Audio
Listen to Science Friday live on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. ET, or listen to our daily podcast
June 27, 2025
In his new book, a former FDA commissioner unpacks the latest science on metabolism, weight loss, and how GLP-1 drugs actually work. Plus, the first images from the brand new Vera C. Rubin Observatory have finally been unveiled. And, researchers have observed a population of orcas that use kelp tools to scratch their backs.
17:07
Why Is The Scopes Trial Still Relevant 100 Years Later?
A century after a teacher went on trial for teaching evolution, the role of science in the classroom and in society remains in contention.
17:01
Why Don’t We Have A Vaccine For Lyme Disease?
Tick seasons are getting worse, raising concerns about the risk of Lyme disease. Dogs can get vaccinated for it. Why can’t humans?
12:12
How PFAS From A Military Base Has Sickened Nearby Residents
Newburgh, New York, is one of 10 communities involved in a CDC-led study to understand the effects of PFAS—forever chemicals—on health.
5:30
Mammoths Stampede Into Sports… As Mascots!
A hockey team and a baseball team are adopting the mammoth as their mascot. A paleontologist shares why these wooly wonders bring the spirit.
11:27
A Robot Performed Surgery All By Itself
For the first time, a robot practiced surgery on a pig cadaver—without a human controlling its every movement.
As Disasters Escalate, What’s The Future Of FEMA?
The president has said he wants to leave disaster response to the states. Plus, how much can climate change be blamed for extreme flooding?
Everything Else Is Boring
Karmella Haynes doesn’t need to fit in—in life or in work. So when a research space didn’t exist for her, she created it.
The Seafaring Life Of ‘Modern-Day Captain Nemo,’ Robert Ballard
In a story from 2022, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep sea exploration.
How Poisons Have Shaped Life On Earth
In a story from 2023, the book ‘Most Delicious Poison’ explores how common toxins have shaped life on Earth.
You Share Your Gut Microbiome With Your Friends
In this story from 2024, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members.