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★★★★☆

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Science Friction's latest season is: The Challenger Legacy. In January 1986, the Challenger space shuttle disintegrated 73 seconds after lift-off. This is the story of how the tragedy unfolded, the engineers who tried to stop it — and the enduring consequences for humanity's exploration of space. Artificial Evolution (Season 4): Three decades ago, Dolly the Sheep became the first ever cloned mammal. Nearly 30 years later, genetic technology has reshaped the world around us. Environment reporter Peter de Kruijff explores what's changed, where we are headed, and whether we're okay with it. Brain Rot (Season 3): How does being chronically online affect our brains? Technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre explores the wildest ways people are using tech — from falling in love with AI companions to data-dumping a life into a language model — and the big questions about our own screen use. Cooked (Season 2): Why do some studies show ice cream is good for you? Why do some people say they feel good going carnivore, and do we really need as many electrolytes as the internet tells us? Food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett cuts through these confusing findings to explain how nutrition science works. AI Overlords (Season 1): AI didn't come from nowhere, and its development hasn't been a smooth, straight line — it's been rife with drama, conflict and disagreement. Technology reporter James Purtill looks at where AI came from, who controls it and where it's heading.

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04 | Dead and Alive: Hype train

2026/07/28

When it comes to the often incomprehensible world of quantum, it can be hard to distinguish hype from reality. We might be on the verge of a breakthrough ... or tech start-ups might be trying to drum up momentum for the benefit of their stakeholders. Hype is important in science, but can it go too far? And has AI knocked the wind out of the sails of quantum computing? Got feedback? Email us [email protected] Guests: Dr Tara RobersonScience communicator Stela TodorovicMedia Director for PsiQuantum Australia Gideon LichfieldJournalist, former editor-in-chief of WIRED and MIT Technology Review Professor Warwick BowenDirector of the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology and leader of the Quantum Optics Laboratory, University of Queensland Presenter: Jacinta BowlerScript producers: Fiona Pepper, James BullenSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim JenkinsArchives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond

03 | Dead and Alive: Plucky country

2026/07/21

You might not know it, but Australia is an unexpected frontrunner in the race to build a quantum computer. Despite our isolation, leading quantum experts have called Australia home for decades, chipping away at this massive challenge. What have we learnt, from our first digital computer CSIRAC, to now? And will it all culminate in the world's first million-qubit computer? Got feedback? Email us [email protected] Guests: Dr Peter ThorneFormer weekend service operator for CSIRAC Professor Michelle SimmonsCEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, UNSW Professor Robert ClarkFounding director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology, UNSW Professor Geoff PrydeChief Technical Director, PsiQuantum Australia Presenter: Jacinta BowlerScript producers: Fiona Pepper, James BullenSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim JenkinsArchives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond

02 | Dead and Alive: Quantum attack

2026/07/14

It's 1994, and a mathematical algorithm puts a spotlight on quantum computing for the first time. Defence departments, spy agencies and cybersecurity experts are on edge over the explosive Shor's algorithm. They spend decades and billions of dollars searching for a solution before something called "Q-day" arrives. Got feedback? Email us [email protected] Guests: Dr Henry EverittSenior technologist for optical sciences, US Army Emeritus Professor Charles ClarkPhysicist, formerly National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Dr Sushmita RujAssociate professor, University of New South Wales' Institute for Cybersecurity Special thanks to Nick Adams for reading Peter Shor's limerick. Presenter: Jacinta BowlerProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim JenkinsArchives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael OsmondAdditional audio courtesy of CSIRO Publishing

01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy

2026/07/07

Google announces it has achieved something game changing — quantum supremacy. But not everybody agrees. The company claims its quantum computer called Sycamore has solved a problem that no classical computer could manage in hundreds of thousands of years. IBM wants this stricken from history. A war of words breaks out as two tech giants race to build a useful quantum computer that could change how the world works. Got feedback? Email us [email protected] Guests: Scott YoungCropping and livestock farmer in Ballan, Victoria Gideon LichfieldJournalist, former editor-in-chief of WIRED and MIT Technology Review Professor John Martinis2025 Nobel laureate in Physics Credits: Presenter: Jacinta BowlerProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim JenkinsArchives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael OsmondThis story was made on the lands of the Wurundjeri, Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More information Quantum supremacy using a programmable superconducting processorOn “quantum supremacy” - IBM

INTRODUCING — Dead and Alive

2026/06/30

Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Hear about the surprising twists, the quantum cat-fights and the plucky heroes that have defined humanity's effort to build nature's most unpredictable machine. Dead and Alive is a four-part series from Science Friction on ABC Radio National. Episode 1 is out Wednesday July 8th.

