February 28, 2025
A federal DEI ban is already prompting changes across science agencies. How will it affect medical research? A journalist traveled to five continents to learn about the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t. And, the ocean liner SS United States will become an artificial reef in Florida. How do artificial reefs work?
Discussing the Impacts of Social Media Algorithms
Students use an excerpt of Science Friday as a springboard to discuss and write about algorithms used in social media and their impact on the user experience. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
‘Space Archaeologists’ and Activists Use Satellites to Unearth History
Satellite imagery can help researchers track destruction of culturally significant sites and uncover archaeological ruins.
Selfies From The Animal Kingdom
Zoologist Roland Kays’ book “Candid Creatures” features wildlife photos taken with motion-sensing cameras.
11:58
A Volcano Mystery, HIV and Alzheimer’s, and Cold Lab Mice
A mysterious North Korean volcano, and the implications of cold lab mice for research.
17:26
How Do You Measure the I.Q. of an Octopus?
The trick, says primatologist Frans de Waal, is to measure animal intelligence not by human standards, but by the standards of an octopus or elephant or chimpanzee.
12:20
When Laser Science Was ‘Far Out’
In the 1970s, millions of people experienced a groovier side of science: the planetarium laser show.
17:36
Learning to Walk Like a Gecko, See Like a Lobster
Biomimicry is the practice of using nature to inspire new technology and innovations.
7:03
For Your Protection, a New Kind of Metal
Metal foam can disintegrate bullets on impact, reduce the impact of car crashes, and more.
10:19
Could ‘Brainprints’ Unlock Your Future Phone?
Researchers created a system that could match EEG readings to an individual with 100 percent accuracy.
17:18
What Is the Future of Coral Reefs in Warming Ocean Waters?
Ninety-three percent of Great Barrier Reef corals have been affected by a recent bleaching event.
Are Humans Smarter Than Chimps? Think Again
Author Frans de Waal deconstructs the notion that a chimpanzee’s intelligence is inferior to a human’s.
These Researchers Have Figured Out a New Way to Kill Cancer Cells
The team reports that they’ve figured out how to elude a tumor cell’s defenses.
10 Questions for the Nation’s First Chief Data Scientist
DJ Patil reflects on his first year as chief data scientist in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.
11:42
Internet White Spaces, Pollen Protein, and Tiger Conservation
Logging online through unused TV frequencies, and the good and bad of tiger conservation efforts.
16:12
Computer Device Allows Paralyzed Man to Regain Movement
A computer hooked to Ian Burkhart’s brain reads his thoughts and translates those into electrical signals, which stimulate his arm muscles and allow him to move his hand.
7:18
The Science Club Wants You to #TakeASample
This month’s project from Science Friday’s Science Club asks participants to answer a question about a big or complex thing by looking at a sample of the whole.
11:55
That Emoji You’re Sending Is Open to Interpretation
Emoji, the tiny graphics used in text communications, can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
17:37
Listening In on Scientific Data
Proponents of sonification hope that listening to data could lead to more scientific discoveries.
9:57
Zika Virus Transmission Still Mysterious
Many questions remain about the Zika virus, such as how it passes from mother to child.
17:13
Orchids: Masters Of Deception
Orchids use mimicry, fraud, and deception to attract pollinators, fascinating home gardeners in the process.