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?
The 2019 Science Friday Educator Collaborative
This year’s cohort of Educator Collaborators are making engaging, free activities for the classroom.
What Did Ancient Civilizations Eat? An Archaeology Lab Experiment
Compare simulated ancient plant remains to real archaeological data to understand the diets of past civilizations.
Questions About Crows? We’ve Got You Covered
Corvid researcher Kaeli Swift answers your questions about funeral practices, grudges, and other feats of intellect.
Use #ScientistsWhoSelfie to Challenge Science Stereotypes
What happens when students “draw a scientist” and then explore how real scientists present themselves in social media? Stereotypes get busted!
12:00
How ‘Moss Piglets’ Invaded The Moon
Tardigrades on the moon, feral hogs on Earth, and more news from this week’s roundup.
17:31
Breaking Through The Northwest Passage For Arctic Science
Scientists and students navigated the Northwest Passage waterways to study how the Arctic summers have changed.
17:28
A Bird’s-Eye View Of Color
Birds don’t see the world quite the way we do. How does that shape the colors—both spectacular and drab—of our feathered friends?
11:38
Bridging The Digital Divide In Texas’ Wide-Open Spaces
High-speed internet access is becoming a necessity of modern life, but connecting over a million rural Texans is a challenge.
34:31
The Not-So-Great Red Spot
The Great Red Spot is shrinking, and other news from the giant planets.
How To See Like A Bird
This lab is developing new methods to visualize the unseen spectrum of bird plumage.
Nevertheless She Existed: Women Who Took To The Skies
On November 20 in NYC, discover the untold stories of the women in space history who shot for the stars and expanded our horizons.
7:16
Why Car Companies Set Tougher Emission Standards For Themselves
Four car manufacturers strike a deal with California despite newly lax EPA rules.
4:42
What’s Next For The University Of Alaska System?
In the face of major budget cuts, the University of Alaska system takes a step towards consolidation.
16:39
Practice Makes Perfect: How Birds Learn To Sing
What do a song bird and a toddler have in common? The way they learn to vocalize.
12:02
A Spike In Tree Loss Puts The Amazon Rainforest At Risk
The Amazon Rainforest may soon be classified as a savanna instead of a rainforest, due to accelerating deforestation. What does that mean for the planet?
16:46
Is Chemical Sunscreen Safe? Scientists Aren’t Sure
New studies show that sunscreen ingredients can stay in your bloodstream days after you apply it.
16:27
Algae, The Mighty Slime Of The Planet
Researchers are tapping into the power of algae for everything from agriculture, alternative fuels, to making cows burp less methane.
17:31
The Planned Thirty Meter Telescope On Mauna Kea Raises Ethical Concerns
Native Hawaiian scientists support the pursuit of knowledge—but question the human cost.
Science Friday Live In San Francisco
On Saturday, November 16, Ira Flatow and Science Friday are heading to San Francisco, California.
The Rise Of South Korea’s Seaweed Farming Industry
In her book ‘Slime,’ Ruth Kassinger visits a family-run seaweed farm in South Korea to see how the crop is grown and transformed into nori.