Science Friday
Science & Ideas
About
Science Friday, as heard on PRI, is a weekly discussion of the latest news in science, technology, health, and the environment hosted by Ira Flatow. Ira interviews scientists, authors, and policymakers, and listeners can call in and ask questions as well.
Episodes
- 1297: Planning your photo ops for a trip around the moon
Lunar scientist Kelsey Young explains how the Artemis II science team selected photo opportunities for the mission's trip to the far side of the moon and how they guided astronauts in their observations.
- 1296: Understanding the gynecological health crisis facing Black women
Dr. Kemi Doll discusses the disparities in gynecologic health care for Black women, including higher uterine cancer mortality rates. She explores how systemic issues affect diagnoses and discusses her new book, "A Terrible Strength."
- 1295: Data about your body is up for sale. Who's buying it?
This episode of Science Friday features privacy attorney Anne Toomey McKenna discussing biometric surveillance, data brokers, and the sale of personal information to entities including law enforcement.
- 1294: Sci-fi thriller combines aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture
Author Daniel H. Wilson discusses his book "Hole in the Sky." The sci-fi thriller combines elements of aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture and is set in the Cherokee Nation.
- 1293: Beavers could be humans' biggest ally, if we let them
This episode explores the beneficial relationship between beavers and humans, highlighting their landscape engineering capabilities. It features insights from Emily Fairfax, a science consultant for the movie "Hoppers," and discusses a bea…
- 1292: Searching for dark matter, deep in the Earth
This episode discusses the SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment, an effort to detect dark matter using sensitive detectors located deep underground in a nickel mine. The experiment aims to minimize interference from ordinary radiation and cosmic ra…
- 1291: The decades-long movement to kill FEMA
This episode of Science Friday explores the history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with Micah Loewinger, co-host of "On The Media." It discusses the movement to delegitimize FEMA since its founding and the differing view…
- 1290: What cats and dogs hear + A 'smell map' of the nose
Neuroaudiologist Pete Scheifele explains the hearing abilities of cats and dogs. Neurobiologist Bob Datta discusses a new "smell map" of the nose, developed using a mouse model.
- 1289: How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
This episode of Science Friday explores the challenges of studying microplastics, particularly the issue of contamination from plastic lab materials. It features a discussion with Dr. Cassandra Rauert, who designed a lab made of stainless…
- 1288: What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news?
Science Friday discusses ibogaine, a psychedelic with potential for treating opioid addiction and PTSD. The episode covers its history, its role in psychedelic therapy research, and the challenges it faces in becoming a mainstream treatmen…
- 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 like velociraptors to contemporary species. Paleontologist Steve Brusatte joins Ira Flatow to discuss the connections between d…
- 1286: Your DNA is constantly mutating, and that’s a good thing
This episode of Science Friday discusses genetic mutations, their presence in the human body, and their significance in understanding immune function, aging, and disease. Science writer Roxanne Khamsi is featured to discuss her book on the…
- 1286: Maine nearly became the first state to ban data centers
Maine nearly implemented an 18-month ban on data center construction. The episode discusses community advocacy regarding data centers.
- 1285: What urban design tells us about democracy
This episode explores what urban design in ancient societies, such as the Greeks, Maya, and Khmer Empire, can tell us about how a place was governed. It also examines how the role of public spaces in democracies has changed over time.
- 1284: Listening for the cosmic ‘dark ages,’ from the lunar far side
This episode discusses the concept of the universe's "dark ages," a period before stars formed, and the challenges of detecting remnants of this era. It explores the LuSEE-Night mission, which aims to place a radio telescope on the lunar f…
- 1284: How do you describe nature? Two poets help us
On Science Friday, host Flora Lichtman discusses how to describe nature with poets Jane Hirshfield and Kimberly Blaeser. They explore translating experiences in nature into words, referencing listener-shared favorite places.
