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.
Dinosaur Poop 101: Fossil Fecal Forensics
Fossilized feces, known as coprolites, are helping paleontologists shed new light on the lifestyles and habits of dinosaurs that fossil bones can’t show.
8:44
Ancient Human Relatives At The Top Of The World
Paleoanthropologists announce a newly discovered Denisovan jawbone high on the Tibetan plateau.
3:19
How Much Fuel Does A Green Spring Add To The Fire?
California’s newly verdant hills will turn into kindling come this year’s wildfire season.
11:05
What Should We Do With The Online Profiles Of The Deceased?
1.4 billion Facebook users will pass away before the year 2100. How will their accounts be handled?
21:13
The Explorations Of An Early Climate Change Detective
Scenes from a new illustrated book bring the findings of naturalist and adventurer Alexander von Humboldt back to life.
24:28
Neuroscientists Peer Into The Mind’s Eye
If you hook a real brain up to artificial intelligence, what happens next?
22:28
The Business Of Predicting Climate Change
AT&T teamed up with scientists at Argonne National Laboratory to build a climate map of the U.S.
A 19th-Century Expedition To The Rim Of A Volcano
In a new graphic novel, scientist and polymath Alexander von Humboldt leads an intrepid band of scientists to catalog traces of life in a barren land.
To See Gulls Anew
Gulls are much more than the scavengers. They lead intricate lives at inland saline lakes when it’s time to breed.
11:32
The Climate Effects Of A Heated Campaign Season
The Democratic presidential primary field is vast—where do the candidates stand on climate issues?
11:42
How Much Worse Can The Measles Outbreak Get?
One of the most contagious viral diseases is spreading quickly across pockets of unvaccinated people in the U.S.
28:24
Poetry And Science, Under The Same Roof
A wordsmith and an astrophysicist on why scientists have long been drawn to creative takes on science—and why creativity is central to scientific thought.
33:39
Cities Are Turning Flood Water Into Freshwater
Climate change is predicted to have a major effect on water systems, and several cities around the world are adapting to be more resilient.
Science Friday Is Measuring ‘Degrees Of Change’—And We Need Your Help
Climate change is happening. Our new series ‘Degrees Of Change’ explores how we’re adapting to it.
Sleeping Cutie: The Hibernation Habits Of Dwarf Lemurs
Dwarf lemurs and humans share a significant gene that could influence the future of heart surgery and space travel.
7:32
It’s Alive! Sort Of.
Researchers have managed to keep cells functioning in pig brains hours after death—but the brains show no evidence of neural activity.
4:17
Do Plants And Birds Deserve Online Privacy?
Citizen science apps let people get out and explore nature. But they can also draw unwanted attention to threatened species.
11:28
What Makes A Species Human?
Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient human—but its placement on the human family tree is still up for debate.
17:15
How Is Your Data Used When You Turn In Your Census?
Census data is used to evaluate everything from redistricting to family policy leave policies.