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.
9:56
The Little Plankton Recorder That Could
For half a century, a humble metal box has scoured the seas for plankton. Nowadays, it’s more likely to find plastic.
6:19
Painting The Brain As A Sacred Object
Artist and neurologist Greg Dunn creates neuroscience-inspired art that mimics the firing of the human brain.
33:37
The Future Of 5G
The next generation of wireless is on its way. Experts explain the science behind the new tech, plus why some are cautioning a slower rollout.
Etched From The Mind
Neuroscientist and artist Greg Dunn illuminates the intricate processes of the brain.
Searching For Sakura
Collingwood Ingram became enamored of Japan’s cherry blossoms during his honeymoon. He would devote his career to saving them.
6:19
An Attempted Moon Landing Fails In Final Minutes
Beresheet, a moon lander from Israel, crash landed on the lunar surface.
5:19
A Coral Rescue Effort—In Arizona
A project aims to use the artificial sea of Biosphere 2 as a testing ground for bringing back coral reefs affected by climate change.
21:21
After A Year in Space, Subtle But Lingering Changes
From telomeres to immune response, how astronaut Scott Kelly’s gene expression changed after a year on the ISS.
8:00
How Citizen Science Can Speed Up Alzheimer’s Research
A citizen science game uses the power of the crowd to identify stalled blood cells.
16:19
The Cherry Blossom Hunter
Collingwood “Cherry” Ingram was a British ornithologist who gave up studying birds and became obsessed with flowering cherries instead.
34:15
Plunging Into The Physics Of The First Black Hole Image
Event Horizon Telescope scientists break down the brand new image of the supermassive black hole at the center of nearby galaxy Messier 87, and explore what lies beyond in black hole science.
Where Does Black Hole Science Go After The First Picture Of One?
Researchers who worked on the Event Horizon Telescope have released the first image of a black hole’s shadow. Now what?
The Very First Image Of A Black Hole
After 20 years of coordinating a global network of radio dishes, the Event Horizon Telescope photographed the shadow of a black hole.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Seaborgium’
For 20 years, it was known simply as “element 106.”
Play Event Horizon Bingo!
Remember: When it comes to amazing science, we’re all winners.
SciFri Extra: Picturing A Black Hole
The Event Horizon Telescope aims to take an image of a black hole. In this archival interview, astronomers describe the project’s methods and goals.
Egghead: The Genius Of Birds
On August 29 in NYC, birds of a feather will nest together for this edition of the Science Friday Book Club, as we explore ‘The Genius of Birds.’
Science Friday Live In San Antonio
On Saturday, August 10, we’re heading to San Antonio, Texas to learn about local science.
Do Ice Baths Work?
Long story short, they may reduce pain, but they don’t speed the healing process.