- 1283: The lucky breaks that make our Earth home
Astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi joins host Flora Lichtman to discuss the conditions necessary for life on Earth, as detailed in his book “Why Do We Exist? The Nine Realms of the Universe That Make You Possible.” He explores topics from star…
- 1282: How New Jersey tamped down PFAS in drinking water
New Jersey was the first state to adopt its own drinking water standards for PFAS. Researchers at Rutgers University studied the impact of these regulations and found that levels of the regulated chemicals dropped by as much as 55%.
- How a particle accelerator illuminated 56 human organs
This Science Friday episode explores a new imaging technique that uses a particle accelerator to provide detailed views of human organs. These 3D models are part of the Human Organ Atlas, a public database for researchers and the medically…
- 1281: Simone Giertz’s journey from robot comedy to high-end design
Simone Giertz, an inventor and YouTube creator, discusses her transition from creating comedic robots to designing high-quality objects. She shares insights into her creative process and the satisfaction of making tangible items in a digit…
- 1280: When a dolphin whistles, what does it mean?
Dolphin communication researcher Dr. Laela Sayigh discusses dolphin whistles and how they change depending on context. She also talks about the process of decoding new types of dolphin whistles.
- 1279: Inside the lives of astronauts’ families
Science Friday discusses the lives of astronauts' families. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with Dr. Tracy Scott, a sociologist specializing in the social context of the Apollo and Artemis missions and the families of astronauts.
- 1278: Green stuff, brown stuff: Secrets to a great compost pile
Cassandra Marketos discusses composting with Ira Flatow, covering topics such as balancing carbon and nitrogen, and providing practical composting tips. The conversation includes advice for urban gardeners.
- 1275: Why so many studies can’t be replicated
This episode of Science Friday explores the replicability of scientific studies. It discusses findings from projects like SCORE, which analyzed social science papers, and other replication studies in economics, education, and psychology.
- 1274: How a sound designer gave an alien its voice (and 250 words)
Sound designer Erik Aadahl discusses his work, including giving the alien Rocky its voice in "Project Hail Mary." He also talks about how he uses his background in biology to find sounds in the animal kingdom.
- 1277: Can GLP-1 drugs treat addiction?
This Science Friday episode explores the potential of GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, in treating addiction. Hosts discuss research into how these drugs, primarily known for diabetes and weight management, could impact cravings for alcohol and…
- 1276: What a sperm whale’s birth tells us about whale culture
Scientists have documented the first footage of a sperm whale birth, observing many other sperm whales assisting in the delivery. This event offers new insights into whale culture, including their social structures and altruistic behaviors.
- 1273: Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market?
This episode of Science Friday discusses the global electric vehicle market, focusing on Chinese carmaker BYD and its impact on the US market. Guest Kyle Chan explores how US tariffs and regulations affect the availability of EVs.
- 1272: Can algae help pull microplastics out of our water supply?
This episode discusses research into using bioengineered algae to remove microplastics from water. It features environmental reporter Kate Grumke and researcher Susie Dai.
- 1271: Artemis II test flight heads toward the moon
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched a 10-day trip with four astronauts around the moon. Space reporter Brendan Byrne discusses the launch and the Artemis program, and moon book author Rebecca Boyle addresses a listener question about Earth…
- 1270: Should Pluto be a planet again?
This episode of Science Friday discusses the debate surrounding Pluto's status as a planet. Host Ira Flatow talks with planetary scientists Amanda Bosh and Alan Stern about the history and future of this astronomical discussion.
- 1269: How to poop better, according to a gastroenterologist
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist, joins host Flora Lichtman to discuss gut health and her book "You've Been Pooping All Wrong." They talk about the stigma surrounding gut issues and share crucial information about bowel movements.
- 1268: Harnessing the superpowers of silk
This episode explores the properties of spider silk and its potential applications. It features discussions with Cheryl Hayashi about spider silk and Fiorenzo Omenetto on using silk in biomedical tools.
