February 21, 2025
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond. Plus, flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. And, a video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online.
An ‘Egghead Neuroscientist’ Tries His Hand At Cattle Farming
In the book “Cowpuppy,” a scientist forges a bond with his new cows as he tries to help a calf nurse for the first time.
Pick Your Fave SciFri Radio Stories!
Help us choose the top Science Friday radio stories from our archive to air as part of our 33rd anniversary celebration.
What Newly Discovered Cave Art Tells Us About Human Creativity
Archaeologists keep finding older and older cave art. Here’s what it could tell us about how humans evolved over time.
‘Slingshot’ And The Mental Battle Of Long Space Missions
The new movie “Slingshot” depicts an astronaut’s mental health meltdown. How is NASA preparing for the challenges of long-term space travel?
12:14
Mosquito-Borne Diseases Are Spreading As Temperatures Rise
Several states have reported cases of the rare but serious mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis.
6:30
Asteroid That Killed The Dinosaurs Was A Carbon-Rich Rock
A new study suggests that the giant dino-killing rock may have originated from the outer parts of the solar system.
10:30
‘Slingshot’ Imagines A Yearslong Space Mission Gone Wrong
The new sci-fi movie about an astronaut’s mental breakdown prompts questions about how to prepare humans for long-term space travel.
12:12
Training Dogs To Stop The Spread Of Spotted Lanternflies
The invasive insects often lay eggs on vehicles and shipped goods. Now researchers are training dogs to sniff them out before they hatch.
17:28
Could ‘Season Creep’ Affect Human Behavior?
The seasons are arriving at different times than they used to. A psychologist weighs in on whether these shifts could impact our behavior.
17:03
Webb Telescope Data Point To Six ‘Rogue Worlds’
Rogue worlds float around in the cosmos, untethered to a specific star. They could help scientists understand the formation of the Milky Way.
17:00
Why Eels Are So Mysterious—And In Demand
In her new book, Ellen Ruppel Shell covers the natural history of eels and the crime ring that has sprung up from illegally trafficking them.
How A Hunger For Eels Sparked A Bustling Black Market
The book “Slippery Beast” traces how the explosion in demand for eel led to overfishing, poaching, and black market activity.
How One Photo Of A Flower Reignited A Species Debate
A new photo of a long-forgotten flower showed up online. Identifying it means getting into the tricky question of how a species is defined.
12:13
Study Finds A Staggering Amount Of Plastic In Human Brains
A new study measuring microplastics in organs of the recently deceased found that about two dozen brain samples were 0.5% plastic by weight.
9:30
CDC Updates Guidelines For Managing Pain From IUD Insertion
Having an IUD inserted in the uterus is extremely painful for some people. The CDC now recommends that doctors use local anesthetics.
7:59
Protecting Sequoias From Wildfire Raises Tricky Questions
Sequoia National Park is largely designated as wilderness. That complicates efforts to protect its iconic trees from worsening wildfires.
17:06
Astronaut Cady Coleman On ‘Sharing Space’
Cady Coleman discusses her reaction to seeing Earth from orbit, the challenges of her path into space, and her new book.
17:32
Errors On Death Certificates May Be Skewing Mortality Data
Misreporting on death certificates could lead to inaccurate mortality data, including for key statistics like maternal mortality rates.
17:07
The History Of Teeth, From Ancient Fish To Humans
In “Bite,” author Bill Schutt takes readers on a dental adventure spanning half a billion years and much of the animal kingdom.
12:12
What Newly Discovered Cave Art Tells Us About Human Creativity
Archaeologists keep finding older and older cave art. Here’s what it could tell us about how humans evolved over time.