Science Friday Science Friday and WNYC Studios

Researchers are trying to develop a better picture of what’s happening in the regions closest to a black hole’s event horizon.

For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms.

While progress has been made in replacing water pipes in Flint, Michigan, many residents say they still don’t know if their tap water is clean or not. Also, scientists are adding sensors to an underwater cable network to monitor changes in the ocean and quickly detect earthquakes and tsunamis.

America’s most-consumed fruit is at risk from a fungal disease. Researchers in North Carolina are on a mission to save Cavendish bananas. Also, birds move their vocal organs while they sleep, mimicking how they sing. Scientists have translated those movements into synthetic birdsong.

Plastics are everywhere, in packaging, clothing, and even our bodies. Could they be made less integral to manufacturing and more recyclable?

Superfund sites contain extreme pollution. Flooding—made worse by climate change—could carry their toxic contaminants into surrounding areas.