January 31, 2025
When a fire burns in an urban area, it unleashes a slurry of chemicals. Scientists are trying to untangle the chemistry at play. Plus, early analysis of asteroid samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission shows the residue of an icy brine and a soup of amino acids. And, on the heels of some big quantum computing advances last year, what’s next in 2025?
9:44
Mapping the Effects of the Sequester on Science
Research and development face across-the-board federal budget cuts.
13:16
A Natural Particle Accelerator, Far Above the Planet
Closer study of the Van Allen radiation belts above Earth is providing new questions for science.
15:49
Rap Nerdy to Me
MC Frontalot makes a living rapping about data encryption, rare diseases, video games and the nerd life.
24:57
Seeking a Grain of Truth in ‘Whole Grain’ Labels
Whole wheat, stone-ground, multi-grain. Have food labels got you confused?
21:26
Robert Langer, Father of Invention
The biotech pioneer has started two dozen companies, and has over 800 patents to his name.
Rap Nerdy to Me
MC Frontalot and Dr. Awkward rap about the nerd life—from data encryption to rare diseases to video games.
Petri Culture
Artist Klari Reis uses unconventional materials to create microbiologically inspired art.
Nerdcore: Hip-Hop for SciFri Fans
This Friday, we’ll talk with MC Frontalot, the self-proclaimed “world’s 579th greatest rapper.”
Minding the Mountain Gorillas
Though mountain gorillas are critically endangered, their numbers are up from nearly 25 years ago.
4:37
Surprise: Cockroaches Are Fastidious Groomers!
Why do cockroaches spend so much time cleaning themselves?
12:04
How Wood Smoke Is Dirtying Alaska’s Air
Cathy Cahill, of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, discusses air quality in the Last Frontier.
12:19
Is China’s Military Behind Cyberattacks on U.S.?
A new report links cyberespionage attacks on the U.S. to a unit of the Chinese military.
17:29
Russia Meteor Renews Focus on Asteroid Threats
Astronomers weigh in on how to keep the planet safe from near-Earth objects.
23:32
Ask A Dentist: Facts To Sink Your Teeth Into
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. And, it turns out, the dentist. Did you know that the fibery skin is good for your teeth?
23:38
The SciFri Book Club Visits ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
Dian Fossey’s classic account of her fieldwork is on the reading list this month.
How Dirty Roaches Get Clean
Cockroaches are constantly grooming themselves, especially their antennae, says entomologist Coby Schal. A new study investigates benefits of clean antennae.
Wild Advice for Shutterbugs
Photographer Alex Wild shares some tips for getting those insect glamour shots.
Open Invitation to Lamar Smith, House Science Committee Chairman
Science Friday invites Chairman Lamar Smith to discuss technology that will track objects such as asteroids that threaten Earth.
Cold Snap: Our Winter Nature Photo Contest Returns
Warm us up with your best winter nature shots.