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.
21:34
‘Countdown’ Explores the Effects of Our Overpopulated Planet
How can we sustain and balance the exploding global population?
33:31
Cracking Open Encryption Standards
How secure are the encryption systems that protect our communications?
4:15
Sifting Martian Soil and Dreaming of Future Expeditions
Recent analyses of Martian soil have found significant amounts of water.
7:33
With Government Shut Down, Science Idles
As the budgetary stalemate in Washington continues, many federally funded science projects are now on hold.
16:50
Les Paul: Inventor and Innovator
Paul was a lifelong tinkerer, building a railroad rail guitar as a teen and hearing aids in his 90s.
17:07
Food Fermentation: The Science of Sausage and Cheese
The chemistry behind sausage and cheese.
11:50
World’s Largest Neutrino Telescope Buried in Antarctic Ice
The IceCube telescope detects over 100,000 neutrinos every year.
23:32
Saving Wild Places in the ‘Anthropocene’
Do we need to rethink how we protect nature in the age of climate change?
22:49
Modern Humans Still Evolving, and Faster Than Ever
Recent evolution has given humans the ability to break down starch and digest cheese. Bon appetit!
5:31
A Chronicle of a Whale’s Life, Captured in Earwax
Researchers say earwax can provide data about pesticide exposures, hormone levels, and even stress levels of the endangered blue whale.