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?
Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’: Science Goes To The Movies
On March 28 – 31, Science Friday is bringing ‘Science Goes To The Movies’ to select Alamo Drafthouses to reveal the science behind upcoming blockbusters.
7:26
Boeing 737 Max Grounded As Crash Investigation Continues
Aviation regulators around the world removed Boeing’s 737 Max 8 jets from service following two crashes within six months.
4:19
How Climate Change Ruins Snowflakes
How does warm air distort snowflake shapes? And in New York, a citizen science project asks just how bad it is.
15:55
Student Scientists Investigate The Big Science Questions
In the 2019 Regeneron Science Talent Search, high school students looked at everything from exoplanet to HIV antiretroviral therapies.
11:35
A Street-Level View Of Neighborhood Change
Researchers are using big data to map gentrification before it’s obvious.
7:39
The Not So Inactive Ingredients In Our Most Common Drugs
A study finds over 90 percent of medications have ingredients that can cause allergy or irritation in some patients.
25:26
Primatologist Frans de Waal Explores Animal Emotions
In his book “Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us About Ourselves,” primatologist Frans de Waal catalogues the vast spectrum of emotional behaviors in animals.
17:05
Youth-Led Climate Change Protests Heat Up
On Friday, students across the world join together in the Youth Climate Strike to protest government inaction against climate change.
The Many Emotions Of Animals
In this excerpt of “Mama’s Last Hug” by Frans de Waal, learn about the animals that express gratitude, seek revenge, and are even hopeful.
Celebrating 150 Years Of The Periodic Table Of Elements
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, Ira opens up the Science Friday vaults to share tales of chemical discovery and creation.
7:23
SpaceX And A Dummy ‘Crew’ Visit The International Space Station
The first commercial vehicle designed to carry a crew visits the ISS.
4:46
Jet Stream Brings California Rain, But Not Relief
Research suggests California’s wet winter will not save it from a harsh wildfire season.
11:56
A Second HIV-Positive Patient May Have Been Cured. Now What?
Why gene therapy—not bone marrow transplants—could be one piece in the puzzle of neutralizing HIV worldwide.
6:10
Trying To Determine Forest Health? Look To The Lichens
The types of lichens living in a patch of forest may be a better indicator of ecological health than the trees themselves.
16:58
The Leg Bone’s Connected To The Ankle Bone—But Why?
The story of how our skeletons evolved to look they way they do.
16:24
How Jumping Spiders Avoid Becoming A Tasty Snack
From bright colors to disguising as ants, jumping spiders have evolved different ways to evade predators.
27:28
NASA: To The Moon (And Definitely Beyond)
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine talks about the agency’s ambitions beyond Planet Earth.
The Secrets Of The Extraordinary Human Skeleton
From shoulders to skulls, learn how our bones made humans unique in this excerpt from “Skeleton Keys” by Riley Black.