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.
10:48
The Math Game Behind the Iran Nuclear Talks
Energy secretary Ernest Moniz joins us to talk about the science behind the diplomacy.
Home For A Horn Shark Embryo
The spiraling protective packaging ensconces a single embryo and yolk sac.
Easy Hard Eggs
Jeff Potter, author of “Cooking for Geeks,” explains how steaming eggs, even massive ostrich eggs, makes them easier to peel.
Spot the REAL Hypothesis
This April Fool’s Day, put your BS-detector to the test. Can you spot the REAL hypothesis?
A 20-Year Dive Into Climate Change History
Have scientists always agreed on the impacts of climate change? Act like an investigative reporter by sifting through expert interviews and reports on extreme weather and climate change.
Eggs To Dye For
Why do eggs turn out brighter with a little vinegar? Investigate how different acids affect egg dyes in this kitchen chemistry experiment.
11:35
‘Hellish’ Conditions Gave Spark to Life on Earth
The early Earth was no place for life as we know it: Belching volcanoes, meteor strikes, hydrogen cyanide and a healthy bombardment of ultraviolet rays.
17:19
Shaking Up the Climate Conversation, With Dance
A choreographer and a biologist team up to create a dance that’s part high art, part climate change consciousness raising.
15:16
Michael Gazzaniga: Tales from Both Sides of the Brain
Cognitive neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga discusses his on discovering how these halves communicate.
1:19
One Last Thing: Left to Right
When we picture rapidly moving things, people seem to have a preference for ones that move from left to right, not right to left.
7:35
Liquid 3-D Printer Speeds Past the Rest
A new, fast 3-D printer uses ultraviolet light and oxygen to shape liquid resin.
29:48
Understanding the Dark Side of Physics
Physicists discuss the quest to understand dark energy and dark matter.
8:12
Malaria Parasite Lures Mosquitoes With Bait-and-Switch
The malaria parasite manufactures lemon-and-pine-scented aromas that attract mosquitoes.
Capsizing Icebergs on the Rise in Greenland
Icebergs in Greenland are flipping over like dominoes more often than they have in the past.
From Animal House to Prufrock House: Memories of Caltech in the ’60s
An excerpt from Michael Gazzaniga’s “Tales From Both Sides of the Brain.”
Science Friday Joins National STEM Partnership
The Science Friday Initiative has joined the 100Kin10 network.
Ready for Take-Off: Teens Pilot Airplanes in New York City
Students at Frederick Douglass Academy in New York City use flight simulators as part of an aeronautics class, with some kids eventually logging flight time in real planes.
22:34
Keeping the President in Tune With Tech
Megan Smith, a Google alum who once built and raced a solar car across Australia, came on board last year as U.S. Chief Technology Officer.
16:50
Warming West Coast Waters Upset Food Chains
Warmer waters are changing the distribution of food in the Pacific, stranding hundreds of starving sea lion pups on shore, and causing the death of hundreds of thousands of birds.
2:32
Sweeping the Skies, More Than 200 Years Ago
Astronomer Caroline Herschel was born 265 years ago this week, on March 16, 1750. She was the first woman to receive a salary for astronomical research.