February 7, 2025
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists. Plus, an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments in a new book. And, why snow has that crisp, clean smell.
12:12
How Do Our Brains Keep Smells Organized?
An investigation into how our brain keeps track of everything we smell.
16:57
Understanding Plant Evolution Through Art
An art historian and plant biologist find clues to botanical evolution in paintings of wheat, strawberries, and potatoes.
17:38
Rethinking A New Aid For Hearing Loss
A new generation of tech is helping change the stigma around hearing aids.
17:28
Can We Keep Coronavirus Out Of The Classroom?
With little federal guidance, the country is a patchwork of plans to open schools or keep students learning from home.
10:56
Can COVID-19 Spread Through The Air?
A dive into the debate over whether the coronavirus is airborne, plus other news from the week.
16:47
Take A Trip Through Time With Emily Graslie
The Field Museum’s Chief Curiosity Correspondent talks about her ultimate paleontology road trip across the Great Plains and the state of science communication.
17:10
Who Owns The Night Sky?
As space fills with satellites, how do we weigh the value of a dark night over the benefits of a connected world?
34:02
The Climate Is Changing—But Can We?
The chaos of 2020 made conversations about the climate crisis more difficult—and more important than ever.
In A Moment Of Black Holes And Pandemics
A year after the Event Horizon Telescope captured the first ever image of a black hole, author and astrophysicist Janna Levin looks back at the project’s impact.
11:55
How Sewage Samples Help Scientists Track COVID-19 Outbreaks
How scientists are using sewage to trace the pandemic. Plus, the toll fireworks can take on the lungs, and a birdsong gone viral.
34:43
Making The Outdoors Great For Everyone
How racism pervades public places meant for everyone.
16:49
Naked Mole Rats May Unlock Secrets About The Human Brain
Naked mole rats are unique in the mammal world. But their brains may have valuable clues for our own.
29:08
The Best Summer Science Books Of 2020
Our summer science book list will take you swimming with eels and unlock the mysteries of bird behaviors.
Introducing: Science Friday Summer Institute
From August 3-6, join Science Friday Education, STEM researchers, and STEM educators from around the country for a virtual conference and co-creation institute.
11:42
The First Wave Of COVID-19 Is Still Surging
States reckon with reopening as case numbers climb, plus a new signal in a Italian dark matter detector.
11:29
Why Are Honey Bee Colonies Collapsing?
Researchers are trying to figure out why bee colonies across the country are collapsing.
17:28
How To Approach The Risks Of Socializing During A Pandemic
States are opening up. Should you expand your social life? How to assess and manage your risk during the pandemic summer.
16:02
The Man Who Couldn’t See Numbers
A rare disease sheds light on how the human brain processes visual information.
33:56
COVID-19 Is Taking A Toll On Young People’s Mental Health Too
Uncertainty is hard for everyone. Here’s how caretakers can support kids and teens during social distancing.