Science Friction
ABC AustraliaFrom mystery illnesses to flesh-eating bacteria and the looming threat of bird flu — outbreaks can push scientists, communities and health systems to their limits. For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Belinda Smith looks back on some of the disease outbreaks that shaped Australia. Hear about the scientists racing to find answers, the unusual diseases they're hunting, and the everyday people... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 404 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ScienceSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
It starts as a mozzie bite ... but then it turns into something much worse.
And the search for a cause stretches back decades.
How did flesh-eating bacteria come to be in Melbourne's inner suburbs?
And what do possums have to do with it?
Got feed... more
In 2021, four people across four different parts of the United States fall ill.
They all have the same disease — a life-threatening bacterial infection.
But the weird thing is they haven't travelled anywhere. And the bug that causes the infection i... more
In 2000, people who visited the Melbourne Aquarium started to get sick. Really sick.
This outbreak would go on to become the largest of its kind in Australia.
This story goes back 50 years to a mystery that stumped scientists in Philadelphia.
How... more
From mystery illnesses to flesh-eating bacteria and the looming threat of bird flu — outbreaks can push scientists, communities and health systems to their limits.
For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Belinda Smith looks back on some of the ... more
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Reviews
- Great Flaming Wows
Really loving this one,have listened through a heap of these…No complaints nor positively constructive criticism😍
Apple Podcasts5LegglessWan
Australia3 months ago - Excellent podcast
Such a great podcast. Informative and fun to listen to!
Apple Podcasts5AmandaJNewbery
United Kingdom7 months ago - Great Presenters
Really enjoyed the smart funny and well put together work of Belinda and Jacinta. More from these two please!
Apple Podcasts5ENeeriAustralia7 months ago - Most extraordinary
Haven’t listened to this regularly since they’ve been without their amazing former host (?) It’s ok though. Thanks for covering Artemis 2 daily.
Apple Podcasts5äöjdå
New Zealand7 months ago - Artemis explained, interesting and accessible.
Love listening to this podcast! Learning about space and the planets in junior high school many years ago was fun and engaging but was not what I pursued in my senior and university studies. So much fun revisiting the science of space and recalling why I loved it so much. Thanks for terrific and engaging episodes.
Apple Podcasts5Mos67Australia7 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #166 | United Kingdom/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #192 |  Canada/Science |
Spotify | #22 | Australia/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #143 | Australia/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | Australia/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #34 |  South Korea/Science |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Science Friction
What is Science Friction about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Science Friction covers a broad range of science and technology topics with a focus on how research translates into real-world impact. Recent episodes explore disease outbreaks, quantum computing hype, and the Artemis moon program, often featuring researchers, industry leaders, journalists, and on-the-ground professionals who can speak to practical implications, ethics, and policy. The show tends to balance deep technical context with accessible storytelling, incorporating first-hand experiences, historical perspectives, and current developments. Noteworthy are its in-depth explorations of frontier tech and space missions, plus thoughtful discussions about hype, media framing, and societal consequences. Potential listeners can expect struct... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Science Friction?
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How many listeners does Science Friction get?
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What are the audience demographics for Science Friction?
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How many subscribers and views does Science Friction have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Science Friction?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Science Friction:
1. No One Saw It Coming
2. If You're Listening
3. The Science Show
4. What's That Rash?
5. Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today
How many episodes of Science Friction are there?
Science Friction launched 10 years ago and published 404 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Science Friction?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Science Friction?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Science Friction?
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What guests have appeared on Science Friction?
Recent guests on Science Friction include:
1. Julia Petras
2. Mindy Elrod
3. Will Misi
4. Josh Hanson
5. Ella Meumann
6. Robert Promisloff
7. Jane Greig
8. Stela Todorovic
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.