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Listen to Science Friday live on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. ET
February 28, 2025
A federal DEI ban is already prompting changes across science agencies. How will it affect medical research? A journalist traveled to five continents to learn about the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t. And, the ocean liner SS United States will become an artificial reef in Florida. How do artificial reefs work?
5:51
How Much Will The House Tax Plan Cost Grad Students?
Two graduate students have developed an online calculator to estimate the effects of the House tax plan.
11:48
No Bones About It: Neolithic Women Were Very, Very Strong
Women in prehistoric Central Europe performed enough manual labor that they were likely stronger than modern athletes.
17:11
In The South, Examining An HIV Epidemic
In the U.S., 44 percent of people living with HIV reside in the 10 southern states.
9:53
Super Strong Robot ‘Muscles’ Inspired By Origami
The flexible muscles have a skeleton inspired from the delicate paper folds of origami—and they can lift objects a thousand times their own weight.
6:59
Alan Alda Wants To Know: ‘What Is Climate?’
In his annual Flame Challenge, Alan Alda is calling on scientists to answer a seemingly simple, but complex question.
27:15
Life In The Internet Slow Lane
The internet grew for decades without 2015’s net neutrality rules. So what happens if the FCC repeals them?
47:37
From Cat Rheology To Operatic Incompetence
The 2017 Ig Nobel Prizes saluted the strange and silly in scientific studies.
12:23
Mining Coal For Clues About Ancient Environments
Geologist Jen O’Keefe uses pollen and spores fossilized in coal to study the environment millions of years ago.
16:57
After Cassini, A Mission To Icy Planets Full Of Diamond Rain?
Researchers want to see what a closer look at Uranus and Neptune could tell us about our pale blue dot.
17:42
How Do Bats Communicate?
Bioacoustician Laura Kloepper uses ziplines, drones, and hawks to decode the mysterious communication of bats.