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.
The Problem With Superman, and Other Physics Conundrums
The author of “Geek Physics” answers your pop culture physics questions.
L.A.’s So Fly
A citizen science project uncovers 30 new species of scuttle fly in Los Angeles.
Convection Can Be Pretty
In this excerpt from the book Science for Parents, learn how to visualize convection using stuff you’ve probably already got in your kitchen.
Forecasting the Meltdown
NASA has developed the Airborne Snow Observatory, a program that uses specialized instrumentation to carefully measure the water content.
The Year Ahead in Science Film
This year’s SXSW Film festival highlighted our fears about emerging tech and concerns facing online and gaming communities.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
This pristine white fungus might have neuroprotective properties.
12:09
News Roundup: The Birth of the Moon, E.T. Life, and LHC Season Two
Washington Post science blogger Rachel Feltman gives us her top stories this week, and the BBC’s Jonathan Webb tells us what to expect from the revved-up particle collider.
9:46
Babies on the Brink
A series of rigorous (and adorable) experiments by Karen Adolph of NYU’s Infant Action Lab shatters the myth that babies learn to fear heights as they learn to crawl.
17:22
Undersea Cables String Together the Global Internet
Ninety-nine percent of the data zipping between continents travels not via satellite, but through thousands of miles of cables.
6:00
As Arctic Permafrost Thaws, Microbes Kick Into Action
Recent findings suggest that microbes living in Arctic permafrost could produce carbon dioxide and methane as it thaws.
28:15
The Future of Artificial Intelligence
What questions should we ask as research on artificial intelligence progresses?
12:07
Are Scientific Journals Clogged With ‘Publication Pollution’?
Medical ethicist Art Caplan says science and medical journals are plagued by fraud, plagiarism, and predatory publishers.
7:20
How the Apple Watch Measures Up
Re/code’s Lauren Goode give us her take on Apple’s new wearable.
The Undersea Network That Connects the World
An excerpt from “The Undersea Network.”
What Freaks You Out About Robots?
Should we worry about the imminent rise of robots in our lives?
Can You Explain The Sun?
For this science club, we want you to explain something to us, something BIG!
Booting Up Computer Art
In the 1960s, curious computer scientists transformed computers into art machines.
Science Friday Introduces New Video Series, ‘The Macroscope’
Through fictional and documentary film-making approaches, we’ll bring you true stories from scientists and innovators.
Babies On The Brink
A series of rigorous (and adorable) experiments shatters the myth that babies learn to fear heights as they learn to crawl.
The 1-2-3s of Hard-Cooked Eggs
Cooking geek Jeff Potter cracks the code on easy-to-peel, hard-cooked eggs.