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.
6:28
Trump Administration May Dismantle Scientific Paywalls
Scientific publishing companies, which charge as much as $40 an article, are upset about the President’s push for open access.
5:30
Rumbles On The Colorado-Utah Border Spark New Water Plan
With a water treatment facility causing earthquakes, officials are seeking new solutions for the overly-salty Dolores River.
16:03
The Charismatic Kangaroo Relative That Might Remind You Of Your Dog
The Tasmanian tiger looks like a dog, has a pouch like a kangaroo, and has stirred rumors about its death that may be exaggerated.
45:44
Following The Flock Into The New Year
Birders check in on the nuthatches, ducks, and far-flung feathered friends that are on the move this season.
17:00
Buying Time In The Climate Crisis
Why large-scale geoengineering should be part of the conversation about stopping climate change—and why changing the planet might also mean changing us.
Please Support Science Friday
See how your donations directly impact Science Friday’s programming, free educational resources, and live events.
45:56
Looking Back At The Pale Blue Dot
An archival conversation with the late astronomer Carl Sagan about our place in the universe and humanity’s need to explore.
47:37
The 2019 Science News That Made The Headlines
We discuss the biggest moments in science from the year, and recap a decade of discoveries as we head into 2020.
7:43
Congress Approves Public Health Research Funds For Gun Violence Studies
Plus, quakes on Mars, the secrets trapped in ancient chewing gum, and more in this week’s News Roundup.
4:08
Flu Versus Cold: Battle Of The Respiratory Viruses
When the flu season ramps up, researchers see a decline in colds. Are the two related?
6:29
Exploring Your Brain’s Pokémon Region
How ‘catching them all’ led one scientist to discover a Pokémon region in our brains.
22:29
Cleaning Up Earth’s Space Junkyard
Satellites and other launches have left over 100 million small particles floating in low Earth orbit.
6:35
The Secret Life Of Mistletoe (When It’s Not Christmas)
This parasitic plant grows in deserts and forests around the world and steals trees’ nutrients.
16:25
The Clock Inside
A biologist on why circadian timing matters for more than just your sleep schedule—and could represent a new frontier in medical science.
25:15
Forecasting The Technology Of Tomorrow
We take a look at emerging technologies that are just about to bubble up and transform the world.
It’s Time To Clean The Junk Up There
Earth’s low orbit is crowded—too crowded. Read how this happened, and why it’s important to clean it up.
This Is Your Brain On Pokémon
Becoming a Pokémon Master requires more than just “catching them all.” You’ll need a new, dedicated brain region, too.
Go Behind The Science Of Your Favorite Movies At A Theater Near You
We’re going to movie theaters in Portland, Princeton, and Chicago to reveal the science behind some of our favorite films!
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Contact’ In Portland, OR
On February 5th, join us at McMenamins Kennedy School Theater as we screen ‘Contact’, plus a live conversation with local experts.
The Science News That Defined The Decade
As we head into 2020, we asked you to help us roundup the biggest science news over the past 10 years.