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.
The Science News That Defined The Decade
As we head into 2020, we asked you to help us roundup the biggest science news over the past 10 years.
12:02
Climate Justice Takes Center Stage In Madrid
Industrialized countries, whose fossil fuel burning warmed the globe, don’t want to pay up to help developing nations deal with the fallout.
11:56
Combing Over What Makes Hair So Strong
Researchers studied human, javelina and bear hair to find out what makes hair so strong.
16:54
Why Diabetes Patients Are Getting Insulin From Facebook
Due to high costs and other barriers, patients are turning to each other online to share and exchange insulin.
16:32
How Whales Got Whale-Sized
New research seeks to find out why whales are so big by calculating the delicate balance between food, energy, and size.
32:20
Staying Green, From Point A To B
How could new policies and technologies make getting around more eco-friendly?
The Best Of Science Friday, 2019
Join us for a roundup of the favorite stories we produced this year, from the complicated sex lives of Venus flytraps to the origin of the five-second rule.
7:33
Underwater Soundtrack Hooks Fish
Scientists lured marine life back to degraded coral reefs by putting on a soundtrack of the clicks and pops of a healthy reef.
4:44
Plastic, Plastic, Everywhere
A report finds that recycling rates in Oregon are in decline, due in part to increased use of non-recyclable plastics.
17:24
The Parker Solar Probe Gives Us A New Glimpse Of The Sun
First data from the mission shines light on the mysteries of the star at the center of our solar system.
17:07
The Most Charismatic Single Cell You’ll Meet Today
Welcome to the Charismatic Creature Corner, a new segment where creatures big and small vie for the coveted charisma crown. Our first contender: the curiously clever slime mold
16:47
Rolling Out The Best Science Board Games
A look at science board games that let you strategize how to terraform Mars, build subatomic particles, and create a bird preserve.
29:03
The Best Science Books Of 2019
Settle in for the winter with these enthralling histories, intrepid investigations, and thoughtful stories about the past, present, and future of science.
SciFri Extra: Bringing Environmental Justice To The Classroom
In an interview recorded live in San Francisco, Ira talks with a teacher and her students about the connections between science education and environmental activism.
34:01
Imagining The Future Of AI
What science fiction and social science can contribute to how we think about our algorithmic present and future.
46:23
Science Awards Of The Sillier Sort
The 2019 Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony is a tribute to offbeat and quirky scientific studies.
12:22
Meet The Arachnids Living On Your Face
Everyone has face mites—including you. But they have a fascinating evolutionary story to tell.
Science Friday Live In Atlanta
Ira and the gang are headed down to Atlanta on March 28th, 2020.
Combine Science And Art At The Create Curiosity Fair
On January 16th, join us at WBUR CitySpace in Boston for a celebration to start the new year off right. Participate in hands-on demonstrations!
11:52
California Cracks Down On Fracking Permits
Any new fracking project in the state will need to be reviewed by an independent scientific board.