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?
To Deal With Nuclear Waste, Finland Digs Deep
The U.S. has repeatedly shut down proposals to bury nuclear waste, but Finland is leading a trend.
Wait, Ants Can Do That?
You’ve heard about ants’ superhuman—er—superant strength. But that’s just the beginning.
Science Friday Live In Wichita
SciFri is heading to Kansas to tell stories about the science beneath your feet.
Birds Of A Feather, Photograph Together
The 2017 Audubon Photography Awards are in, and the winners are a real hoot.
11:56
Can You Feel Me Now? The Science Of Digitizing Touch
Scientists are developing tools that allow you to digitally feel textures like wood and cotton.
17:21
Hollow Earth, Cosmic Calamities, And Other Pseudoscientific Fads
In his book “Fads and Fallacies,” published in the 1950s, Martin Gardner chronicled a quirkier, and perhaps less politically polarizing, set of pseudoscientific ideas.
29:22
How Sexual Harassment And Bias Undermine Women’s Access To Scientific Careers
What will it take to bring true equality to research labs?
17:26
Alan Alda: To Talk Better, Listen
Empathy is a crucial component in communicating about science…or anything else.
17:03
Could Thor Punch The Hulk Without Knocking Himself Over?
Mythbusting the physics of this summer’s superhero blockbusters.
Need To Explain Some Science? Try Improv
Actor and author Alan Alda considers the best way to explain complicated scientific concepts — with humanity.
Behind The Scenes Of Science With Undiscovered Live
Join the hosts of the Undiscovered podcast for a night of stories you won’t read in the science journals.
How Will Climate Change Hurt The American Economy? Depends On Where You Live
Texas and Florida are in for some pain — but some places in the United States may actually benefit from climate change.
Demystifying The Microwave
A safety engineer and radiation expert debunk microwave myths and tell you how to properly cook food in your “science oven.”
Make 3D Paint With Starch
Experiment with solubility as you create homemade 3D paint with starch.
How Do I Safely View A Solar Eclipse?
Seeing a solar eclipse is an opportunity to be part of one of science’s most exciting phenomena. Are you ready?
The Real Roswell Cover-Up? Spying On Air
Author Sam Kean explains the secret Cold War project behind the infamous 1947 Roswell crash.
7:29
Instead Of Cooler Temperatures Post-El Niño, Scientists Clock Record Highs In 2017
Plus, could a human outrun a T-rex? And other short subjects in science.
4:35
Can We Pay People To Save The Rainforest?
Small cash payments can keep landowners from selling trees for firewood. But are there loopholes?
17:06
Creating A Soundtrack For Stories Of Spaceflight
Wilco keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen and art historian James Merle Thomas took inspiration from the sounds of NASA missions for their latest album.