On Today's Podcast
How yawning might help clear dirty fluid from the brain
Research shows yawning might help clear waste from our brains. Plus, breaking down a CDC report on how little sleep Americans are getting.
Listen NowMay 15, 2026
In the microgravity of space, tumors can triple in size in just 10 days. That could be a boon for cancer research, and a risk for astronauts. Plus, why are appliances playing elaborate tunes, and where do they come from? And, beavers and humans tend to clash over landscape management. Pixar's “Hoppers” captures the struggle, and Oregon proves coexistence is possible.
33:39
Cities Are Turning Flood Water Into Freshwater
Climate change is predicted to have a major effect on water systems, and several cities around the world are adapting to be more resilient.
Science Friday Is Measuring ‘Degrees Of Change’—And We Need Your Help
Climate change is happening. Our new series ‘Degrees Of Change’ explores how we’re adapting to it.
Sleeping Cutie: The Hibernation Habits Of Dwarf Lemurs
Dwarf lemurs and humans share a significant gene that could influence the future of heart surgery and space travel.
7:32
It’s Alive! Sort Of.
Researchers have managed to keep cells functioning in pig brains hours after death—but the brains show no evidence of neural activity.
4:17
Do Plants And Birds Deserve Online Privacy?
Citizen science apps let people get out and explore nature. But they can also draw unwanted attention to threatened species.
11:28
What Makes A Species Human?
Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient human—but its placement on the human family tree is still up for debate.
17:15
How Is Your Data Used When You Turn In Your Census?
Census data is used to evaluate everything from redistricting to family policy leave policies.
9:56
The Little Plankton Recorder That Could
For half a century, a humble metal box has scoured the seas for plankton. Nowadays, it’s more likely to find plastic.
6:19
Painting The Brain As A Sacred Object
Artist and neurologist Greg Dunn creates neuroscience-inspired art that mimics the firing of the human brain.
33:37
The Future Of 5G
The next generation of wireless is on its way. Experts explain the science behind the new tech, plus why some are cautioning a slower rollout.
Etched From The Mind
Neuroscientist and artist Greg Dunn illuminates the intricate processes of the brain.
Searching For Sakura
Collingwood Ingram became enamored of Japan’s cherry blossoms during his honeymoon. He would devote his career to saving them.
6:19
An Attempted Moon Landing Fails In Final Minutes
Beresheet, a moon lander from Israel, crash landed on the lunar surface.
5:19
A Coral Rescue Effort—In Arizona
A project aims to use the artificial sea of Biosphere 2 as a testing ground for bringing back coral reefs affected by climate change.
21:21
After A Year in Space, Subtle But Lingering Changes
From telomeres to immune response, how astronaut Scott Kelly’s gene expression changed after a year on the ISS.
8:00
How Citizen Science Can Speed Up Alzheimer’s Research
A citizen science game uses the power of the crowd to identify stalled blood cells.
16:19
The Cherry Blossom Hunter
Collingwood “Cherry” Ingram was a British ornithologist who gave up studying birds and became obsessed with flowering cherries instead.
34:15
Plunging Into The Physics Of The First Black Hole Image
Event Horizon Telescope scientists break down the brand new image of the supermassive black hole at the center of nearby galaxy Messier 87, and explore what lies beyond in black hole science.
Where Does Black Hole Science Go After The First Picture Of One?
Researchers who worked on the Event Horizon Telescope have released the first image of a black hole’s shadow. Now what?