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International Space Station following most recent upgrade. Credit: STS-119 Shuttle Crew, NASA.

Night Vision and DNA: Why do some animals have much better night vision than others? We'll talk about new research tracing the root of improved night vision to the architecture of the DNA inside the photoreceptor rod cells of the animals' eyes. (first broadcast Friday, April 17, 2009)

Missile Defense: Earlier this month, North Korea launched a rocket in what officials in North Korea called a satellite launch attempt, but outside observers called a test of a ballistic missile. We'll talk about research into missile defense systems, and the status of mi (first broadcast Friday, April 17, 2009)

A Community of Ancient Bacteria: We'll talk with researcher studying a community of bacteria that has been isolated from the surface for millions of years. (first broadcast Friday, April 17, 2009)

Luther Burbank and the 'Garden of Invention': Ira talks with Jane Smith, author of a new biography of plant cultivation pioneer Luther Burbank. (first broadcast Friday, April 17, 2009)

'End Days' Play: Ira talks with the playwright behind End Days, a play featuring physics, religion, young love, and Stephen Hawking. (first broadcast Friday, April 17, 2009)

Texas Schools and Evolution: In late March, the Texas State Board of Education held several days of debate over new curriculum requirements scheduled to take effect in 2010. We'll find out how the topic of evolution will be taught under the new standards. (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Obama, Congress, and Climate Change: We'll get an update on the prospects for US policy dealing with climate change. Will the government be able to make progress on climate change while the economy dominates the policy stage? (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Brown Fat: A study published this week finds that 'brown fat' - a type found in babies - is actually present in adults as well, and has impressive calorie-burning powers. (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Predicting Earthquakes: Is it possible to predict earthquakes? While one researcher says radon readings gave early clues to the recent 6.3 quake in Italy, other earthquake experts aren't so sure. (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Space Gadgets: Sure, astronaut ice cream is yummy -- but how do you sip your morning coffee in zero gravity? (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Flotsametrics: What can floating debris teach researchers about the world's oceans? We'll talk with the author of a new book about the data to be learned from observing shoes, rubber ducks, and other wayward flotsam. (first broadcast Friday, April 10, 2009)

Big Questions in Cosmology: In this hour, we'll get an update on the very small--particle physics--and the very large--cosmology--and find out how these two fields of study fit together. (first broadcast Friday, April 3, 2009)

Astrobiology and the Origins of Life: In this hour of Science Friday, a conversation on astrobiology, the origins of life...and the possibility we're not alone in the universe. (first broadcast Friday, April 3, 2009)

Ocean Priorities: Ira talks with Peter Seligmann, chairman of Conservation International, and with Philippe Cousteau Jr. about the connections between ocean policy, the environment, and the economy. (first broadcast Friday, March 27, 2009)