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.
26:10
Can A New Surge Of Tech Interest Make The Metaverse A Thing?
Virtual social worlds used to be the realm of science fiction. Can a wave of new enthusiasm finally make them catch on?
19:46
NASA’s Massive Rocket Finally Launches To The Moon
This week’s uncrewed Artemis mission took a decade to develop. It’s the first step toward a new potential lunar space station.
24:09
The Science Behind Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Should you brine your turkey? Why do mashed potatoes get glue-y? Cookbook author Kenji López-Alt tackles the science behind thanksgiving.
12:10
Science Was Big On The Ballot This Week. Here’s What Went Down
Across the U.S., people voted on topics like healthcare, climate change infrastructure, and abortion.
9:28
New Documentary Is Endearing Tribute To NASA’s Rover Program
Director Ryan White shares behind-the-scenes insights into the recent film, “Good Night Oppy.”
12:11
How Past Extinctions At The La Brea Tar Pit Can Teach Us About Our Climate Future
The director of the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History discusses how Ice Age megafauna can teach practical lessons on climate, extinction, and survival.
8:49
Across The Country, RSV Is Overwhelming Medical Systems
Though they face different challenges, doctors from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic are wrestling with skyrocketing cases and overflowing medical centers.
8:50
What You Should Know About This RSV Surge
A pediatrician answers questions about the common but surprisingly dangerous infection and how it’s treated.
17:12
Mapping Brain Connections Reinforces Theories On Human Cognition
For human cognition, understanding connections between brain regions may be even more important than the functions of the regions themselves.
24:47
As Anthony Fauci Steps Down, A Look Back At His Storied Career
Science Friday has been interviewing Dr. Fauci since 1994, on topics ranging from COVID, to HIV/AIDS, to allergy research.
Use Engineering To Design A Solar Space Probe
Get hands-on as you use the engineering design process to build a solar space probe to investigate the Sun.
12:16
Why Contraceptive Failure Rates Matter In A Post-Roe America
According to analysis by KHN and Science Friday, contraception failures can cause hundreds of thousands of unplanned pregnancies each year.
16:31
Can Animals Evolve To Survive The Anthropocene?
Animal species can evolve in just one generation, but, with human activities, they might be fighting a losing battle.
4:48
Using Family Photos Of Fall Foliage To Track Climate Change
Satellite imagery showing leaf color is only available dating back to the year 2000, so researchers are using fall photos that might be in an elderly relative’s attic to track climate change.
7:11
The ‘Grandfather’ Of The Voyager Mission Retires
Ed Stone, who retired last week after 50 years as the Voyager project scientist, reflects on the mission.
17:04
A Flaw in Human Judgment: How Making Decisions Isn’t As Objective As You Think
Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explains how ‘noise’ and bias can lead to poor decisions.
16:57
Frenemies, Lovers, And The Fate Of The Cosmos: Our Galaxy Tells All
Astronomer and folklorist Moiya McTier’s new book is a saucy memoir written from the perspective of our very own Milky Way.
17:28
The Quest For New COVID-19 Solutions
A biotech expert shares insights on what’s needed to combat the pandemic, from new antiviral cocktails to pioneering vaccine techniques.
Read ‘The Milky Way’ By Moiya McTier With The SciFri Book Club
McTier’s new tell-all on behalf of our galaxy explains the importance of story in scientific discovery. Read it with us this December.
Stars: They’re Just Like Us! Stargazing Celebration In The Bronx
On Saturday December 10, meet the SciFri team at Jerome Park in the Bronx to stargaze on the future home of NYC’s first public observatory!