10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown

2026/04/10

Nine days down … only one to go. The Artemis II mission is currently hurtling through space back to Earth, and is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean off the Californian coast tomorrow morning, Australia time. Belinda and Jacinta find out what the four astronauts on board have been doing as they make their approach, including being sent on an impromptu scavenger hunt, and what they can expect to feel as they re-enter Earth's atmosphere. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

09 | Artemis Explained: Next stop, Earth

2026/04/09

With under two days to go, the Artemis II astronauts are making the most of their remaining time in space. Belinda and Jacinta take a look at what they've been up to in the lead up to re-entry, and what they can expect to feel as they return to Earth. And if you've ever wondered what urine looks like as it's sprayed into space, well, we have you covered. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

08 | Artemis Explained: Homeward bound

2026/04/08

After the high of the lunar flyby, the four Artemis II astronauts are now on the return leg of their mission while scientists pore over the thousands of images sent back to Earth so far. Belinda and Jacinta delve into some surprising observations from the flyby, and answer more listener questions about everything from space navigation to the need for belts in weightlessness. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

07 | Artemis Explained: Moon flyby success

2026/04/07

It’s been a big day for the Artemis II astronauts. They broke a 56-year record for the furthest distance humans have travelled from Earth, successfully looped around the Moon, and capped off the flyby with a solar eclipse. Belinda and Jacinta break down what the crew saw as they gazed upon the Moon’s far side and why they lost contact with mission control for 40 minutes. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

06 | Artemis Explained: Moon joy

2026/04/06

We’re at the pointy end of the Artemis II mission now: It’s the eve of the lunar flyby. With the four astronauts now looped into the Moon’s gravitational clutches, they’ll have an intense few hours observing the lunar surface, taking photos, and breaking Apollo 13’s record for humans furthest from Earth. Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

05 | Artemis Explained: Science in space

2026/04/05

Alongside taking snaps of Earth, chatting with mission control and fixing the toilet, the Artemis II astronauts are also taking part in all kinds of scientific research. So what experiments are running on the Orion capsule, and what do Australian lasers have to do with anything? Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected] Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

04 | Artemis Explained: Halfway to the Moon

2026/04/04

The Artemis II astronauts have passed the halfway point between Earth and the Moon, and still have around another day's travel time before they approach their lunar flyby. So what do they get up to while they’re hurtling through space? And how do astronauts go about their daily routine in a cramped Orion capsule? Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

03 | Artemis Explained: No turning back

2026/04/03

Just over a day after blasting off, four astronauts encased in an Orion capsule have veered away from Earth and are now on course to fly around the Moon. Bel and Jacinta unpack what the "trans-lunar injection" manoeuvre involved, and take a look at some of the highly relatable challenges faced by the astronauts during their first day in space. Because when you're flying towards the Moon, email problems should be the last thing on your mind. Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

02 | Artemis Explained: Lift off

2026/04/02

And we have lift off! Four astronauts successfully blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center and have started their journey to the Moon. But it wouldn't be a Moon launch without a couple of hiccups. We walk through what went down (and up!). Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] The new moonshot In pictures: Artemis II NASA’s first mission to the Moon in decadesTo hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: [email protected]. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

01 | Artemis Explained: Before the launch

2026/04/01

For the first time in 50 years, humanity is on the cusp of returning to the Moon, with the Artemis II lunar flyby mission set to launch in the coming days. But if we've already been to the Moon, why bother going back now? And who will be on board when the spacecraft blasts off? Welcome to the first episode of Artemis Explained. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email [email protected] To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta BowlerSenior Producer: Shelby TraynorExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveThis episode was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

Podcast reviews

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4.4 out of 5

64 reviews

★★★★☆

Music_Lv'r 2024/05/09

Interesting Topics, in Science, from Down-under

I (mostly) like this Podcast, and in my leisure time, tend to binge-listen to it. Most Topics are super-interesting, informative, and educational (whe...

★★☆☆☆

colbycheese 2020/03/25

Decent, but...

This show is very left of center on politics. If you are ok with this then no big deal, but you have to ask is there room for politics in science. Fu...

★★★★★

FarFletch'd 2019/03/10

Highest Recommendations

A truly captivating show for scientists and non-scientists alike. Natasha Mitchell asks great questions, doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and very ...

★★★★★

Jack_McCoy 2019/03/01

Unique Science Show

There’s lots of science shows out there but what sets this one apart is the sheer enthusiasm of its host, its phenomenal sound design (music, sound ef...

★★★★★

JPthr33 2018/06/29

Invaluable International Resource

As a yank I find this to be a thought provoking look into Australian thought and culture. Thanks, Australia!

★★★★★

Janenic64 2017/08/23

Fascinating and empathetic: a must-listen

I love Science Friction. It's science storytelling at it's best, helmed by the wonderful Natasha Mitchell. Listen to one episode and you'll be hooked....

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