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.
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
‘Salem’s Lot’ And The Bloody Fountain Of Youth
In this Stephen King adaptation, a vampire drinks blood to live forever. Can young blood have anti-aging effects for the living?
12:13
The Science Behind Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton caused a major storm surge, but also a reverse one.
17:12
Asheville Was Never A ‘Climate Haven.’ Nowhere Is.
Although the kinds of risks vary by location, there is no place that’s immune to the damaging effects of climate change.
16:41
What Makes ‘SuperAgers’ Stay Healthy For So Long?
Scientists are looking to recruit 10,000 people over age 95 to study how their genes may contribute to longer, healthier lives.
16:58
Searching The Universe For Clues To The Ultra-Small
Several astronomy projects are mapping vast areas of space, searching for traces of tiny quantum fluctuations in the early universe.
6:04
Lake Michigan Swimmers Enjoy ‘Unsettling’ Warm Water
The lake’s surface temperature has been above average nearly every day this year so far. All five Great Lakes are heating up.
10:39
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
12:01
The Basics Of How Health Misinformation Spreads
We kick off a series on health misinformation leading up to the election. Plus, tell us what health information you’d like us to investigate.
Join Us For A Celebration Of Extraordinary Science News
Cheers to another trip around the Sun! Join us December 6th for a look back at this year’s science news with Ira Flatow and special guests.
Mission Sensor Watch: Cool Your Community
Investigate climate science using ECOSTRESS imagery from the ISS. Then, hunt for heat islands and design solutions to cool your community.
Help Shape the Future of SciFri—Take Our Audience Survey
Just like science, our organization thrives on data. Please take a few minutes to tell us about yourself and share your input.
11:25
Hurricane Helene’s Damage Could Affect The Global Tech Industry
The storm flooded mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, which supply the tech industry with some of the purest quartz in the world.
17:25
How The Origin Of Life On Earth Can Help Find Life In Space
In his book “Is Earth Exceptional?,” Mario Livio tackles a question that has captured imaginations for centuries: Are we alone in the universe?
16:56
How Magnetic Brain Stimulation Helps Relieve Depression
One lab’s approach to transcranial magnetic stimulation has sent many patients with hard-to-treat depression into remission.
12:09
A Strong, Stretchy, And Sticky Band-Aid For The Heart
Researchers developed a 3D-printable material, inspired by worms, that can act as a Band-Aid for damaged heart and cartilage tissue.
17:20
How Gut Microbes Are Linked To Stress Resilience
A recent study concluded that people who are highly resilient to stress have specific biological signatures in their gut microbiomes.
16:41
How Campaigns Use Psychology To Get Out The Vote
With the presidential election a month away, researchers explain the psychology behind holding, changing, and acting on political opinions.
The Chicken-And-Egg Problem Of The Origin Of Life
In a new book, astrophysicist Mario Livio describes how the existence of life on Earth can be traced back to an RNA-based “protocell.”
Mission Stellar Health: Train Like An Astronaut
Discover how astronauts exercise to stay fit in space. Then use engineering design to create innovative health solutions for Earth.