe nature? Two poets help us
This segment from Science Friday features poets Kimberly Blaeser and Jane Hirshfield. They discuss the challenge of using words to describe nature and personal experiences of the environment.
- The lucky breaks that make our Earth home
Hakeem Oluseyi, an astrophysicist and author, joins Flora Lichtman to discuss the unique conditions that allow for life on Earth. He draws from his book, "Why Do We Exist? The Nine Realms of the Universe That Make You Possible," which expl…
- How New Jersey tamped down PFAS in drinking water
This episode of Science Friday discusses New Jersey's 2018 regulations on PFAS in drinking water. Researchers found a reduction of up to 55% in regulated chemical levels in the state's drinking water since the regulations were implemented.
- How a particle accelerator illuminated 56 human organs
This Scientific Friday episode discusses a new imaging technique that uses a particle accelerator to create detailed 3D models of human organs. These models are available in a public database called the Human Organ Atlas.
- Simone Giertz’s journey from robot comedy to high-end design
Simone Giertz, known for her robot comedy, now focuses on high-end design, creating functional objects. She discusses her design philosophy and the satisfaction of physical creation in an increasingly digital world.
- When a dolphin whistles, what does it mean?
Laela Sayigh, a dolphin communication researcher, discusses her work on dolphin whistles and communication. She shares insights from her research on a pod of dolphins in Sarasota, Florida.
- Inside the lives of astronauts’ families
This Science Friday episode discusses the experiences of astronauts' families during space missions. Sociologist Tracy Scott, whose father was an Apollo commander, shares insights into the social context of the Apollo and Artemis missions.
- Green stuff, brown stuff: Secrets to a great compost pile
This episode of Science Friday discusses the secrets to a great compost pile. Compost expert Cassandra Marketos shares basic tips for backyard composting, covering topics like balancing carbon and nitrogen, and urban composting.
- Why so many studies can’t be replicated
This Scientific Friday episode explores the issue of study replicability in science. It covers findings from the SCORE project, which analyzed social science studies, and a separate study with more encouraging results regarding replication.
- How a sound designer gave an alien its voice (and 250 words)
Erik Aadahl, a sound designer, joins Flora to discuss the science of sound design. He explains how he uses his biology background to find sounds in the animal kingdom for films such as "Transformers" and "Godzilla."
- Can GLP-1 drugs treat addiction?
This Science Friday episode explores whether GLP-1 drugs, typically used for weight loss and diabetes, could be effective in treating alcohol and drug addiction. The discussion covers current research, potential risks, and new insights int…
- What a sperm whale’s birth tells us about whale culture
This Science Friday episode discusses the first filmed sperm whale birth, highlighting the communal support observed. The discussion explores whale culture and altruism within the animal kingdom, featuring insights from whale biologist Sha…
- Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market?
This episode discusses the global electric vehicle market, focusing on the competition between Chinese carmaker BYD and Tesla. It also examines how tariffs and regulations are affecting the availability of electric vehicles in the US marke…
- Can algae help pull microplastics out of our water supply?
This segment discusses new approaches to addressing microplastics, including research on using bioengineered algae to remove them from water. Guests include environmental reporter Kate Grumke and researcher Susie Dai.
- Artemis II test flight heads toward the moon
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched, sending four astronauts on a trip around the moon. This episode discusses the test flight and the future of the Artemis program, including a segment on a hypothetical scenario where Earth did not have a…
- Should Pluto be a planet again?
This episode of Science Friday discusses the debate surrounding Pluto's classification as a planet. It covers the 2006 decision by the International Astronomical Union and recent calls to reinstate Pluto's planetary status.
- How to poop better, according to a gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha discusses gut health and the importance of open conversations about bowel movements. She shares insights from her book, "You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong."
- Harnessing the superpowers of silk
This episode explores the natural properties of spider silk and its potential applications in biotechnology. It covers how spiders use silk and how engineers are developing silk-based biomedical tools such as vaccines and sensors.
- CERN finds a new particle + News alerts for the cosmos
This episode of Science Friday discusses the discovery of a new subatomic particle, Ξcc⁺, by researchers at CERN. It also covers a new alert system that flags changes in the southern night sky.
