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.
4:40
Shrimpers Turn To Social Media To Sell Their Wares
Environmental and economic factors have weakened the prices shrimpers can get at the dock—so some are advertising direct to consumers on Facebook instead.
24:47
How Would A Green New Deal Work?
The idea of a Green New Deal has existed for more than a decade. But what would it actually look like in practice?
11:38
Antarctic Ice Is Melting—And It’s Melting Faster
The rate of ice mass loss from the Antarctic ice sheet has accelerated sixfold over the past 40 years.
17:34
Peering ‘Behind The Sheet’ Of Gynecology’s Darker History
A new play introduces us to the enslaved women whose bodies paved the way for modern gynecology.
16:38
Learning Earth’s Impact History With Lunar Craters
The moon may have gotten its distinct pockmarked appearance more recently than you think.
9:00
Read ‘The Fifth Season’ With The SciFri Book Club!
We’ll tackle earthquakes and human disaster response with N.K. Jemisin’s apocalyptic work of science fiction.
The Season The Earth Shattered
In N.K. Jemisin’s novel “The Fifth Season,” the earth lashes back when humans begin to harm the planet—leaving behind a barren, broken world.
Take A Voyage To The Volcanoes With SciFri!
On February 18 in NYC, volcanologists and author N.K. Jemisin guide us through an evening of quakes, shakes, and geologic events.
7:04
From Deep In Space, A Strange Radio Signal
Astronomers report more observations of the puzzling ‘Fast Radio Bursts’—including one that has burst twice.
5:01
On New Hospital ‘Chargemasters,’ The Price Probably Isn’t Right
Starting this month, hospitals have been required to post a list of prices—but they lack key information.
11:24
Can An App Fight Opioid Overdoses?
How cellphone sonar can tell you’re still breathing—and if you stop.
12:21
CES 2019: Robot Companions, Flying Cars, And 5G (Maybe)
We take a look at 2019 tech trends on display at the Consumer Electronics Show.
17:38
Exercise Actually Remodels Your Heart
Weightlifter’s hearts are built differently than those of marathon runners—but both activities seem to be beneficial to your long-term health.
17:20
Peering Into The Depths Of The Event Horizon
Two new studies shed light on the inner workings of black holes. Plus, how black holes can tell us more about galaxy evolution.
22:38
Science Put On Pause Under The Government Shutdown
Many research projects and departments grind to a halt, from food inspections to scientists who can no longer monitor their data.
7:51
China Reaches A New Lunar Frontier
Chinese space probe Chang’e-4 landed on the far side of the moon, marking a new era in space exploration.
3:57
Science Seeks Snowflake Snapshots
Citizen scientists are photographing snowflakes to help study winter storms.
19:54
Are All Calories Created (And Burned) Equally?
How do low-carb, high protein, calorie counting guidelines affect our metabolism?
14:21
The Physics Of A Crowd
How does the movement of crowds change when they behave predictably, and when they don’t? The answer lies in fluid dynamics.
45:45
Gaga For Grosbeaks? Coveting Chickadees? Devoted To Ducks?
SciFri celebrates winter birds and the people who love them.