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.
2:23
The World According To Sound: How Do Songbirds Sing Two Notes At Once?
Listen to the many non-vocal sounds that birds use to communicate.
12:11
Phasing Out “Problematic” Plastics
Companies pledge to stop making hard-to-recycle materials—like straws, cutlery, and stirrers—as early as 2025.
24:09
The Science Of Slip Versus Stick
The answer to why some things are sticky and some things are slippery comes down to the science of surfaces.
10:14
How Long Will California’s Butterfly Boom Last?
Western monarch populations have rebounded exponentially from a terrifyingly low 2,000 in 2020. But will the good times last?
24:29
Why Should You Donate Your Brain To Science?
Despite advances in non-invasive imaging, brain donations are still the gold standard in neuroscience research.
What Makes Something Slippery Or Sticky?
Physicist Laurie Winkless dives into the realm of surface science to figure out how its shaped our manufactured and natural worlds.
12:14
Space-X Booster To Hit The Moon, After Years Of Hurtling Through Space
This may be the first time space junk will collide with the moon.
17:32
A Race To Save Florida’s Manatees
This charismatic mammal had its worst year on record in 2021. Scientists are scrambling to reverse manatees’ bad fortune.
10:37
It’s A Bird. It’s A Plane. It’s An Astronomical Photo Bomb.
Internet satellites are interfering with astronomical research—and the problem is only getting worse.
6:07
Webb Telescope Arrives To Its Final Home In Deep Space
After weeks of travel, the James Webb Space Telescope moved into its final orbit this week. Here’s what’s next for the historic observatory.
17:33
Understanding The Cannabis-Body Connection With Exercise
The first human study on how cannabis affects exercise sheds light on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
20:29
Are Electric Planes Finally Ready For Takeoff?
Aviation powered by electricity promises cleaner, quieter flight. But is it practical?
7:25
Beware Of Fake Pop-Up COVID Sites
A regulation loophole allows pop-up testing sites to proliferate with little regulation and oversight.
Read ‘The Sirens Of Mars’ With The SciFri Book Club
Sarah Stewart Johnson explores humanity’s fascination with the Red Planet in ‘The Sirens of Mars.’ We’ll read it together this spring.
The Importance Of Gathering Samples From Mars Before Humans Arrive
Scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson makes the case for why we should do as much science as we can on Mars—before humans step foot on the planet.
12:15
Scientists Are Working On A Universal COVID Vaccine
Making a vaccine for all COVID-19 variants requires a different approach. Plus Tonga’s volcano, and other stories.
5:44
Saliva Sharing Might Help Kids Identify Their Closest Relationships
A new study shows that small children use subtle saliva cues, like sharing utensils, to determine those closest to them.
7:28
Big Agriculture Schools Face Increasing Donor Conflicts Of Interest
Harvest Public Media and Investigate Midwest find corporations have given colleges at least $170 million in the last decade. How does that influence their research?
12:12
Identifying Animals Through Airborne DNA
Ecologists were able to successfully identify animals in a zoo simply by taking samples of DNA from the air.
8:49
Growing Plants—And Providing Solar Energy
Growing crops under solar panels is an efficient way to approach a new era of agriculture.