On Today's Podcast
Meet 3I/Atlas, An Object From Another Solar System
The third interstellar object ever observed is in our neighborhood—for now. And, asteroid Bennu could contain dust from far-off solar systems.
Listen NowAugust 29, 2025
Archaeologists are taking another look at tattoos on preserved corpses and verifying ancient techniques with modern tattoo artists. Plus, an ER doctor reflects on Hurricane Katrina, 20 years later. And, we’re pulling a few of our favorite stories about the science of ice cream out of the freezer.
Science Goes To The Movies
Science has been part of the silver screen since its inception. Ready to learn how? Better grab your popcorn.
12:01
Paxil Reanalysis, Mouse Drug Avatars, and Pricey Patties
Amy Nordrum of the “International Business TImes” joins us for a roundup of her top science stories this week.
24:09
From Dothraki To Valyrian: Building The Languages Of Game Of Thrones
Language creator David J. Peterson explains how he constructed Dothraki and the Valyrian languages for the TV series “Game of Thrones.”
9:11
Concern for Climate Change Is Great Among Latinos
Climate change researcher Nicole Hernandez Hammer talks about the effects of climate change on Florida’s Latino communities.
12:08
On Mars, Signs of a Wetter World
Planetary scientist James Wray describes the evidence for present-day liquid water on Mars.
25:14
Science Goes To The Movies: The Martian
An astronaut and a NASA engineer weigh in on “The Martian,” on this edition of Science Friday’s “Science Goes to the Movies.”
9:14
Plants in Space!
This week on The Macroscope, plant biologists send a lowly weed to the International Space Station to study its growth in zero gravity.
Princess Leia and the Conundrum of Language Translation
An excerpt from “The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, The Words Behind World-Building.”
10 Questions for Dava Newman
The new NASA deputy administrator chats about her influences and the space agency’s big plans for Mars.
Plants in Space!
For humans to travel to the Moon and Mars, they’ll need a companion – a lowly weed known as crackwort.
11:39
Virus Fishing, Mantis Shrimp Boxing, and Carbon Cutting Bryozoans
Mantis shrimps pack a punch, and bryozoans might be an effective carbon sink in Antarctic waters.
23:28
Is Sneaker Innovation Changing How We Move?
From pouring rubber in a waffle iron to incorporating titanium, sneaker innovation is constantly changing—but how does it affect our performance?
10:00
A Is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie
Over 83 detective books, Agatha Christie killed hundreds of characters using poison, with great scientific accuracy.
12:14
Why ‘Generic’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Cheap’
Two experts on the drug industry talk about price spikes, FDA backlogs, and why some generic meds can cost nearly as much as brand-name pills.
17:15
Will Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Electric Cars Drive Us Into the Future?
The Toyota Mirai—a hydrogen fuel cell car—takes to the road this fall.
16:16
Trash Talk: Uncovering the Waste in U.S. Landfills
American landfills may be crowded with twice as much waste as previously thought, according to a new study.
Agatha Christie: From Pharmacist’s Apprentice to Poison Expert
An excerpt from “A Is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie.”
12:18
Arctic Mosquito Swarms, Our Shrinking Moon, and a ‘Dislike’ Button
Rachel Feltman of “The Washington Post” joins us for a roundup of her top science stories this week.
24:17
A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In “The Invention of Nature,” historian Andrea Wulf restores forgotten explorer and scientist Alexander von Humboldt to his rightful place in science history.
9:33
Keeping an Eye on Our Celestial Companion
Dean Regas, outreach astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory and co-host of the PBS series “Star Gazers,” shares moon-viewing tips and a dose of lunar lore.