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.
34:45
Why AI Is A Growing Part Of The Criminal Justice System
From facial recognition to emotion detection to risk assessments, AI is guiding the decisions of police departments and courtrooms across the country.
How Linear Perspective Made Florence’s Famed Dome Possible
Learn how a mirror and a painting helped design Brunelleschi’s Dome in this excerpt from “Proof!” by Amir Alexander.
Engineering A Fix For The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Students will consider the impact the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the environment and marine life—and design a waste-catching device.
7:39
A Dimming Plan For Lighting Efficiency
The Trump administration plans to roll back efficiency plans that would have decreased the use of incandescent light bulbs.
4:23
Are Florida’s Nursing Homes Prepared For Hurricanes?
Florida has one of the largest nursing home populations in the country. But it’s struggling to meet new preparedness guidelines.
18:24
Diving Headfirst Into Football Season With A New Look At Concussion Research
Researchers discover you don’t need a concussion to cause changes to the brain.
27:37
Randall Munroe’s ‘How To’ Guide For Everyday Problems
In his book “How To,” Randall Munroe answers how to send a file, charge your phone, and other everyday questions with uncommon solutions.
33:34
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
How Serena Williams Destroyed A Drone With A Tennis Ball
Tennis legend Serena Williams hits the court to face off with a drone in this excerpt from Randall Munroe’s “How To.”
SciFri Extra: Bird Nerds Of A Feather Flock Together
New York’s biggest bird enthusiasts discuss their favorite birds to see in the city and how to protect them from urban hazards.
10:56
Soft Robot Gives Jellyfish A Hug
Studying the ocean’s delicate creatures requires a soft (robotic) touch.
12:20
Hurricane Watch And An Ocean Arrival
All eyes are on the Atlantic this week as Hurricane Dorian approaches, and Greta Thunberg arrives in New York City.
17:55
What We Know And Don’t Know About The Mysterious Vaping Illness
An Illinois patient died from the illness last week. Now, health researchers are investigating the dangers of vaping and how it should be regulated.
17:27
Use These Free STEM Resources Made For Teachers, By Teachers
The teachers of today are training the scientists of the future with lessons from SciFri’s Educator Collaborative.
35:03
Retooling The Tourism Industry Under A Changing Climate
From the ski slopes to casinos, how climate change is affecting the tourism industry in Lake Tahoe and other recreation communities.
Movement And Mutualism: Modeling Ecosystem Interactions
In this educational resource, students will use dance to represent ecosystem relationships.
6:11
The Amazon Is Burning
Brazil is overseeing unprecedented destruction of the world’s natural resource.
5:32
What’s The Charge… For An Electric Car Charge?
In North Carolina, electric vehicle charging stations will start operating more like gas pumps.
12:15
Trying To Find Life On Mars? Start In The Australian Outback.
The Mars 2020 mission will search for ancient life on Mars. It might know what to look for thanks to a primordial rock in the Australian outback.