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.
23:33
Does The ISS Have A Future Among Private Space Competition?
What will happen to the ISS as public companies reach for a piece of space real estate?
The ‘Murderous’ Medical Practice Of The 18th Century
For centuries, people thought mercury was a safe, easy remedy for everything from melancholy to syphilis.
The Mystery Of The Namibian Fairy Circles
The strange circles that dot the desert in Southern Africa have stumped scientists for decades. But math and ecology might have an answer.
Make A Memory Wire Circuit
Use nitinol or “memory” wire as a model muscle in this paper circuit activity.
7:32
Why You Don’t See ‘Goosefoot’ On Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Native American crops you’ve never heard of, a new timeline for plants, and measuring the stench of the Neolithic era.
4:49
A Case Of Mistaken (Equine) Identity
Researchers discover there are no more wild horses left anywhere on Earth.
25:11
How To Spot The Engineering Tricks Hidden In Buildings
It takes a lot of crafty physics to keep a skyscraper standing. A structural engineer tells the secrets of her trade.
8:05
Do Florida’s Flamingos Really Belong There?
New research argues that flamingos are a species native to Florida, and should be protected.
16:51
Were Neanderthals Artists?
Uranium dating of art in Spanish caves turns up a number too old to be human. And if it’s true—what does art have to do with complex thought?
29:48
For These Robots, Squishy Is Superior
Roboticists are turning to fleshy substances like mouse, insect, and sea slug muscles to build a fleet of bio-inspired robots.
Meet The Father Of Modern Skyscrapers
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world—but the design techniques that make it possible are more than a century old.
SciFri Trivia Is BACK In Brooklyn!
On Wednesday, May 9, our fourth annual Science Friday Trivia Night returns to Brooklyn.
Breakthrough
Meet scientists who are overcoming insurmountable obstacles to pave new paths in STEM.
How Shrinking Sea Ice May Be Shrinking Polar Bears
How is the body mass of polar bears changing as sea ice disappears? The answer may depend on where they live and feed.
7:22
Love On The Surface Of An Eyeball, Life’s First Steps, And Clues From Poop
One woman’s dubious dance with a cow parasite left her rubbing her eyes—and medical experts scratching their heads.
4:35
In Idaho, A Battle Over Climate In The Classroom
The Idaho legislature is debating how to address human-induced climate change in revised science education standards.
24:44
The Reality-Distorting Tools Of The Future
A collection of AI-assisted tools could allow the average person to create videos of anyone saying or doing anything.
9:50
‘Cryptojacking’ Could Turn Your Computer Into A Bitcoin Mining Machine
The latest hacking could be used to steal your computer’s CPU power without you knowing it.
16:51
The Story Of Aerosols: From Spray Can To Ocean Spray
Aerosols do play a role in climate change, but not the one you might think.
7:38
There’s A New Urban Air Polluter On The Block
Volatile organic compounds like wall paints and cleaning agents are becoming our cities’ biggest sources of air pollution.