On Today's Podcast
How Shoddy Science Is Driving A Supplement Boom
Questionable science, lax regulations, and wellness culture have turned dietary supplements into big business.
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.
17:25
How The Origin Of Life On Earth Can Help Find Life In Space
In his book “Is Earth Exceptional?,” Mario Livio tackles a question that has captured imaginations for centuries: Are we alone in the universe?
16:56
How Magnetic Brain Stimulation Helps Relieve Depression
One lab’s approach to transcranial magnetic stimulation has sent many patients with hard-to-treat depression into remission.
12:09
A Strong, Stretchy, And Sticky Band-Aid For The Heart
Researchers developed a 3D-printable material, inspired by worms, that can act as a Band-Aid for damaged heart and cartilage tissue.
17:20
How Gut Microbes Are Linked To Stress Resilience
A recent study concluded that people who are highly resilient to stress have specific biological signatures in their gut microbiomes.
16:41
How Campaigns Use Psychology To Get Out The Vote
With the presidential election a month away, researchers explain the psychology behind holding, changing, and acting on political opinions.
The Chicken-And-Egg Problem Of The Origin Of Life
In a new book, astrophysicist Mario Livio describes how the existence of life on Earth can be traced back to an RNA-based “protocell.”
Mission Stellar Health: Train Like An Astronaut
Discover how astronauts exercise to stay fit in space. Then use engineering design to create innovative health solutions for Earth.
Respondemos tus preguntas sobre las nuevas vacunas COVID-19
La Dra. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire responde las preguntas de nuestra audiencia sobre las vacunas contra COVID-19 actualizadas en el 2024.
14:11
Qué debes saber sobre el eclipse anular del 2 de octubre
Prepárate para este evento celestial que se podrá ver en varias partes de Sudamérica.
Pollution Cookies And The Hidden Physics In Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’
The Center for Genomic Gastronomy is making foods that capture environmental crises. Plus, what scientists found when they took a closer look at one of Van Gogh’s iconic paintings.
Explore The Outdoors For Beech Leaf Disease With SciFri Outside
Science Friday is harnessing the power of the people for research on Beech leaf disease. Become a community scientist!
12:06
Microsoft Makes Deal To Restart Three Mile Island
The company is betting big on nuclear energy to meet increasing power needs of data centers and new technologies like AI.
8:39
A Major Source Of Greenhouse Gases In Hospitals? Anesthesia
Emissions from anesthesia are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases from hospitals. This anesthesiologist wants to change that.
8:53
Militarization And Environmental Injustice In The Mariana Islands
A cultural anthropologist discusses the Mariana Islands’ long history of colonization and why demilitarization matters for climate progress.
12:11
These Fish Use Their Legs (Yes, Legs) To Taste
New research into a strange fish known as the sea robin finds that leg-like appendages can “taste” prey buried in the sand.
17:19
Improving Hospitals’ Support For Teens In Mental Health Crises
Emergency departments often handle incidents of self-inflicted injury. Equipping them better could save lives.
11:05
What Newly Approved Herbicides Could Mean For Federal Land
This summer, the Bureau of Land Management approved seven herbicides to fight invasive plants in the West.
6:07
The Hidden Physics In Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’
When scientists analyzed the swirls in the famous painting, they found Van Gogh depicted forces of nature with startling accuracy.
8:53
Organization Empowers Older Adults To Step Up For The Climate
Climate activists Bill McKibben and Akaya Windwood say it isn’t fair to leave the climate crisis for younger generations to solve.
Science Friday Is Coming Back To Salt Lake City, Utah!
On Saturday, March 29, join Ira Flatow and the Science Friday team in Salt Lake City, UT for a special live stage version of our radio show.