On Today's Podcast
How Alphafold Has Changed Biology Research, 5 Years On
Google's tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year. How is it fitting into biological research—and where is it going?
Listen NowNovember 14, 2025
Neuroscientists are manipulating memories in mice in an effort to develop treatments for brain disorders. Plus, picking through a dozen vulture nests, scientists discovered hundreds of artifacts, including a sandal that could be more than 700 years old. And, Nobel prize winner Ardem Patapoutian tells the story of how he immigrated to the US, found belonging in science, and did groundbreaking work on sense of touch.
22:14
Sherry Turkle: Reclaiming Conversation
In her new book, “Reclaiming Conversation,” Sherry Turkle discusses the power of face-to-face conversation in a time of “always on” technological connection.
12:05
Where ‘Postnatural’ Organisms Find a Home
At Pittsburgh’s Center for PostNatural History, modified organisms are the star attraction.
4850 Feet Below: The Hunt for Dark Matter
Deep in an abandoned gold mine in rural South Dakota, a team of physicists hunt for rare and elusive quarry: dark matter.
Looking at Light for Signs of Dark Matter
This honeycomb-like array is helping scientists on their search for dark matter.
Science Goes To The Movies
Science has been part of the silver screen since its inception. Ready to learn how? Better grab your popcorn.
12:01
Paxil Reanalysis, Mouse Drug Avatars, and Pricey Patties
Amy Nordrum of the “International Business TImes” joins us for a roundup of her top science stories this week.
24:09
From Dothraki To Valyrian: Building The Languages Of Game Of Thrones
Language creator David J. Peterson explains how he constructed Dothraki and the Valyrian languages for the TV series “Game of Thrones.”
9:11
Concern for Climate Change Is Great Among Latinos
Climate change researcher Nicole Hernandez Hammer talks about the effects of climate change on Florida’s Latino communities.
12:08
On Mars, Signs of a Wetter World
Planetary scientist James Wray describes the evidence for present-day liquid water on Mars.
25:14
Science Goes To The Movies: The Martian
An astronaut and a NASA engineer weigh in on “The Martian,” on this edition of Science Friday’s “Science Goes to the Movies.”
9:14
Plants in Space!
This week on The Macroscope, plant biologists send a lowly weed to the International Space Station to study its growth in zero gravity.
Princess Leia and the Conundrum of Language Translation
An excerpt from “The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, The Words Behind World-Building.”
10 Questions for Dava Newman
The new NASA deputy administrator chats about her influences and the space agency’s big plans for Mars.
Plants in Space!
For humans to travel to the Moon and Mars, they’ll need a companion – a lowly weed known as crackwort.
11:39
Virus Fishing, Mantis Shrimp Boxing, and Carbon Cutting Bryozoans
Mantis shrimps pack a punch, and bryozoans might be an effective carbon sink in Antarctic waters.
23:28
Is Sneaker Innovation Changing How We Move?
From pouring rubber in a waffle iron to incorporating titanium, sneaker innovation is constantly changing—but how does it affect our performance?
10:00
A Is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie
Over 83 detective books, Agatha Christie killed hundreds of characters using poison, with great scientific accuracy.
12:14
Why ‘Generic’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Cheap’
Two experts on the drug industry talk about price spikes, FDA backlogs, and why some generic meds can cost nearly as much as brand-name pills.
17:15
Will Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Electric Cars Drive Us Into the Future?
The Toyota Mirai—a hydrogen fuel cell car—takes to the road this fall.
16:16
Trash Talk: Uncovering the Waste in U.S. Landfills
American landfills may be crowded with twice as much waste as previously thought, according to a new study.