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.
11:58
Hidden Galaxies, Sigh Science, and Facebook’s Free Basics
Researchers using a radio telescope found hundreds of galaxies hiding behind the Milky Way.
11:51
Launching the Latest OK Go Video in Zero-G
The band OK Go choreographed their latest video in zero-G.
16:48
Could Genetically Engineered Insects Squash Mosquito-Borne Disease?
Scientists have been able to genetically engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes. But is it ethical to release them into the wild?
26:54
The SciFri Book Club Talks Oliver Sacks’ ‘On the Move’
After three weeks reading “On the Move,” the SciFri Book Club is back to discuss Oliver Sacks’ autobiography.
6:36
Behind the Bouba-Kiki Effect
In study after study, 90 percent of people agree: A pointy shape is named “Kiki” and a rounded shape is “Bouba.”
17:20
Century-Long Search Leads to Landmark Gravitational Wave Discovery
For the first time, scientists have directly detected gravitational waves—the last unproven part of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
What Is Face Blindness?
Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, is more than just “being bad with faces.”
The Bouba-Kiki Effect
In most scientific research, upwards of 90% of people will associate a pointy polygon with “kiki” and a rounded amoeboid with “bouba.”
The Emotive Power of Voice
New research reveals how emotions conveyed by our own voice influence our moods.
Make A Mathy Valentine
Spice up your valentines this year by using a little geometry to create consistent hearts and captivating patterns.
Why Are These Scientists Drilling Through the Ocean Floor?
A research team hopes they’ll find a biosphere beneath the earth’s crust.
Valentine’s Day Science
There’s chemistry in the air…here’s a look at animal mating behaviors, wine psychology, and more romantic science.
An ‘On the Move’ Playlist
Add some musical accompaniment to your reading of Oliver Sacks’ “On the Move” with these Sacks-inspired tracks, curated by Brain Pickings’ Maria Popova.
Can the Placebo Effect Have Real Clinical Value?
Some cases suggest that simply believing that we’re getting better has healing effects.
Where Are We in the War on Cancer?
Why one doctor thinks we’re winning the battle against cancer.
11:49
Bed Bug Genome, Zika Virus Update, and Computing Under the Waves
Two teams of researchers mapped out the bed bug genome. Plus, does Microsoft’s idea for underwater data centers hold water?
7:53
Restoring Maternal Microbes to Babies Born by C-Section
Researchers swabbed babies born through C-section with birth-canal bacteria to see if they could restore their microbiomes.
25:18
Weighing the Evidence on Mind-Body Medicine
In “Cure,” Jo Marchant shares the results of her deep dive into the evidence for—and against—mind-body medicine, from placebo effects to hypnosis and meditation.