Audio
Listen to Science Friday live on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. ET, or listen to our daily podcast
May 2, 2025
An astronomer explores the cosmos and the limits of what science can test. Plus, how the mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades. And, millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
11:51
Walking Pneumonia Is Spiking. Here’s How To Stay Safe
The respiratory illness typically affects school-age kids, but the CDC reports a rise in cases in children aged 2-4.
17:30
Chef Jack Bishop Breaks Down ‘The Science of Good Cooking’
In an interview from 2012, Jack Bishop from America’s Test Kitchen explains how science can sharpen your cooking skills.
17:12
Bacteriophages Lurk In Your Bathroom, But Don’t Worry
Researchers found hundreds of viruses that prey on bacteria on toothbrushes and showerheads. They’re unlikely to pose a threat to humans.
17:25
The Gurgling, Growling History Of The Gut
In her new book, medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut.
12:21
Seven States Passed Ballot Measures To Protect Abortion Rights
Abortion was on the ballot in 10 states, and seven of them passed constitutional amendments defending abortion rights.
16:32
Your Arm Position Can Make Blood Pressure Readings Inaccurate
Blood pressure categories are based on patients who are sitting in a certain position. But not every doctor’s office takes readings that way.
11:56
CAR-T Cell Therapies Show Promise For Autoimmune Diseases
In a Chinese study, donor CAR-T cells sent autoimmune diseases into remission. There’s hope that the therapy is scalable.
17:56
Oliver Sacks Searched The Brain For The Origins Of Music
On Science Friday’s 33rd anniversary, excerpts from a classic interview with neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks about music and the brain.
8:47
Math Enthusiast Finds The Largest Known Prime Number
This ginormous number has a whopping 41,024,320 digits, which isn’t very helpful for mathematicians but is certainly exciting for math nerds.
6:56
Measuring The Effects Of Early Life Adversity—In Marmots
Scientists used decades of yellow-bellied marmot research to find a way to measure how adverse events affect wild animals’ survival.