On Today's Podcast
Why is brain cancer so hard to treat?
A pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments.
Listen NowJuly 31, 2026
A new book tells the story of Black women cryptologists who deciphered Soviet telegrams intercepted during the early days of the Cold War. Plus, a pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments. And, extreme heat is hitting India hard. One physician is trying to understand the health impacts, and help Indians prepare for future heat waves.
Dragonflies fly like fighter jets + Lake flies that dive like subs
What do a fighter jet and a dragonfly have in common? Plus, how lake fly larvae in Lake Malawi dive 600 feet deep without imploding.
Why is brain cancer so hard to treat?
A pioneer of cancer neuroscience explains how brain cancer develops, the role of the nervous system, and what might lead to new treatments.
Solve a cephalopod puzzle to win this escape room-style game
The chambered nautilus takes center stage in a puzzle adventure game from Science Friday and Grand Gamers Guild.
How can astronaut food be better?
As NASA plans for longer spaceflights to the moon and Mars, a better menu is important both nutritionally and psychologically.
The reality of living with extreme heat in India
Extreme heat is hitting India hard. One physician is trying to understand the health impacts, and help Indians prepare for future heat waves.
Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time
A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.
The Black women codebreakers of the Cold War
A new book tells the story of Black women cryptologists who deciphered Soviet telegrams intercepted during the early days of the Cold War.
Joining the NSA’s hidden team of Black codebreakers in 1950
In “Decoding the Devil,” a woman named Iris joins a hidden NSA unit of Black codebreakers decoding Soviet messages during the Cold War.
What do we know about SSRI antidepressant withdrawal?
We revisit a 2025 conversation with two psychiatrists about what we know, and what we don’t, about SSRI antidepressant withdrawal.
Asha de Vos’ journey from deck hand to marine science leader
In a 2025 story, Asha de Vos tells how she became the first Sri Lankan to earn a PhD studying marine mammals, then built a biology program.
Why worry about my data If I have nothing to hide?
In a story from February, how companies collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.
Peering through dust clouds to the center of the galaxy
Andrea Ghez developed a way to peer through dust clouds and observe stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
How do you piece together what life was like in Pompeii?
Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman.
Before its catastrophic end, Pompeii was full of life
In “The Lost Voices of Pompeii,” ordinary people live their lives and seek to be remembered in the turbulent years before Mt. Vesuvius erupts.
Why a paper about relocating coastal communities hit a nerve
In a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city’s future is about much more than geography.
Hold the lettuce: Updates on the ‘explosive’ cyclospora outbreak
The cyclospora outbreak causing diarrhea for thousands has been linked to shredded lettuce. What’s making it so hard to pinpoint a source?
A space telescope launch + Alvin submersible check-up
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is slated for launch in August. Plus, routine maintenance for the Alvin deep-sea submersible is no joke.
How does a tick bite cause a red meat allergy?
Cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that comes from a tick bite, are climbing fast. But why does it only develop in certain people?
What will our reaction be when we discover aliens?
The sci-fi movie “Disclosure Day” predicts that our reaction to intelligent alien life will be chaotic. But what does the science say?
Beautiful botflies, luscious leeches, and the wonder of parasites
Sure, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the wonder of parasites.