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.
17:13
These Bacteria Can Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance
Soil bacteria that munch on penicillin offer a way to clean up areas contaminated with overused antibiotics.
16:18
The Science Behind Kilauea’s 30-Year Eruption
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting for 30 years and recently began spewing magma through 15 fissures.
11:36
A Stomp, A Roar, An Elephantquake?
Elephants’ movements and vocalizations can travel through the ground—and scientists look to what earthquake-detection technology might teach us.
10:18
Produce Safety Tests Could Use A Refresh
Many farms still test the safety of their produce by plating irrigation water and seeing what grows—an up to 48-hour process. Molecular biologist Rachel Noble says a DNA test could quicken the process.
22:54
A Case For Why Time May Just Not Exist
For the quantum theory of gravity to work, physicist Carlo Rovelli says our ideas about time have to change.
How To Draw Dinos For A Living
According to dinosaur drawer Gabriel Ugueto, it’s a great time to be a paleoartist.
Seven Questions About How Your Dog’s Brain Works
You asked your canine cognition curiosities and a neuroscientist answered.
Cephalomania Sweeps The Nation!
On June 18 to 21, Cephalopod Movie Night is coming to a city near you!
Reading A Dog’s Mind
How can you get a glimpse into a dog’s mind? Start with an MRI machine.
6:43
The Reef Is Quiet. Too Quiet.
Researchers monitoring the soundscape of a coral reef have found a dramatic drop in the sounds of wildlife under the sea.
5:23
What Net Neutrality Could Mean For Slow Internet In Rural Kansas
The end of net neutrality seemingly benefits corporations and harms consumers. But for small towns with slow internet speeds, this may not be the case.
11:03
Glimpses Of Galaxies Far, Far Away
Last week we asked you to help us spot galaxies magnified by other galaxies, known as gravitational lensing. This week we reveal what you found.
On Pluto’s Doorstep
How did the New Horizons team wake up the spacecraft before it flew by Pluto? With a Star Trek theme song, of course.
21:57
After The Golden State Killer, The Ethics Of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing sites are nothing new. But the ethical quandaries they present are.
24:55
What Does Your Dog Really Think About You?
A neuroscientist trains dogs to sit in fMRI scanners to figure out how our prized pets make sense of the world.
23:19
Chasing Pluto, As Long As It Takes
New Horizons brought us a stunning look at Pluto. But “the first mission to the last planet” took decades to get off the ground.
Science Friday Live In Chicago
On Saturday, June 16, Science Friday heads to Chicago to learn about Windy City science.
Hurricane In A Box
Unable to study Category 5 hurricanes in the field, University of Miami researchers create them from scratch in a giant box.
Flying In Circles To Discover Adaptations For The Cold
The SciFri team learns what it takes for some creatures to live in extreme cold environments at a cryobiology lab.
6:54
Neolithic People Performed Brain Surgery On Cows
Plus, evidence for 19th-century abortion views and California weather that will make your head spin.