- 1267: CERN finds a new particle + News alerts for the cosmos
Scientists at CERN have discovered a new subatomic particle. This episode explores the new particle and a new alert system for the southern night sky.
- 1266: Move over, vibe-coding. Vibe-proving is here for math
This Science Friday episode features mathematicians Dr. Emily Riehl and Dr. Daniel Litt, who discuss the impact of AI on mathematical discoveries. They explore how this technology could change the field and what could be lost.
- 1265: Is Punch the monkey really just like us?
This Science Friday episode explores human-primate relationships, prompted by the story of Punch the monkey and his viral videos. Primatologist Christine Webb discusses mapping human feelings onto other primates.
- 1264: Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?
This episode of Science Friday discusses the current status of bird flu and whether current monitoring efforts are sufficient to prevent a pandemic. Dr. Seema Lakdawala, co-director of the Center for Transmission of Airborne Pathogens, pro…
- 1263: The secret powers of flowers
In this episode of Science Friday, biologist David George Haskell explores the significance of flowers in ecosystems and human life. He discusses their role in biodiversity, human diets, and the intricate relationship between flowers and p…
- 1262: Apple: trying to think different for 50 years
David Pogue traces Apple Computer Company's 50-year history, from its founding to its current status as a global technology and media powerhouse. He also discusses Steve Jobs' leadership and lesser-known aspects of the company's past.
- 1261: ‘Project Hail Mary’ brings a new kind of alien to the big screen
This episode of Science Friday features author Andy Weir and astrobiologist Mike Wong discussing the film adaptation of "Project Hail Mary." They explore the movie's depiction of aliens, noting how it diverges from typical on-screen portra…
- 1260: Building a digital ant gallery, from the ground up
This Science Friday episode discusses Antscan, a project that created high-resolution 3D images of thousands of ant species. Researchers utilized a particle accelerator to generate these detailed images for scientific and artistic purposes.
- 1259: The heaviness and (not) hope of climate change
Elizabeth Kolbert joins Science Friday to discuss climate change, environmental issues, and her book, "Life on a Little-Known Planet." She shares her perspective on the challenges and complexities of addressing our planet's changing enviro…
- 1258: Could a ‘digital twin’ help you get better health care?
This Science Friday episode explores the emerging concept of "digital twins" in medicine. These digital models, created from personal health data, aim to predict treatment effectiveness, particularly in areas like cancer research, while al…
- 1257: Who uses Farmers’ Almanacs? + Zebra finch home design
This episode of Science Friday discusses the continued use and relevance of Farmers’ Almanacs with a contributor and a farmer. It also delves into the nesting habits of zebra finches, focusing on their color choices and the influence of ot…
- 1255: Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival
This episode of Science Friday discusses the reintroduction of tortoises to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Conservationists talk about the science behind returning the species to the island after being absent since the 1850s.
- 1256: How Is AI Being Used In The Iran War?
This Science Friday episode explores the deployment of AI in the Iran War. Host Flora Lichtman interviews journalist Karen Hao, author of "Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI."
- 1253: Is There Science Behind The ‘Nervous System Reset’?
This episode of Science Friday investigates the concept of "nervous system reset" and the vagus nerve. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with neurosurgeon Kevin Tracey about bioelectronic medicine and his research on the vagus nerve's regulation…
- 1252: AI Music Is On The Charts. Where Does It Go From Here?
AI-generated music has made it onto the Billboard top 100 charts. This episode explores the implications of AI in music production with journalist Kristin Robinson and music pioneer Laurie Spiegel.
- 1251: The Surprising Science Of Why Sneakers Squeak
Physicist Adel Djellouli discusses why basketball shoes squeak. He shares his research on the physics of the sound with host Flora Lichtman.
- Can ‘Suggestion-Box Science’ Make Public Health More Useful?
Erica Walker, an epidemiologist, explores how public health can be improved to better serve the public. She discusses her research and approach to making public health more useful.