- Move over, vibe-coding. Vibe-proving is here for math
This episode of Science Friday discusses the role of AI in mathematics, featuring mathematicians Emily Riehl and Daniel Litt. They explore how AI could change mathematical discoveries and potential implications.
- Is Punch the monkey really just like us?
This Science Friday episode explores human-primate relationships, focusing on how people interpret the behavior of Punch the monkey. Primatologist Christine Webb discusses the complexities of mapping human emotions onto other primates.
- Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?
This episode of Science Friday discusses whether bird flu could still spark a pandemic. Airborne pathogens expert Seema Lakdawala provides an update on bird flu and evaluates current monitoring efforts.
- The secret powers of flowers
Biologist David George Haskell explores the ecological importance of flowers, highlighting their essential role in ecosystems and human diets. He also discusses the intricate interactions between flowers and pollinators, using orchids as a…
- Apple: trying to think different for 50 years
This episode of Science Friday discusses Apple’s 50-year history, from its founding to its current status as a global technology company. It covers the leadership of Steve Jobs and features insights into some of the company's lesser-known…
- ‘Project Hail Mary’ brings a new kind of alien to the big screen
Author Andy Weir and astrobiologist Mike Wong join host Flora Lichtman to discuss the aliens featured in the film adaptation of 'Project Hail Mary'. They talk about how these extraterrestrials differ from typical on-screen portrayals.
- Building a digital ant gallery, from the ground up
Antscan researchers used a particle accelerator to generate high-resolution 3D images of over 700 ant species. These detailed images, capturing structures down to individual muscle fibers, are intended for scientific and artistic applicati…
- The heaviness and (not) hope of climate change
Elizabeth Kolbert joins Science Friday to discuss the challenges of climate change and environmental issues. This episode is connected to the Science Friday Book Club reading of Kolbert's book, "Life on a Little-Known Planet."
- Could a ‘digital twin’ help you get better health care?
This Science Friday episode explores the concept of "digital twins" in medicine, where personal health data is used to create digital models of patients to predict treatment outcomes. The discussion includes insights from Dr. Caroline Chun…
- Who uses Farmers’ Almanacs? + Zebra finch home design
This episode of Science Friday discusses the continued relevance of Farmers’ Almanacs with astronomer Dean Regas and farmer Liz Graznak. It also features a segment with Lauren Guillette on zebra finch nest building and the impact of peer p…
- Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival
This Science Friday episode discusses the reintroduction of giant tortoises to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Conservationists released 158 young tortoises, bringing back a subspecies thought to be extinct.
- How Is AI Being Used In The Iran War?
This episode of Science Friday explores the military applications of AI, focusing on its use in the Iran War. Host Flora Lichtman and journalist Karen Hao discuss the involvement of AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI in these developme…
- Is There Science Behind The ‘Nervous System Reset’?
This episode of Science Friday explores the concept of a "nervous system reset" and the vagus nerve. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with neurosurgeon Kevin Tracey about the research behind stimulating the nervous system.
- AI Music Is On The Charts. Where Does It Go From Here?
This Science Friday episode explores the emergence of AI music on the Billboard charts. It features discussions with journalist Kristin Robinson and composer Laurie Spiegel about the impact of AI on the music industry.
- The Surprising Science Of Why Sneakers Squeak
Physicist Adel Djellouli joins host Flora Lichtman to discuss his research on the physics behind squeaking basketball shoes. His work explores surprising connections between the sound and phenomena like lightning bolts and earthquakes.
- Can ‘Suggestion-Box Science’ Make Public Health More Useful?
This episode of Science Friday features epidemiologist Erica Walker discussing how public health can be more useful to the public. She shares her perspective on community-engaged research and her pivot to an approach she calls "suggestion-…
- Fixing Society's Toughest Problems? ‘It’s On You’
This episode of Science Friday features behavioral scientist Nick Chater, coauthor of "It's on You." He discusses how the narrative of individual responsibility for large-scale problems like climate change developed and how it might be cha…