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?
22:38
Science Put On Pause Under The Government Shutdown
Many research projects and departments grind to a halt, from food inspections to scientists who can no longer monitor their data.
7:51
China Reaches A New Lunar Frontier
Chinese space probe Chang’e-4 landed on the far side of the moon, marking a new era in space exploration.
3:57
Science Seeks Snowflake Snapshots
Citizen scientists are photographing snowflakes to help study winter storms.
19:54
Are All Calories Created (And Burned) Equally?
How do low-carb, high protein, calorie counting guidelines affect our metabolism?
14:21
The Physics Of A Crowd
How does the movement of crowds change when they behave predictably, and when they don’t? The answer lies in fluid dynamics.
45:45
Gaga For Grosbeaks? Coveting Chickadees? Devoted To Ducks?
SciFri celebrates winter birds and the people who love them.
28:42
The Revolutionary Doctor Who Made New York ‘New York’
David Hosack was the physician at the famous Hamilton-Burr duel, and founded many other institutions. Yet he’s been largely forgotten.
16:30
The New Horizons Spacecraft Peers Beyond The Known World
New Horizons explored Pluto. Next stop? A New Year’s visit to a planetary ‘time capsule’ in the Kuiper Belt.
46:19
2018 Year In Review: Wildfires, Space Probes, And CRISPR
We recap the year in science news with Sarah Kaplan and Rachel Feltman.
The Doctor Who Saved Hamilton’s Son’s Life
David Hosack was much more than just the doctor present at the Hamilton-Burr duel. He was also a respected botanist who founded the first botanic garden in the U.S.
Build A Groundwater Model
Make an affordable aquifer model then conduct a lab experiment to explore the effects of groundwater pollution.
6:58
Europe Moves Towards A Partial Plastics Ban
The EU is finalizing rules that would ban certain single-use plastic items, such as plastic cutlery and styrofoam coffee cups.
4:47
For Kids, State Flu Shot Rules Vary
Don’t assume that the whole family can get a flu vaccine at the local pharmacy.
11:52
Trump Administration Cracks Down On Fetal Cell Research
The Department of Health and Human Services is conducting a “comprehensive review” of research involving fetal tissue—and has disrupted an HIV research program in the process.
17:00
Is This The Dawning Of The ‘Age Of Schadenfreude?’
Taking pleasure from someone else’s pain may make you feel like a jerk, but it’s a very natural emotion.
16:31
The Deadly Proteins Stalking Deer
Prions that cause Chronic Wasting Disease are devastating deer populations. Clues to solutions may lie in soil science.
33:44
What Happens When You Double Dip That Chip?
Does double-dipping a chip really infect the dip? Is the five-second rule real? Plus, a look at other food myths.
The Science Behind The Five-Second Rule
Let’s dig into the science and history of this urban myth.
Do Babies Experience Schadenfreude?
Author Tiffany Watt Smith and her nine-month-old baby meet with a developmental psychologist to find out what makes infants laugh—and when humans begin to experience joy out of other’s misfortunes.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2018
From Usain Bolt and volcanoes to a kid scientist-to-be and caterpillars, the Science Friday staff share their favorite stories from 2018.