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.
16:45
In A World Of Lab-Grown Diamonds, What Is Real And Fake?
Science historian Lydia Pyne on how “genuine fakes” live in a gray area between real and fake.
33:45
Ask A Dentist: Brushing Up On Tooth Science
We talk with dental experts about how your gums affect your heart, frontiers in cavity prevention, and why the future of dentistry is personal.
How The First Non-Natural Diamond Was Grown In A GE Lab
Since ancient times, people have tried to make their own diamonds. In upstate New York in 1954, it finally happened.
Science Friday Live In Pasadena
Ira Flatow and the SciFri gang are headed down to Pasadena, CA on Saturday, May 30, 2020 for a special, one-night-only live event. Get your tickets here.
From Superior To Ontario, Your Love Of The Great Lakes
The Science Friday Book Club rejoiced in memories, thought about water access, and identified invasive species. So, we mapped it.
Compete For The Nerdy Crown At SciFri Trivia Night
On Wednesday, April 29, our sixth annual Science Friday Trivia Night returns to littlefield in Brooklyn, New York.
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Annihilation’ In Chicago
On Thursday April 23, join us at the Davis Theater as we screen ‘Annihilation.’ Plus, a live conversation with local experts.
A Party For The Planet With The Story Collider And SciFri
Science and storytelling come together at The Story Collider—and Science Friday is teaming up for an Earth Day celebration on April 7 in Washington, D.C.
8:05
A Backstory For Kuiper Belt Object ‘Arrokoth’
Plus an update on the new coronavirus outbreak, and more in this week’s News Roundup.
3:41
Bringing California’s Groundwater Into Balance
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act seeks to regulate water flowing out of and into California’s underground aquifers.
20:38
Bringing A ‘Ghost Heart’ To Life
Scientists are engineering hybrid mechanical animal hearts and “ghost heart” scaffolds in the hopes of finding alternate transplantable organs.
24:04
How Big Tech Is Taking On Big Government
Tech companies are supplying citizens with food, courting international diplomats, and fighting terrorism—work that sounds a lot like what governments do.
34:05
A Last Love Letter To The Great Lakes Book Club
The SciFri Book Club wraps its month-long investigation of the Great Lakes with questions about the future of the ecosystems’ recovery.
What Happens When Tech Giants Assist In Natural Disasters?
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the U.S. government didn’t step in to restore power. What happens when countries turn to private companies for infrastructure?
SciFri Extra: The Marshall Islands Stare Down Rising Seas
Former Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine speaks on a vulnerable country’s plan to stay put in the face of climate change, and why other countries should pay attention.
11:52
“One Trillion Trees”… But Where to Plant Them?
President Trump and Republicans are increasingly considering planting trees to combat climate change—but the strategy has some serious flaws.
29:13
How Tech Can Make Us More—And Less—Empathetic
A new book covers why empathy is important to society, and how technology is changing that.
16:21
Meet Alice Ball, Unsung Pioneer In Leprosy Treatment
A new short film tells the story of a young African-American chemist and her pioneering work in the early 1900s.
34:19
How Native American Communities Are Addressing Climate Change
Indigenous tribes are centering climate change management strategies around traditional practices.
How Empathy Has Changed In The Face Of Tech
As tech takes over our lives, a journalist reckons with what has happened to our ability to empathize.