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?
Discovering The Past Through Dino Poop
Inside these fossilized feces is a fortune of information about ancient ecosystems.
6:17
Three Years Later, Checking In On The Paris Accord
Countries are discussing carbon emissions in a new political (and changing) climate.
5:13
The Complex Calls Of City-Living Frogs
Living in the city means that male túngara frogs have more complex calls than their country cousins, but ‘more complex’ doesn’t necessarily mean better.
7:45
Why Are Raccoons So Good At Getting Into Your Garbage?
Does success in the urban jungle require dexterity or cleverness? Or both?
29:31
New Space Telescopes Race For A New View Of The Cosmos
The James Webb Space Telescope is a decade late and billions of dollars over budget. But astronomers are already setting their sights on its successors.
16:27
‘Dear Science Friday, Can You Study The Asp Caterpillar?’
Second grader Nina Del Bosque sent SciFri a letter with a question about stinging caterpillars. We introduce her to a biologist to answer her caterpillar curiosities.
26:01
To Battle Cancer, First Understand The Immune System
Cancer immunotherapy has dramatic success in some cases, but not all. Researchers are trying to learn why.
ROVs: The Swiss Army Knife Of The Ocean
These versatile machines keep deep sea explorers above water where it’s safer, but is operating an ROV really just like operating a big remote control car?
The Mass Extinction Detectives
The End Triassic extinction paved the way for the dinosaurs by killing their competition—in an event that looks like climate change today.
The Mass Extinction Detectives
The End Triassic extinction paved the way for the dinosaurs by killing their competition—in an event that looks like climate change today.
6:49
A Busy Week In Space
If all goes according to plan, seven rockets will lift off this week.
5:17
Controlling Mosquitoes, By Releasing Mosquitoes
A mosquito-control trial in California involves producing—and releasing—millions of bacteria-infected males into the ecosystem.
21:42
So You Want To Grow Hemp
With Congress poised to legalize growing hemp, how does a ‘new’ plant become a thriving agricultural product? Plus, the science of CBD.
12:31
The Cold Case Of The Triassic Phytosaurs
Paleontologist Randy Irmis and his team are searching for phytosaur fossils to piece together the changes that happened during the End Triassic mass extinction.
11:44
How To Preserve Artworks In A Microbial World
Fungus, bacteria, and lichens can live on (and damage) pieces of art.
34:16
The Best Science Books Of 2018
Ira and a panel of guests round up their favorite science books from 2018
Raccoons: Tricky Trash Pandas Or Misunderstood Masterminds?
Raccoons are highly successful critters, even in the face of a changing environment.
7:19
InSight Settles In On Mars
After celebrating earlier this week, the robotic lander Mars InSight gets ready to research.
4:38
Conflict Is Blowin’ In The Wind
“Wake effects” from one wind farm can affect the performance of another—even miles away.
8:51
Calling All Science Educators!
It’s your chance to team up with SciFri to develop resources for science learners everywhere.