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.
28:42
The Revolutionary Doctor Who Made New York ‘New York’
David Hosack was the physician at the famous Hamilton-Burr duel, and founded many other institutions. Yet he’s been largely forgotten.
16:30
The New Horizons Spacecraft Peers Beyond The Known World
New Horizons explored Pluto. Next stop? A New Year’s visit to a planetary ‘time capsule’ in the Kuiper Belt.
46:19
2018 Year In Review: Wildfires, Space Probes, And CRISPR
We recap the year in science news with Sarah Kaplan and Rachel Feltman.
The Doctor Who Saved Hamilton’s Son’s Life
David Hosack was much more than just the doctor present at the Hamilton-Burr duel. He was also a respected botanist who founded the first botanic garden in the U.S.
Build A Groundwater Model
Make an affordable aquifer model then conduct a lab experiment to explore the effects of groundwater pollution.
6:58
Europe Moves Towards A Partial Plastics Ban
The EU is finalizing rules that would ban certain single-use plastic items, such as plastic cutlery and styrofoam coffee cups.
4:47
For Kids, State Flu Shot Rules Vary
Don’t assume that the whole family can get a flu vaccine at the local pharmacy.
11:52
Trump Administration Cracks Down On Fetal Cell Research
The Department of Health and Human Services is conducting a “comprehensive review” of research involving fetal tissue—and has disrupted an HIV research program in the process.
17:00
Is This The Dawning Of The ‘Age Of Schadenfreude?’
Taking pleasure from someone else’s pain may make you feel like a jerk, but it’s a very natural emotion.
16:31
The Deadly Proteins Stalking Deer
Prions that cause Chronic Wasting Disease are devastating deer populations. Clues to solutions may lie in soil science.
33:44
What Happens When You Double Dip That Chip?
Does double-dipping a chip really infect the dip? Is the five-second rule real? Plus, a look at other food myths.
The Science Behind The Five-Second Rule
Let’s dig into the science and history of this urban myth.
Do Babies Experience Schadenfreude?
Author Tiffany Watt Smith and her nine-month-old baby meet with a developmental psychologist to find out what makes infants laugh—and when humans begin to experience joy out of other’s misfortunes.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2018
From Usain Bolt and volcanoes to a kid scientist-to-be and caterpillars, the Science Friday staff share their favorite stories from 2018.
Discovering The Past Through Dino Poop
Inside these fossilized feces is a fortune of information about ancient ecosystems.
6:17
Three Years Later, Checking In On The Paris Accord
Countries are discussing carbon emissions in a new political (and changing) climate.
5:13
The Complex Calls Of City-Living Frogs
Living in the city means that male túngara frogs have more complex calls than their country cousins, but ‘more complex’ doesn’t necessarily mean better.
7:45
Why Are Raccoons So Good At Getting Into Your Garbage?
Does success in the urban jungle require dexterity or cleverness? Or both?
29:31
New Space Telescopes Race For A New View Of The Cosmos
The James Webb Space Telescope is a decade late and billions of dollars over budget. But astronomers are already setting their sights on its successors.
16:27
‘Dear Science Friday, Can You Study The Asp Caterpillar?’
Second grader Nina Del Bosque sent SciFri a letter with a question about stinging caterpillars. We introduce her to a biologist to answer her caterpillar curiosities.