On Today's Podcast
How did Neanderthals deal with illness and injuries?
Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up?
Listen NowMay 29, 2026
On the release of Pope Leo’s encyclical about AI, we peek inside the Vatican academy that helps inform his scientific views. Plus, cell and GPS data show how animals react to human presence—and weather radar data reveal 100 trillion insects in U.S. skies. And, the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is housing 18 people exposed to hantavirus, and preparing for possible cases of Ebola exposure.
Rich Diversity of Life May Be Locked In Antarctic Lake
A new study suggests that a bevy of bacteria and other life could be dwelling in Lake Vostok.
Playing the Ol’ Armonica
Benjamin Franklin invented an instrument that takes musical glasses to a whole new level.
29:05
Is Alternative Medicine Really ‘Medicine’?
In his new book, Paul Offit writes that many alternative treatments are unproven, or worse, harmful.
9:59
Building a Liver From Stem Cells
Researchers say they have created a functional human liver using induced pluripotent stem cells.
7:47
Writing Tunes to Tune In To
A behind-the-notes look at the creation of Science Friday’s new theme music.
7:51
Can White Blood Cells Spread Cancer?
Researchers say they may have found a new way that cancer spreads.
14:16
With Rising Temperatures, Infrastructure Falters
Hot weather means more than just sweaty brows and a yearning for the pool.
23:29
Benjamin Franklin’s Intellectual Revolution
Benjamin Franklin pushed innovations that set the groundwork for the political and intellectual revolution in America.
Lock Luster
The evolution of safe and vault lock technology is on view in midtown Manhattan.
Rube Goldberg Mashup
July 4th isn’t just Independence Day—it’s the anniversary of Rube Goldberg’s birthday.
Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Social Networker?
Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in founding the American Philosophical Society, which drove his goal toward improving collective, “useful knowledge.”
A Most Important Radio Station, Birds and Tornadoes, More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
12:20
Obama: U.S. Should Lead Assault on Climate Change
Without cooperation from Congress, President Obama has proposed his own plan for climate change.
28:50
Aiming For ‘Wild and Crazy’ Energy Ideas
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy backs risky ideas that may offer a huge energy payoff.
5:43
Living Large in 140 Square Feet
Chris Tack made seven unloading trips to Goodwill before moving into the tiny home he and his wife Malissa designed and built.
29:35
‘Brainwashed’ Examines the Value of Brain Scans
What, if anything, can brain scans reveal about the mind at work?
17:17
Not One, but Three ‘Goldilocks Planets’?
In a nearby solar system, astronomers say they found three planets that could support life.
Tiny Living
The nuts and bolts of designing, building and living in a 140-square-foot home.
Is Free Will Just an Illusion?
As neuroscientific research reveals the underlying causes of behavior, will we come to see our lives as predetermined?