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?
Cephapalooza!
This year we took the cephalo-party on the road, with live events in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Breakthrough: Polar Bear Witness
For USGS wildlife biologist Karyn Rode, tracking and tranquilizing polar bears from a helicopter are the just the first thrilling steps in her research.
How To Capture A Scent
Separate and capture scent molecules by their heat of vaporization.
How Big Was This Squid?
Learn how to determine the size of a Humboldt squid using a beak left behind in a whale’s stomach in this data-rich math activity.
7:32
Baby Boxes, Singing Fish, And E-DNA
A Texas company is distributing cardboard “baby boxes” in an attempt to prevent sudden, unexpected infant deaths.
4:46
Climate Change Could Lead To Coffee Crisis
Researchers estimate that climate change’s effects could wipe out 39–59 percent of Ethiopian coffee farms in the future.
12:12
Do We Need Pot To Fight The Opioid Epidemic?
Studies suggest cracking down on legalized marijuana will only make things worse.
17:32
Getting To Know The Placenta
Researchers look to the mysterious organ for a new way of monitoring fetal health during pregnancy.
7:21
Kepler Unveils A New Crop Of Exoplanets
The mission found hundreds of new planet candidates, including 10 possible rocky worlds within their star’s habitable zone.
9:54
Caught On Video: How DNA Replicates
The DNA replication process isn’t exactly like the textbooks say.
34:29
The Cephalo-Inspired Technology Of The Future
From camouflage to jet propulsion, researchers see these tentacled creatures as inspiration for their biomimetic designs.
John Steinbeck And The Mystery Of The Humboldt Squid
In 1940, John Steinbeck helped catalog wildlife in the Sea of Cortez. Now, a new creature lurks beneath the ultramarine waters.
Meet Our Cephalopod Masters
Why do we love cephalopods? They’re smart, cute, and…well…really weird.
How Lake Fish Are Coping With Pollution
Author Dan Egan tells the story of one of the last Great Lakes fisherman who witnesses the adaptation of a fish to Lake Michigan’s polluted ecosystem.
Cephalopod Week
June 14-21, 2024: Science Friday’s yearly eight-day celebration of our favorite smart marine invertebrates!
7:37
A Gene-Stealing Salamander, A Solar Companion, And French Fry Safety
Plus, involuntary manslaughter charges are brought against several officials in connection with the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
4:28
Could An Amazon Pharmacy Be A Prescription For Disaster?
A look at the potential costs and benefits of Amazon entering the pharmacy business.
8:12
Space Life Could Give You An Extra Head (If You’re A Flatworm)
Researchers look to a simple organism to study how living in space might affect humans on a cellular level.
8:48
The Mindset For A Milkshake
The mind exerts a subtle but powerful control over what we choose to eat—and even how our bodies metabolize it.