December 27, 2024
We’re taking time to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science, from the total solar eclipse in April to the demise of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars and the rise of the blockbuster GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
Health, Astronomy, And Climate Experts On 2024’s Coolest Science
Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science.
Jane Goodall On Life Among Chimpanzees
In an interview from 2002, the primatologist gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps.
The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.
12:09
Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew You
Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States.
12:38
Meet 3 Leaders Addressing Local Conservation Problems
What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved.
4:14
A New Argument For Preserving ‘Space Junk’ Left On Mars
Archaeologists call for tracking and preserving artifacts left on Mars to chronicle humans’ first attempts at interplanetary exploration.
12:20
What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone Sightings
With drone sightings in the news, we take a look at the current laws and regulations around hobby and commercial drone operation.
17:19
Parker Solar Probe Will Make Closest-Ever Approach To Sun
On December 24, 2024, NASA’s probe will break its own record for closest approach to the sun—just 3.8 million miles away.
9:12
The Most Exciting Dino Discoveries Of 2024
To wrap up 2024, science writer Riley Black shares her favorite paleontology discoveries of the year.
7:37
Can Spiking Eggnog Kill Bacteria From The Raw Eggs?
If treated properly, even old-fashioned eggnog made with cream and raw eggs can be a safe holiday beverage.
17:33
If ‘Interstellar’ Were Made Today, What Would Be Different?
The science advisor for “Interstellar” discusses the film’s impact, and how new information about gravitational waves could have changed it.
En defensa de la ciencia hecha en Latinoamérica
Dado lo poco que vemos en América Latina a nuestros astrónomos y astrónomas, es un milagro que sigamos produciéndolos.
The Best of Science Friday, 2024
Fossil sales, a solar eclipse, and hacking your brain: This was a big year for science. Our staff pick their favorite projects.
6 Creative Ways People Are Preserving Nature—And You Can Too
Read a roundup of stories about creative ways people are preserving and protecting nature from our “Tiny Nature Triumphs” newsletter.
Join Us Live With Astronauts Aboard The International Space Station
Watch astronauts answer student questions about space research and daily life aboard the Station—live from space!
La hazaña de construir el telescopio más grande del mundo
El Observatorio Europeo Austral está construyendo en el desierto de Atacama un titánico telescopio que revolucionará la exploración cósmica.
‘Y2K’ Fictionalizes The Past Cyber Threat—But More Are Coming
On the 25th anniversary of the Y2K scare, the eponymous film pokes fun at internet disasters. But real disruptions may loom in the future.
12:17
The Universe Is Expanding Faster Than Expected
The effect, known as the Hubble Tension, has been confirmed by James Webb Space Telescope observations.
10:19
The Accidental Discovery That Gave Us ‘Forever Chemicals’
The host of the “Hazard NJ” podcast talks about the origins of PFAS “forever chemicals” and their impact on New Jersey residents.
6:47
A Play About Pregnancy Inspired By Mushroom Research
Playwrights and scientists teamed up to create plays based on scientific research. One of them explores pregnancy through fungal computing.