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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?
8:06
Climate and the Collapse of Ancient Civilizations
How did climate change affect the boom-and-bust cycles of of ancient Southwest civilizations in the United States?
11:54
Canvassing Conversations, Animal Organ Transplants, and a Stumble in Providing Internet Access
Changing attitudes through canvassing and the Angolan “Wikipedia Zero” project.
16:53
Satellite Snapshots Help Pinpoint and Protect The Past
Undiscovered tombs and pyramids can be found right on your iPad—if you know what to look for.
26:12
Telling the Story of Climate Change — In Fiction
Writer Paolo Bacigalupi is using fiction to help us imagine our climate change future—and he’s not alone.
17:17
Sorting Out Social Media Feeds
Why did Instagram’s announcement of a new way of filtering its photos set off a public outcry?
07:54
Spot the Spoof Science Study
How good are you at picking out an authentic research study from a spoof?
12:09
Antarctica May Accelerate Global Sea Level Rise
A new study suggests a melting Antarctica could pump up global sea levels much more than previously predicted.
16:33
Springtime Brings Unexpected Blooms
Noah Fierer, a microbial ecologist, says he swoons for the scent of springtime’s bacterial bloom.
11:51
Universal ‘Not Face,’ Alien Laser Defense, and Traffic Control for Robot Cars
A look at the universal “not face,” and what the future might be like with no stop lights.
25:51
How Games Move Us
Some of today’s video games are pushing players into new emotional territory, engaging complex feelings like complicity, empathy, and grief.