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.
16:10
The Doctor Treating Skin Of Color
Dermatologists look for problems that are literally skin deep. That can be complicated when your skin is darker.
The Beauty Of Biological Concrete
This engineer’s lab is upgrading static architecture with living and regenerating building materials.
12:01
Research For Masks That Deactivate Coronavirus Receive NSF Funding
Plus, understanding false negative results in COVID-19 tests and the sounds of elusive narwhals, captured on tape.
16:11
Using The Brain And Body To Make Music
An electronic musician turns heartbeats and brain-waves into sound.
11:58
Probing Into The Microbiome In Your Nose
A team of researchers created a profile of the nose microbiome to help create future probiotics for upper respiratory infections.
17:01
A Private Route To Orbit
SpaceX is attempting to send the first privately launched crewed flight to the space station this weekend.
16:24
Cold Climate Organisms Offer Clues To Crackless Concrete
Engineers are looking to nature for inspiration to create new forms of concrete and other sustainable building materials.
17:23
Childhood Vaccinations Drop During COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has decreased trips to the pediatrician, leaving kids vulnerable to disease.
This Biotech Artist Wants Scientists To Think About Their Creations
Artist Ani Liu challenges how we think about creating the future, using artificial intelligence and mind-controlled sperm.
How Science Friday Produces Radio, From Home
Science Friday producers share how the team has restructured a live radio show during the coronavirus pandemic.
Making Music With Brain Waves And Heartbeats
This computer engineer is developing new technologies that turn her brain and body into musical instruments.
These Pollution Disasters Pushed Environmental Policy Forward
From oil spills to burning rivers, view snapshots of some of the most catastrophic pollution events in U.S. history that inspired environmental protection efforts.
11:49
A Small COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Shows Promise
Early indicators from a small vaccine study are a positive step toward the end of the pandemic. Plus, what’s happening with locusts in East Africa, and how climate change is impacting hurricanes.
12:09
An Aggressively Glossy Bird
Cassowaries’ unique feather structure and sheen might help answer questions about dinosaurs.
11:40
Blood Clots Linked To COVID-19 Are Raising Alarm
Doctors are seeing unusual blood clotting in some patients hospitalized with the novel coronavirus.
16:42
Mapping Migration In Asia Through Ancient Genomes
Tracking 26 ancient genomes helped researchers map human migration across Asia 10,000 years ago.
33:28
Environmental Protection Apocalypse: What’s Happening to the EPA?
The Trump administration is paving the way for polluters.
COVID-19 Mortality Is Worsened By Air Pollution, New Research Finds
A Harvard research team finds that an increase of one part per billion of air pollution is linked with an 8% increase in COVID-19 mortality.
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