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.
Here’s What a Fire Whirl Looks Like
Firefighter Greg Sanders encountered a flaming, cobra-like swirl while doing reconnaissance work in Virginia.
A New Beginning: Science Friday Partners with PRI
We’re excited to work with PRI to expand their science and technology coverage.
Voyager: The Story JPL Tried to Kill
When trouble with Voyager turned into trouble for me.
5:35
World’s Largest Volcano Discovered on Pacific Seafloor
A 145-million-year-old volcano covers an area the size of New Mexico.
38:12
Chemistry Research Roundup
A look at highlights from this week’s American Chemical Society conference.
2:41
Stephen Hawking Looks Back
Stephen Hawking says that, were he to start from scratch, he wouldn’t focus on physics.
11:49
Are We There Yet? Voyager 1 Finally Answers ‘Yes’
Scientists announced this week that Voyager has finally reached interstellar space.
17:07
U.S. Cities Quench Growing Thirst with Saltwater
Desalination is growing in popularity, but is it sustainable enough to solve our water problems?
17:08
Food Failures: When Home Canning Goes Wrong
Jars broke? Lids buckled? Home canning expert Jessica Piper explains common preserving pitfalls.
Afloat in a French Flying Machine
The Tissandier brothers contributed to France’s reputation as the balloon capital of the world.
How Stephen Hawking Got Sucked Into Black Holes
An excerpt from “My Brief History.”
What’s the Best Way to Dispose of Pet Poop?
Prevent disease by tossing feces in the trash.
12:02
Do Your Gut Bacteria Influence Your Metabolism?
The microbes in your gut may help determine if you are thin or obese.
17:32
Life From Mars
Could Mars have been a better starting point for the origins of life on Earth?
12:48
Alzheimer’s Potential Missing Link
An existing drug has been shown to block a key protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and restore memory in mice.
3:49
SciFri Snapshot: Monty Hall
The Monty Hall Problem: using probability to win a car…or a goat.
9:24
Worldwide Researchers Flock to Penguin Meeting
The Eighth International Penguin Conference is being held this week.
20:19
Wildfires Consume Funds Flagged for Prevention
Fire historian Steve Pyne says our fire system resembles our health care system—it’s focused on emergencies and not prevention.
6:48
NASA Craft to Sniff Moondust, Test Laser Broadband
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer will suck up dust and gas above the Moon.
10:11
This Doc’s Prescription? Use This App, Twice Daily
Cardiologist Eric Topol says smartphone apps give him a better day-to-day view of patients’ health.