On Today's Podcast
Are Food Dyes Really Bad For You?
The FDA and HHS plan to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes as part of the MAHA agenda. What does science say about their effects on health?
Listen NowAugust 22, 2025
Humans drove wolves nearly to extinction in the American West. Reintroducing them in 1995 was, and still is, controversial. Plus, the FDA and HHS plan to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes as part of the MAHA agenda. What does science say about their effects on health? And, astronomers found a supernova whose lighter outer layers had been stripped away, revealing an inner shell rich in silicon and sulfur.
16:46
Venomous Or Poisonous—Can You Spot The Difference?
Poisonous and venomous creatures are often misclassified. But it turns out, there’s a big difference between the two.
34:35
Farewell, ‘Frankenstein’
The Science Friday Book Club nerds out about ‘Frankenstein’ one last time.
Get In The Love-y, Dove-y, Science-y Valentines Spirit
Share these punny science valentines with the special scientist in your life.
The Real Scientific Revolution Behind ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s classic novel was written in a world where the dead twitched.
What You Said: How Does ‘Frankenstein’ Fit Into Your Modern Life?
Mary Shelley’s novel turns 200 this year, but its lessons are far from old.
Science Friday In Hawai’i
On July 6th and 7th, enjoy First Take With Science Friday, live from the Aloha State!
How Do Infections Spread In Plants?
Students model the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors in a plant disease system, then use their data to inform recommendations to farmers to limit disease transmission.
6:55
Running Out Of Time—And Water—In Cape Town
Plus, California’s coffee lawsuit, a satellite lost and found, and an orca whale says “hello.”
4:45
Looking Beyond Honeybees
We need domestic bees. But what happens to wild bees when they share a space?
10:46
‘Please Call Me Back. It’s About “Frankenstein.”’
The Science Friday Book Club receives a call for help. Plus, how Frankenstein is still relevant to today’s high school students.
12:11
Unearthing The Last Days of Dinosaurs In Africa
The fossil remains of a titanosaur found in Egypt provides clues to the evolution of dinosaurs in Africa.
17:38
From Strava to Facebook to Venmo, You May Be Leaking Data
Your online activities may be showing the world more than you think about your personal life.
7:02
Huntington’s Disease Makes Its Mark Early On
New research shows that decades before outward signs of the neurological illness show, Huntington’s disease will affect the development of an embryo.
9:41
The Naked Mole Rat Defies The Laws Of Aging
These rodents not only live for thirty years or more, but “age” could be meaningless to them.
24:16
How China Is Reinventing Its Energy Economy
China’s thirst for energy is rising. But to save its cities from suffocating pollution, leaders are looking to carbon-free energy sources and electric vehicles.
Science Facts: GMOs
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t believe GMOs can be safe.
What You Said: Was Dr. Victor Frankenstein A Good Scientist?
And what makes a “good” scientist, anyway? SciFri listeners weigh in.
Uber, But For Scientists
The gig economy isn’t just for graphic designers and Uber drivers. Some scientists are forsaking academia—and not always by choice.
Science Friday Presents: Frankenfest!
Science Friday celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s classic live in New York City.
7:08
NASA Gets Its Moment In The Sun (Finally)
A new NASA heat shield makes a mission to the sun’s atmosphere possible.