On Today's Podcast
A Delicious But Invasive Mushroom Could Affect Fungal Diversity
Golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Plus, the ancient origin story of the humble potato plant.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
29:44
Living With Coronavirus, Behind Bars
For months, the incarcerated population has been battling COVID-19—and the struggle to contain the disease is highlighting systemic public health issues.
Before Facing COVID-19, A California State Prison Struggled With Valley Fever
A decade ago, Avenal State Prison scrambled to contain an outbreak of a deadly fungal disease that former inmates still battle today.
Arizona Inmates And Staff “Just Trying To Survive” COVID-19
In two Arizona state prisons, understaffed correctional officers and inmates are navigating rising rates of COVID-19 infections with few resources.
A Coronavirus Outbreak Inside An Ohio Correctional Institution
At Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio, coronavirus testing revealed more than 80% of the incarcerated population was contaminated—becoming one of the country’s largest outbreaks.
Indiana Women’s Prison Forced To Sweat Out Coronavirus Lockdown
In an effort to contain coronavirus numbers, inmates are confined up to 20 hours in their cells with no air conditioning, toilets, or sinks.
Challenge: Make A Better Face Mask
Now that masks are a regular part of life, it’s time to design ones that look and feel just a little bit cooler.
Challenge: Create Something New Using Plastic Bags
Your challenge is to repurpose plastic shopping bags to create something new and useful. The sky’s the limit, whether you’re making a prom dress, area rug, a dog poncho, or a kite!
Challenge: Make Your Own Paint
Say you run out of paint, what should you do? Make paint from scratch! Learn about pigments and get experimenting in this DIY paint challenge.
Maker Challenge: Engineer With Cardboard
What can you design, engineer, or make out of cardboard? Pretty much anything. Get creative and take this all-ages open-ended challenge.
Challenge: Design A Game
A good game is fun, challenging, and social. Your challenge is to invent a new game.
Challenge: Simulate A Sneeze
Make sneeze art, and learn a bit about fluid dynamics in the process
Challenge: Build A Roller Coaster
Roller coasters are fun, fast, and are a great example of physics in action. Let’s make one.
11:16
Three Missions To Mars
The United Arab Emirates, China and the U.S. are all launching missions to Mars this month.
16:46
New Photos Show Swirling Mysteries On Sun’s Surface
Scientists say phenomena on the surface of the sun look like “campfires.”
12:11
Federal Ruling Against Common Herbicides Leaves Farmers Confused
While this is an environmental win, farmers say the ruling is yet another hurdle in an already difficult year.
17:06
Preparing For Long-term Health Effects Of COVID-19
As recovered patients return home, medical professionals are learning about lingering health effects from serious cases of COVID-19.
16:41
Why Mosquitos Are Mingling More With Humans
Mosquitoes’ taste for humans is growing and a gene that changes their sex might solve the problem.
17:27
Fewer Coronavirus Antibodies May Not Mean Less Immunity
Here’s what you should know about coronavirus and children, the latest in vaccine development, and new research into aerosols and spike mutations.
Join Us For A Week Of Making And Building!
Let’s go to (virtual) camp! Science Friday is hosting a week of free DIY maker challenges for kids, families, and caregivers on July 24 – 31. Anyone can participate!