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.
17:11
Decolonizing And Diversifying The Future Of Food
The Science Friday Book Club explores what a sustainable culinary future might look like.
17:23
Can An Algorithm Explain Your Knee Pain?
Researchers suggest an algorithm can be used as a tool for justice in healthcare.
12:01
Weighing COVID-19 Vaccinations For Teens
Pfizer’s vaccine may soon be available to Americans 12 to 15 years old. Plus, climate change models predict faster sea level rise.
9:48
This Computer Won The 2021 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
A computer program, Dr. Fill, beat the human competition in the 2021 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in just 49 seconds.
12:08
A Beetle’s Chemical (And Plastic) Romance
3D-printed beetles and some pheromones are helping scientists understand where new insect species come from.
9:41
Nature’s Early Warning Signs For A Bad Wildfire Season
California wildfire researcher Craig Clements explains how landscape and moisture content in plants can give early clues to how smoky a summer might be.
7:39
Arctic Wildfires Are Burning An Important Carbon Sink
Fires in the far north may impact forests’ ability to store carbon.
16:43
Can Woodchips Help The Gulf Of Mexico’s Dead Zone?
Crop scientists are tackling fertilizer runoff with woodchips, bacteria, and a trench.
23:40
Is COVID-19 Herd Immunity Even Possible Anymore?
Between variants and vaccine hesitancy, the U.S. may be a long way from vaccinating our way out of the pandemic.
12:10
India Suffering Under A Deadly Second Wave Of COVID-19
Yesterday, India reported nearly 380,000 new COVID-19 cases in just one day. And the number of deaths has reached nearly 4,000.
17:24
Ask An Expert: What The Heck Are Microplastics?
We create them, we eat them, we breathe them in. But what effect do microplastics have on our bodies and our planet?
11:50
Uncovering Metal Crafts Of The Viking Age
Archaeologists find that metalworkers in the 8th-century Viking trading port of Ribe made quick technological advances in brass production.
17:19
An Illustrated Exploration Of Hypothetical Futures
In a new illustrated guide, futurist Rose Eveleth dives into the slippery nature of predicting what might come next.
15:56
The Global Pollinating Forces Behind Your Food
When you eat foods grown in another country, you’re benefiting from pollinating insects and animals thousands of miles away.
17:22
The Future Of Plastics
How we make—and dispose of—plastics is one of our biggest environmental challenges. Here are some potential solutions.
What Does Restorative Justice Look Like… In Space?
In a graphic anthology of possible futures, astronauts embarking on a moon settlement operation explore justice in space.
Examining Texas And California’s Very Different Vaccination Approaches
California stresses equity for minority groups. Texas is all about personal choice and liberty. Both states face roadblocks.
12:14
World Leaders Gather Virtually For Climate Summit
Forty world leaders attended to discuss how each country would commit to decreasing emissions.
4:41
Offshore Wind Power Moves Forward In Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm has been in the planning stage for years. Now, the project may finally be going forward.