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April 4, 2025
Food allergies are on the rise. For kids with less severe peanut allergies, one potential treatment could be found in the grocery aisle. Plus, what happens when AI moves beyond convincing chatbots and custom image generators to something that matches—or outperforms—humans? And, several companies are competing for NASA contracts to build commercial space stations.
34:00
Whole Genome Scans Could Reveal Too Much
If a patient’s genome scan turns up unexpected genetic risk factors, are doctors obligated to tell?
11:58
Strengthening Buildings in Tornado Alley
Improving resistance to tornadoes will require better building materials and techniques, plus political will.
34:45
The SciFri Book Club Takes a Hike
Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” is this month’s book club read.
12:08
Researchers Revive a Plant Frozen in Time
A plant called a bryophyte survived 400 years frozen beneath glacier ice.
3:19
Teacher Feature: Ethnobotanist Tom Carlson
A student tells his former professor how much a class meant to him.
34:35
Bad Diagnosis for New Psychiatry “Bible”
Many experts say the DSM’s approach to mental illness is outdated, and it’s time to move on.
8:40
With Chemical Tweaks, Cement Becomes a Semiconductor
Researchers explain how a cement can take on some of the properties of a metal.
6:51
‘Crazy Ants’ Spreading in the Southeastern U.S.
Tawny crazy ants, recent arrivals to the country, are able to drive out even the imported fire ant.
27:28
Reinventing Farming for a Changing Climate
Climate change may increase pests and turn dry soil to dust. Farmers are already on the offensive.
12:19
Studies Question Potential Alzheimer’s Treatment
A skin cancer drug shown to lessen Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice may not work as originally claimed.