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.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 1/26/16
How much do you know about Planet Nine and prehistoric violence?
Your Very Special Microbial Cloud
At the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon, researchers have revealed that not only can they detect and catalog the microbial cloud of someone in a room, but each person’s cloud is unique.
Can the ‘Godzilla’ El Niño’ Solve California’s Drought Problem?
The effects of El Niño may only be a down payment on a drought with a huge mortgage to pay off.
SciFri Book Club: ‘On The Move’
This winter, the #SciFriBookClub celebrates Oliver Sacks’ literary legacy by reading his autobiography, “On the Move.”
12:07
PCB Contamination, Space Flowers, and Python Removal
High levels of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls are showing up in European marine mammals. Plus, a look at the pros and cons of a public python removal competition.
12:09
To Compose the Perfect Bite, Listen to Your Food
Dan Pashman, host of WNYC’s The Sporkful podcast, tells us how sound can influence the taste of your food, prevent cooking mishaps, and help you to compose the perfect bite.
7:22
Digging Deep Into the Crust of the Earth
Researchers are drilling through the earth’s crust to learn about the formation of the planet.
The Bodybuilder: Oliver Sacks’ Days on Muscle Beach
The renowned neurologist remembers his bodybuilding days on Venice, California’s Muscle Beach.
8:43
Read ‘On the Move’ With the #SciFriBookClub
The SciFri Book Club celebrates Oliver Sacks’ literary legacy by reading his autobiography, “On the Move.”
SciFri Book Club Meetup: New York Botanical Garden
Discuss Oliver Sacks’ “On the Move” with fellow SciFri Book Clubbers at the New York Botanical Garden.
17:13
Somewhere Out There, Planet Nine
Researchers calculate that there may be a large undiscovered ninth planet lurking in the distant reaches of our solar system.
17:21
Archaeological Find Points to Ancient Human Violence
Archaeologists report the discovery of evidence for a 10,000-year-old massacre.
10:17
Does Apple Deserve Its Reputation for Good Design?
Apple’s former Human Interface Evangelist argues that the company is “destroying design.”
6:00
An Artist Swabs the NYC Subway
An artist creates unconventional “portraits” of NYC commuters with bacteria gathered on the subway.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder, And How Can I Treat It?
SAD is more than just the post-holiday blues. Here are some treatment options if you suffer from seasonal depression.
Math Is Beautiful
Artist Hamid Naderi Yeganeh can generate thousands of unique, intricate images per day using mathematical formulas programmed into his computer.
Subvisual Subway: The Art of New York City’s Bacterial World
Typographer and illustrator Craig Ward sampled the bacteria on subway lines around New York City and photographed his findings.