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.
Read ‘The Sounds Of Life’ With The SciFri Book Club
‘The Sounds Of Life’ uncovers the world of little-known sounds that make up life on Earth. Read it with us this November.
Decoding The Hidden World Of Nonhuman Sound, With New Biotech
Can humans better listen to the natural world? Karen Bakker thinks yes, with the help of biotechnologies—and a new world perspective.
The Science Of Mental Health
Can psychedelics treat depression? How do grief and trauma work? Keep up with the latest science on mental health.
Make A Swirling Shaving Cream Sun Model
Model our closest star, the Sun, with this crafty hands-on science activity using shaving cream and food coloring.
12:11
Scientists Are Trying To Study Human Neurons… In Rat Brains?
Human neurons implanted in rat brains could offer scientists a new way to study the brain. Plus, more stories from this week in science.
16:21
A Taste Of New York In A Hyper-Local Beer
Instead of hops, brewers traditionally crafted gruit-style beer from local herbs and spices, making each unique.
12:19
Making A Meal Fit For An Astronaut
NASA’s team of food scientists must make food nutritious, delicious (or at least edible), and fit for spaceflight.
7:36
This Brain Prosthesis Could Improve Memory Loss
A team of neuroscientists are designing a device that could help the brain remember information through the use of implanted electrodes.
26:30
Burying Green: Eco-Friendly Death Care On The Rise
Can new regulations help make dying more eco-friendly? A mortician and the developer of a start-up remains company discuss grief and the choices everyone will eventually face.
16:43
How Gamification Has Crept Into School, Work, And Fitness
Game developer and author Adrian Hon explains the consequences of allowing gaming principles to creep into so many corners of our lives.
How You’re Getting Played By Gamification
A video game designer takes a hard look at how gamification has spread from video games to many aspects of our daily lives.
‘Bengal Water Machine’ Data Offers Potential For Increasing Food Security
A “win-win” side effect of Bangladeshi farmers pumping groundwater to irrigate crops is that the technique can store monsoon water for the dry season.
11:25
Hurricane Ian Destroys Iconic Florida House Meant To Survive Hurricanes
Rising sea levels and Hurricane Ian finally destroyed the Cape Romano Dome House in Florida, built to withstand the elements.
33:13
How States Are Planning To Power The Electric Vehicle Boom
As more electric vehicles hit the road, how can we improve infrastructure to support the transition? Plus, the future of electric trains.
7:10
Svante Pääbo Awarded Nobel For Examining The Ancient Human Genome
Geneticist and Nobel Laureate Svante Pääbo performs archeological explorations on the human genome.
9:14
What We Can Learn About Diabetes From Hibernating Bears
Unlike humans, bears can turn their insulin resistance on and off.
28:45
The Politics Of Science: Voters Have An Important Voice
Science underlies many civic issues—from adapting to extreme weather to funding STEM education—and important choices are being decided at the ballot box.
12:00
New Alzheimer’s Drug Reduces Cognitive Decline, Say Biotech Firms
A new Alzheimer’s drug is slated for approval by the FDA, but some experts are skeptical of its usefulness in patients.
17:03
This Soundscape Artist Has Been Listening To The Planet For Decades
Jim Metzner, a pioneer of science radio, looks back on his lifetime of recordings, now heading for the Library of Congress.
12:13
After Hurricane Ian, Robots To The Rescue
Flying, swimming, and even crawling robots are becoming vital tools in disaster response. How data from robotic partners can help steer scarce human resources in dangerous terrain.