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?
11:48
Remembering Stephen Hawking
Plus, rogue satellites, graphene hair dye, and hungry ravens.
4:51
To Flap, Perchance To Fly
Inside the fossilized bones of Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaur specimens, researchers have found evidence of a capability for flight.
12:01
Bringing (Accurate) Dinosaurs Back To Life
Meet Gabriel Ugueto, a paleoartist who relies on scientific papers and fossils to get closer to what dinosaurs actually looked like.
11:40
Complex Human Behaviors May Have Evolved In Our Earliest Ancestors
Our earliest human ancestors had trading networks and advanced technology—tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought.
27:10
A Guide To Daily Life On Mars
We asked an astronaut, an aerospace engineer, and a space futurist what life would be like on the Red Planet.
6:28
A New Clue To The Pinkish Streak Named Steve
How citizen scientists helped find—and solve—a mystery in the northern lights.
17:29
Why Aren’t There More Women In Blockchain?
The cryptocurrency industry has so far followed the trend in tech of being dominated by men. Women want to change that.
Interpret The Impacts Of Rising Ocean Temperatures On Ecosystems
Where do fish go when the water gets warm? It depends on the species.
New Visions Of Ancient Creatures
A paleoartist reinterprets the dinosaurs we thought we knew so well.
The History Of Ice Skates
From bones to blades, they just don’t make ice skates like they used to.
The Woman Who Linked The Web In A ‘Microcosm’
Hypertext links one thing to another on the Internet. But, in 1989, computer scientist Wendy Hall invented a specialized linkbase to build a more connected web.
7:26
Falling Chinese Space Station And A Scorched Exoplanet
China National Space Administration’s Tiangong-1 station is expected to crash to Earth, but the exact timing and location is unknown.
4:36
FDA Is Back On Board With A Breast Cancer Test
The FDA will now allow the consumer genetic testing company 23andMe to screen customers for mutations that boost breast cancer risk.
17:19
Pitting Viruses Against Bacteria To Combat The Antibiotic Crisis
Scientists are developing natural and synthetic viruses that kill bacteria to create new antibiotic treatments.
16:21
The Color Of Music
Researchers have identified several gene regions linked to synesthesia, an unusual crossover of the senses.
16:50
High School Science Projects Go High Tech
From battling invasive weeds to detecting gender bias in social media, these high schoolers hone in on tough scientific questions for a nationwide competition.
29:41
The Women Who Made The Internet
Silicon Valley may be notoriously male-dominated today. But a new book tells the stories of the women who have been building the internet since day one.
Celebrate Spring At The Orchid Social
On Monday, April 9, in New York City, join Ira Flatow for a Science Friday garden party.
Science Friday Live In Salt Lake City
On Saturday, September 15, Science Friday heads to Salt Lake City to learn about local science.
Science Friday Live in Pittsburgh
On Saturday, May 19, Science Friday heads to Pittsburgh to talk local science.