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.
12:17
Dirty Diapers Reveal How Germy Babies’ Microbiomes Are
A new study found 10,000 virus species in baby poo.
11:14
Why Climate Activists Are Turning To Drastic Measures
To express their urgency, climate activists are increasingly turning to more disruptive acts of civil disobedience.
5:32
Recasting The Climate Movement In ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’
A new environmental thriller raises big questions about the goals and methods of climate activists.
11:54
The Southwest Is Learning to Live With Less
A new podcast is a tale of climate change and bureaucracy due to Colorado River drought.
17:20
Why Do Humans Anthropomorphize AI?
You might intellectually know a chatbot is a computer, but it’s hard not to imagine it has feelings.
7:49
A Bee’s Eye View Of Cities’ Microbiomes
Researchers found that samples from beehives could reveal important environmental differences between cities, and even neighborhoods.
9:33
This Is Your Brain On Words
A recent study explores what parts of the brain get activated while reading.
17:22
From Backyards To Barn Yards, The Surprising Science Of Chickens
Author of the new book “Under the Henfluence: Inside the World of Backyard Chickens and the People Who Love Them” ponders America’s favorite fowl.
The History And Science Of America’s Favorite Backyard Bird
Author Tove Danovich explains the wild history of chicken domestication and the surprising science of chicken intelligence.
The Mortgage Realities Of A Dream Home
Purchasing a house is not just about how it looks and feels, but the actual costs. Learn to calculate the mortgage of your dream home.
AI For STEM Education
Enhance STEM education with resources and discussions that investigate the world of artificial intelligence, chatbots, and machine learning.
Investigate Biodiversity As You Design A Frog
Design a frog species of your own as you learn about the many ways frogs and toads adapt to their environment.
9:53
An Explosive End For A Massive Rocket
The uncrewed test flight of SpaceX’s Super Heavy rocket and Starship space vehicle ended suddenly minutes after liftoff.
2:13
Listen To Science Friday’s New Arts Podcast, ‘Universe Of Art’
On ‘Universe of Art,’ meet illustrators who draw invertebrate butts and astrophysicists who 3D-print galaxies they’re studying.
11:09
Dismantling Myths About Menstruation
Half the world menstruates. So why does it still feel taboo to discuss?
6:12
Fighting Climate Change With Genetically Modified Trees
Can trees be genetically engineered to store more carbon? A new strategy to do just that is being put to the test in a Georgia forest.
12:08
How We Arrived At Current Standards Of Care For Trans Medicine
Understanding the origins of trans medical guidelines as states move to ban gender-affirming care.
10:21
How The Cherokee Nation Is Saving Culturally Significant Seeds
The Cherokee Nation seed bank distributed nearly 10,000 heirloom seed packets to its citizens last year.
24:24
The Long Legacy Of The Alpha Wolf Myth
Despite being scientifically debunked almost 25 years ago, the idea of a “top dog” still shows up in our everyday lives.
17:09
All You Need To Know About Anesthesia
Anesthesiologists tell tales from the operating room—from the basic science of anesthesia to the specific drug combinations made for each patient.