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?
Join The Science Friday Bird Club On iNaturalist
Get outside and observe some birds! Join the Science Friday Bird Club on iNaturalist, and support research around the world with your observations.
These Launchpads Took Humans To The Moon. Will Rising Tides Bring Them Down?
In the shadow of worsening flooding conditions and structural degradation, NASA is upgrading some of its historic launchpads—and leaving others behind.
Can Robots Influence ‘The Fate Of Food’?
In ‘The Fate of Food’ by Amanda Little, a robot gets its hands dirty in a lettuce field.
11:28
A No-Go For White House Climate Panel
Efforts to create a Presidential Committee on Climate Security—a controversial climate advisory panel—have stalled.
11:39
Mosquitoes Have Evolved To Sniff Out Their Prey Of Choice
Even though humans and other mammals emit similar odor compounds, mosquitoes can still detect the difference.
27:42
World-Class Tips For The Home Fermenter
The ‘Noma Guide to Fermentation’ reveals the secrets to fermentation.
6:14
The (Model) Rockets’ Red Glare
Model rocketeers are planning to launch thousands of model rockets worldwide in salute to the Apollo anniversary.
33:45
Eating Smarter In A Warming World
Our eating habits produce a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions—but scientists are finding smarter ways to grow and distribute our food.
Why Fermentation Is So Important To One Of The World’s Best Restaurants
Two chefs at the world-famous restaurant Noma explain why the microbes at work in fermentation are key to unlocking flavors in their food.
Talk To Science Friday Using The VoxPop App
We’ve launched a new way for you to talk to us all week long: the SciFri VoxPop app.
28:39
Planning Your Science Travel Itinerary
Suggestions for science-focused locations to add to your summer vacation plans.
42:23
How The Allies Sabotaged The Nazi Atomic Bomb
The Allies were terrified the Nazi atomic bomb would be ready before their own—and they were willing to try anything to stop them.
16:54
Revisiting The Debunked Theory Of Spontaneous Generation
The controversial idea of spontaneous generation—that life could arise from non-living matter—was debunked by Louis Pasteur in an experimental showdown.
17:32
Searching For The Secrets Of Ancient Cultures—From Space
Archaeologist Sarah Parcak explores how modern tools are helping us learn lessons from ancient history.
The Unlikely Origins Of A Space Archaeologist
In this excerpt from “Archaeology from Space,” Sarah Parcak recounts who inspired her to become a space archaeologist, from her grandfather to Indiana Jones.
Keeping The Nuclear Bomb Out Of Hitler’s Hands
During World War II, two French physicist’s assistants escape German occupation with a crucial nuclear weapon ingredient before the Nazis get to it first.
Charlie Chaplin And ‘Paternity’ In Modern Times
In this excerpt from “Paternity” by Nara B. Milanich, a 1940s court case with a Hollywood icon epitomized the shifting meaning of fatherhood.
7:33
A Rollback Of The Clean Power Plan
The Trump administration replaced the greenhouse reducing Clean Power Plan with a proposal that has narrow regulations for power plants.
4:10
New Orleans Sues Energy Companies To Repair Its Wetlands
Climate change is causing parts of Louisiana to sink. Now the city of New Orleans wants energy companies to pay to fix it.
10:13
Investigating The USDA’s Silence On Climate Change
A new Politico investigation suggests the Agriculture Department is avoiding publicizing its research regarding climate change.