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.
Can I Drink Alcohol With a Cold? Your Cold Questions, Answered.
Arm yourself with these cold facts, and fight sniffles smarter.
30:01
This Census Requires Eagle Eyes
Every December, tens of thousands of birders grab binoculars, bundle up, and head outside for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count.
17:17
What Gives Bubbly Its Bubbles?
With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, SciFri salutes the fizz in your champagne flute.
46:55
2016 Year in Review
Gravitational waves, CRISPR, and Pokémon Go—a look at the big science stories of 2016.
The Best of Science Friday, 2016
SciFri staffers pick their favorite stories and activities from the year.
12:00
Space Trivia, and a Cosmic Trip Planner
Astronomer Dean Regas shares some of his favorite stellar facts, and offers tips for the big skywatching event of 2017: the solar eclipse.
09:02
Notes On Composing For Science
Film composer Darren Fung describes what it took to score the science documentary series “The Great Human Odyssey.”
29:02
A True Story of High Drama in Space
In this 1995 segment from the Science Friday archives, Apollo 13 mission commander Jim Lovell tells the story of the flight’s survival after an explosion in space.
17:14
The Amazing Expanding, Accelerating Universe
In this 1999 conversation from the Science Friday archives, astrophysicists Neta Bahcall and Wendy Freedman explain the then-revelation that the universe’s expansion is accelerating, not decelerating.
00:26:38
The Secret to Moana’s Special Animation Sauce? Just Add Water.
Disney animators break down the water effects in its latest hit film.
From China, A Flock Of Fossils
Over the past three decades, fossil hunters have hit pay dirt in northeastern China, unearthing thousands of superbly preserved Mesozoic bird remains.
17:33
What’s Fueling the Current Opioid Epidemic?
Nearly 80 people die each day from overdosing on opioids, which include heroin and prescription pain pills.
7:08
A Somber Room of Climate Scientists
Science and environment reporter Lauren Sommer delivers the news from the American Geophysical Union meeting.
5:14
Going All In on Clean Energy
A new group of wealthy investors are betting $1 billion on an uncrowded but risky market.
12:26
Does Your Christmas Tree Have Good Genes?
Scientists are studying the environmental and genetic factors that cause Christmas trees to drop their needles.
8:38
Exploring Geologic History With a Virtual Field Trip
An interactive tour by a geology educator invites visitors to examine rock details and explore earth’s history.
7:42
How India Made it to Mars on the First Try
Although Mars is one of our closest planetary neighbors, it has foiled many space-faring nations wishing to explore it.
34:33
How Sexual Harassment and Bias Undermine Women’s Access to Scientific Careers
What will it take to bring true equity to research labs?
Embark On A 360-Degree Geologic Expedition
Learn how to decipher some of the physical processes that shaped the land structure, or “geomorphology,” of parts of California in this virtual field trip.
Breakthrough: Portraits Of Women In Science
Explore our short film anthology that follows women working at the forefront of their fields.