Science Friday

Science Friday and WNYC Studios•www.wnycstudios.org

Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and other cool stuff.

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Episodes

Possible Signature Of Life Detected On Exoplanet—Maybe | A Colossal Squid Video

This episode of Science Friday dives into exciting science news, including the possible detection of life on an exoplanet and the first confirmed video of a colossal squid in its natural habitat. Discussions also cover the Trump administration's cuts to science funding, a detailed brain map of a mouse, and the effects of anti-anxiety medication on salmon. The episode provides insights into ongoing research and the mysteries of the deep sea.

Apr 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1011

How ‘Science Interpreters’ Make Hidden Science Visible

This episode of Science Friday explores how science interpreters bring complex scientific concepts to life through museum exhibits and animations. Dr. Janet Iwasa and Tim Lee discuss their work in visualizing the microscopic world and updating traditional dioramas, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and accessibility in science communication. They also address challenges in their respective fields, such as color choices in animation and filming uncooperative animals.

Apr 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1010

The Navajo Researcher Reviving A Desert Peach | A New Dino With Blade-Like Horns

Bringing back Southwest peach orchards won’t be easy, but researchers are on the lookout for remaining trees—and they need help. And, the newly discovered Lokiceratops is challenging paleontologists’ understanding of how horned dinosaurs evolved and existed together. How A Navajo Plant Researcher Is Reviving A Desert Peach When you think of states known for their peaches, Utah might not be at the top of your list. But there is a variety—the Southwest peach—that grows in this arid landscape, and ...

Apr 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1009

How Interjections Regulate Conversation | Saccharin For Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

We are rounding up your questions about roads. What confounds you about traffic, or how interstates are laid out? Are there certain road design elements that ignite your road rage? Tell us about it: we’ve got a traffic engineer in the passenger seat this week, ready to answer your questions. Call us at (877) 4-SCIFRI or 877-472-4374. In this episode, utterances like “um,” “wow,” and “mm-hmm” aren’t just fillers—they keep conversations flowing. Also, new research suggests the artificial sweetener...

Apr 15, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1008

Trump’s Nominee For NASA Administrator Meets Congress

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation heard testimony from Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to lead NASA. During the confirmation hearing, Isaacman indicated a priority of sending humans to Mars—while maintaining the agency’s plans to return people to the lunar surface. In response to a question from Senator Ted Cruz, Isaacman said “I don’t think we have to make any tough trades here, Senator. I think if we can concentrate our resources at the world’...

Apr 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1007