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.
11:56
Tablets and Smartphones Might Be Sapping Your Sleep
Researchers say using tablets and smartphones before bedtime can shift your circadian rhythms.
The SciFri Book Club Searches for Lost Cities
Journey into the Amazonian jungle with David Grann’s “The Lost City of Z.”
The Green Comet
You might be able to spot this bright, verdant comet with the naked eye.
Engineer A ‘Filter Feeder’
Build and test a water filter inspired by marine filter feeding organisms.
11:53
CES 2015: Smart Mirrors, Autonomous Cars, and Safer Home Security
Re/code reviewer Lauren Goode gives her rundown of the best tech at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show.
17:20
Can Diet and Exercise Affect Your Genes?
Researchers are examining how exercise, diet, and your environment play a role in gene expression.
6:27
Sifting Soils for New Approaches to Antibiotics
Researchers report that they’ve isolated a new type of antibiotic compound from soil-dwelling bacteria that previously couldn’t be cultured.
10:13
A Broadway Hit, With an Autistic Math Whiz at Its Center
Actor Alex Sharp talks about playing a 15-year-old math whiz on the Autism spectrum in the hit Broadway play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
6:28
The Cold Virus Seeks Safety in the Nose
One out of five people harbors a cold virus in their nose at any one time.
11:44
Diet Pill Mimics the Effects of Eating
The “imaginary meal” pill helps mice lose weight—but can it do the same in humans?
10:58
Mapping White-Nose Syndrome’s Lethal Course In Bats
Bats infected with white-nose syndrome use up twice as much energy during hibernation as uninfected bats.
16:59
Bill Nye on the Origins of Evolution
When it comes to evolution, Bill Nye the Science Guy won’t be denied.
Talking Darwin Over Dinner
An excerpt from the Science Guy’s new book, “Undeniable.”
SciArts: Exoplanet Art
Artist Helena Kauppila imagines and paints her vision of what it would be like stand on the surface of another planet and look up at the stars.
When Egg Meets Sperm, Sparks Fly
The original meet-cute. When sperm and egg meet, sparks fly.
Make Your Own Fall Foliage With This Dad-Tested Experiment
Learn about why leaves change colors in different seasons.
22:17
An App A Day Keeps The Doctor Away?
Eric Topol’s book ‘The Patient Will See You Now’ argues that technology will save patients time and money—and put healthcare back in their hands.
23:41
Birding Into the New Year
We’ll check in on the 115th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count and hear what birds have made an appearance so far this winter.
11:52
Don’t Stress! How To (Probably) Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
A lack of discipline isn’t what might undermine your goals, but rather an abundance of stress.