On Today's Podcast
If An Asteroid Were Headed For Earth, Would We Be Ready?
Sooner or later, a sizable asteroid could impact a populated area on Earth. How is the US, and the world, preparing?
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
22:57
The Police’s Impact On Public Health
Researchers are investigating the physical and mental health impacts of stop-question-and-frisk policing.
22:45
Being Social Takes ‘Good Chemistry’
A psychiatrist explains the mental health impacts of social distancing.
33:56
Anthony Fauci Explains How To Make It Through His ‘Worst Nightmare’
‘America’s Doctor’ provides public health lessons from the AIDS epidemic, and strategies to make it out of the COVID-19 crisis.
On Twitter, Black Scientists Call Out Racism In Academia
Using #BlackInTheIvory, Black scientists speak out on the pervasive racism in academia by sharing their experiences with repeated microaggressions, gaslighting, and physical threats.
12:03
Research Shows Peaceful Protest Depends On Police Behavior
Fifty years of research suggests police behavior makes the biggest difference in how safe protests are for everyone. Plus, how tear gas ups COVID-19 risk.
16:31
Using Chemistry To Get The Perfect Cup Of Coffee
How understanding water flow, particle size distribution, and water chemistry can help you brew the perfect cup of coffee.
28:49
‘Radical’ Explores The Hidden History Of Breast Cancer
Did you know the ubiquitous pink ribbons were almost peach-colored? Or that the DOD has spent three billion dollars on breast cancer research?
16:49
With Butterfly Wings, There’s More Than Meets The Eye
New research suggests living cells on the butterfly wing help it regulate temperature.
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.