On Today's Podcast
That chlorine smell at the pool? It’s pee
The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe.
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.
Maker Challenge: Engineer With Cardboard
What can you design, engineer, or make out of cardboard? Pretty much anything. Get creative and take this all-ages open-ended challenge.
Challenge: Design A Game
A good game is fun, challenging, and social. Your challenge is to invent a new game.
Challenge: Simulate A Sneeze
Make sneeze art, and learn a bit about fluid dynamics in the process
Challenge: Build A Roller Coaster
Roller coasters are fun, fast, and are a great example of physics in action. Let’s make one.
11:16
Three Missions To Mars
The United Arab Emirates, China and the U.S. are all launching missions to Mars this month.
16:46
New Photos Show Swirling Mysteries On Sun’s Surface
Scientists say phenomena on the surface of the sun look like “campfires.”
12:11
Federal Ruling Against Common Herbicides Leaves Farmers Confused
While this is an environmental win, farmers say the ruling is yet another hurdle in an already difficult year.
17:06
Preparing For Long-term Health Effects Of COVID-19
As recovered patients return home, medical professionals are learning about lingering health effects from serious cases of COVID-19.
16:41
Why Mosquitos Are Mingling More With Humans
Mosquitoes’ taste for humans is growing and a gene that changes their sex might solve the problem.
17:27
Fewer Coronavirus Antibodies May Not Mean Less Immunity
Here’s what you should know about coronavirus and children, the latest in vaccine development, and new research into aerosols and spike mutations.
Join Us For A Week Of Making And Building!
Let’s go to (virtual) camp! Science Friday is hosting a week of free DIY maker challenges for kids, families, and caregivers on July 24 – 31. Anyone can participate!
12:05
A Coronavirus Vaccine Passes First Test Phase In The US
The National Institutes of Health completed a phase one trial on a vaccine created by the company Moderna.
17:36
How NASA’s Perseverance Rover Will Look For Life
When it lands on Mars in winter of 2021, the Perseverance rover will search an ancient river delta for signs of life.
12:12
How Do Our Brains Keep Smells Organized?
An investigation into how our brain keeps track of everything we smell.
16:57
Understanding Plant Evolution Through Art
An art historian and plant biologist find clues to botanical evolution in paintings of wheat, strawberries, and potatoes.
17:38
Rethinking A New Aid For Hearing Loss
A new generation of tech is helping change the stigma around hearing aids.
17:28
Can We Keep Coronavirus Out Of The Classroom?
With little federal guidance, the country is a patchwork of plans to open schools or keep students learning from home.
10:56
Can COVID-19 Spread Through The Air?
A dive into the debate over whether the coronavirus is airborne, plus other news from the week.
16:47
Take A Trip Through Time With Emily Graslie
The Field Museum’s Chief Curiosity Correspondent talks about her ultimate paleontology road trip across the Great Plains and the state of science communication.