July 4, 2025
In this archival show, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep-sea exploration. Plus, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
12:18
How DeepSeek’s AI Compares To Established Models
The Chinese AI company startled industry observers with an efficient new system. But how does it compare with the leading tech?
10:50
In ‘Common Side Effects,’ A Clash Over An All-Healing Mushroom
The show’s starring scientist finds a mushroom that can heal any ailment. But powerful people will do anything to stop him from cultivating it.
6:40
Why Snow Has That Crisp, Clean Smell
A combination of environmental factors and the way our bodies function play a role in how we perceive the smell of snow.
17:21
Investigating Fraud At The Heart Of Alzheimer’s Research
In “Doctored,” an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments.
How Decades Of Research Misconduct Stalled An Alzheimer’s Cure
Research supporting the amyloid hypothesis—the idea that Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain—was fraudulent.
Science Friday Live In Columbia, Missouri
On Saturday, May 10, join the Science Friday team in Columbia, Missouri for a special live stage version of our radio show.
A Novel Imagines The Inner Lives Of Astronauts On The Space Station
The award-winning novel ‘Orbital’ explores the inner thoughts of astronauts during a single day aboard the International Space Station.
11:53
Another Strain Of Bird Flu Discovered In California
The outbreak of H5N9 avian influenza occurred at a California duck farm in November 2024.
17:20
Building Blocks Of Life Found On Asteroid Bennu
Early analysis of asteroid samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission show the residue of an icy brine, and a soup of amino acids.
12:00
Understanding Bipolar Disorder Through The Genome
New research pinpoints 298 parts of the genome associated with higher risk of bipolar disorder. This could lead to better treatments.
17:15
What’s Next For Quantum Computing In 2025?
On the heels of some big quantum computing advances in 2024, at least one company is telling businesses to get “quantum ready” this year.
14:49
Scientists Create Glowing ‘RNA Lanterns’ With Bioluminescence
Researchers tagged mouse RNA with the enzyme that makes fireflies glow, in hopes of better understanding how viruses and memories work.
17:22
The Toxic Aftermath Of An Urban Fire
When a fire burns in an urban area, it unleashes a slurry of chemicals. Scientists are trying to understand the chemistry at play.
Hack Your Brain Kick-Off With Science Friday
Discover the power of your brain with livestream Q&As, trivia, puzzles, and more with SciFri’s Hack Your Brain!
Kick Off Brain Awareness Week With Science Friday
Discover the power of your brain with livestream Q&As, trivia, puzzles, and more with SciFri’s Hack Your Brain!
11:45
Trump Administration Cancels Meetings, Freezes Hiring At NIH
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health say the move has sent fear and confusion throughout the agency.
17:04
Can Paxlovid Relieve Long COVID Symptoms? For Some, Yes
Research on long COVID patients who took an extended course of Paxlovid shows mixed results.
15:39
The Factors That Make Bird Sounds So Diverse Across The World
An analysis of 140,000 vocalizations from 77% of bird species showed that beak size and geography play a big role in the way birds sound.
11:47
What Exactly Is A Meme Coin And How Does It Work?
President Trump and the first lady issued their own meme coins, the value of which inflated and then dropped. What’s the technology behind them?
17:27
AI Is Coming Up With Brand New Molecules, Fueling Drug Discovery
AI models are able to design molecules that don’t even exist in nature. Some have proven effective as snake antivenom.