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.
5:59
Composing A Sound Map Of An Ever-Changing River
Composer Annea Lockwood has been using stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps” since the 1960s.
17:49
How The Past Hints About Our Climate’s Future
To narrow uncertainties about the future’s climate, researchers want to look to prehistoric fossil and ice records.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2020
2020 has been a remarkable and difficult year. Science Friday staff and listeners reflect on the most inspirational and impactful science stories of the year.
Capture The Scents Of The Season
Create a scent that captures the essence of the winter season—and explore why the smell of evergreens [or ‘sugar cookies’] can remind you of the holidays.
The Cookie Chemistry Challenge
Can you create the most crowd-pleasing cookie? Let kitchen chemistry help you explore how ingredients, timing, and temperature affect your cookie’s crumble.
12:07
COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin In The U.K.
Plus, Canada approves a vaccine, and the FDA may approve a vaccine for the US this week.
17:07
What Has Europe’s Green New Deal Accomplished In Its First Year?
Though the U.S. stalled in its progress toward a green economy, the European Union preserved through the pandemic toward its climate goals.
16:47
Charting A Path To Deliver The COVID-19 Vaccine
Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved in the United States, the hard work of getting it produced and distributed begins.
12:12
Trump Administration Rushes To Sell Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Land For Drilling
Despite lawsuits and outcry, there’s a race to develop an important piece of Arctic habitat.
27:28
The Best Science Books Of 2020
Catch up on our list of books that celebrate some of the best science non-fiction reads you might have missed this year.
7:12
What’s In A (Hurricane) Name?
This year, we ran out of hurricane monikers. Why do we name hurricanes in the first place?
Surveying The Northern Lights
For nearly two decades, Don Hampton has been monitoring the Northern Lights in Alaska to understand the energy pouring down from auroras.
11:40
U.K. Approves Pfizer Vaccine
The U.K.’s emergency authorization approval could lead to vaccinations as soon as next week.
11:42
China’s Chang’e-5 Lander Touches Down On The Moon
China caps off an historic space mission, as the era of the Arecibo Observatory comes to a crashing end.
27:23
Science Friday’s Second Life: The Voyage Home
A decade ago, Science Friday helped build—and abandoned—our Second Life community. What happened next?
17:12
How Do Wildfires Affect Our Bodies?
What happens to our insides as the outside world burns?
22:15
David Attenborough Observes A Natural World In Crisis
The esteemed filmmaker and naturalist is still calling attention to wonder—and peril—in the natural world.
David Attenborough: To Save The Earth, Rethink The Economy
In Attenborough’s new book, he imagines a world economy that resembles the Amazon rainforest rather than one that values growth at all costs.
Tapping Into The Slime Mind
From ant colonies to single-celled slime mold, biologist Audrey Dussutour explores the wonders of animal cognition.
Donate To Science Friday
Help support great science journalism. Make a gift today!