On Today's Podcast
Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS
A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. And a new treatment for a rare form of ALS slows and improves some patients' symptoms.
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.
12:02
A Spike In Tree Loss Puts The Amazon Rainforest At Risk
The Amazon Rainforest may soon be classified as a savanna instead of a rainforest, due to accelerating deforestation. What does that mean for the planet?
16:46
Is Chemical Sunscreen Safe? Scientists Aren’t Sure
New studies show that sunscreen ingredients can stay in your bloodstream days after you apply it.
16:27
Algae, The Mighty Slime Of The Planet
Researchers are tapping into the power of algae for everything from agriculture, alternative fuels, to making cows burp less methane.
17:31
The Planned Thirty Meter Telescope On Mauna Kea Raises Ethical Concerns
Native Hawaiian scientists support the pursuit of knowledge—but question the human cost.
Science Friday Live In San Francisco
On Saturday, November 16, Ira Flatow and Science Friday are heading to San Francisco, California.
The Rise Of South Korea’s Seaweed Farming Industry
In her book ‘Slime,’ Ruth Kassinger visits a family-run seaweed farm in South Korea to see how the crop is grown and transformed into nori.
Cocktail Chemistry Quest In New York City
On Wednesday, October 9th in NYC, we’re brewing up trouble at Littlefield with a chance to taste and learn about the science behind spirits.
Exploring Science in North Carolina, From Coast to Ghost
On September 18th, join us in Raleigh to explore the diverse, natural landscapes and impactful science happening across the state.
11:44
Ebola Outbreak Now An International ‘Public Health Emergency’
The Ebola crisis in the D.R.C. is now the second biggest outbreak on record. That, and other science stories in the news this week.
17:07
The Data That Makes You Unique
A new study suggests that anyone can be identified by just a few pieces of seemingly harmless data.
22:51
Food Failures: The Scoop On Perfecting Your Ice Cream And Frozen Desserts
Icy ice cream? Gooey gelato? Ice cream experts dish on the science behind your favorite frozen desserts.
22:57
Your Language Is Changing, Because Internet
An internet linguist explores how online communication has changed the way we write.
16:11
Into The Woods—For Birds!
Wherever you go this vacation season, there are bound to be birds. How beginner birders can find, identify, and appreciate them.
Change Up Your Homemade Ice Cream Recipe With Chemistry
Looking for dairy-free or low-sugar ice cream recipes? A chemist gives tips and substitutes to customize your favorite frozen treats.
Studying Language In The Age Of The Internet
In this excerpt from ‘Because Internet,’ Gretchen McCulloch explains why the internet age is a golden one for linguists.
The State Of Science
The State of Science is a collaboration with public radio reporters and local media, featuring local science stories of national significance.
Degrees Of Change
Understanding the challenges, but focused on the solutions, Degrees of Change was a project exploring the problem of climate change and how we as a planet are adapting to it.
11:57
Read ‘The Genius Of Birds’ With The SciFri Book Club!
Join the flock as we celebrate bird brilliance of all kinds.
12:05
Our Ancient Obsession With Capturing The Moon
For millennia, humans have been trying to see the moon, capture its craters, and imagine what it could be like up there.
17:24
Preserving—And Telling—Space History
You know the iconic stories of space flight. But new stories may still be waiting to be found in archives and museum collections.