Sci-fi stories often imagine how humans would react to intelligent alien life. But what does the science say? Plus, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the wonder of parasites. And, in a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography. The post July 17, 2026 appeared first on Science Friday.

Two experts at the forefront of untangling the gut-brain connection explain its role in IBS, Parkinson’s, and depression. Plus, writer Craig Childs biked from the brightest sky to the darkest in our Book Club pick "The Wild Dark." And, while fog itself is not alive, researchers found that it can contain an ecosystem, including bacteria that eat pollutants. The post July 10, 2026 appeared first on Science Friday.

What did science look like in America 250 years ago? Sure, there was Benjamin Franklin and his kite. But many other natural philosophers were asking big questions. Plus, researchers have engineered an artificial cell, hoping to build a customizable chassis for chemical production. And, Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City is the only place where axolotls live in the wild, and they face growing threats. The post July 3, 2026 appeared first on Science Friday.

The chlorine in swimming pools reacts with our urine and sweat, producing volatile chemicals that are potentially harmful to breathe. A new pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival times. Plus, as NASA prepares for long-term moon bases, scientists are working on how to grow food in lunar soil and deal with razor-sharp moon dust. And, how different types of laughter originate in the brain. The post June 26, 2026 appeared first on Science Friday.