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?
12:14
Mining For Clues Of The Mayan Salt Producers
Scientists uncovered clues about a Mayan salt production system off the coast of Belize. What does this reveal about their economy?
17:32
Lessons From Squirrel Monkeys
They’re big-brained chatterboxes, and they’ve even been to space.
7:10
‘You Can Never Feel My Pain’
A new podcast tells the story of rapper Prodigy and his life with sickle cell disease.
9:49
Finding Home, Magnetically
Landlocked for 60 years, these juvenile Atlantic salmon still have the tools to navigate the sea.
17:35
How Secure Are The 2018 Midterm Elections?
A look at how the voting infrastructure can be secured against malicious hacks and technological errors.
Bumblebee Barf? Yaaas Queen!
Bumblebees are one of our most important native pollinators. To learn more about them, researchers study their vomit.
The Logic Of Blame
When it comes to blame and logic, it may be more useful to understand the system rather than the individual.
The Pursuit Of ‘Pure’ Food
Nineteenth century milk sellers used formaldehyde to preserve their product. Just how far have food regulations come?
7:42
Introducing The 2018 Nobel Prize Laureates In The Sciences
This week, a handful of scientists got early morning calls with some exciting news.
12:37
The Number Of Female Nobel Laureates Grows By Two
For the first time ever, female scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics and chemistry in the same year.
11:48
Some Dung Beetles Carry Parasites On Their Genitals, And It’s Not A Bad Thing
Eating poop isn’t the worst thing these beetles have to live with.
10:10
That’s No Space Station, It’s A Moon (Maybe)
Researchers may have spotted signs of a moon orbiting a planet some 8,000 light years away.
23:59
Borax: It’s What’s For Dinner
In the early 20th century, milk could be spiked with formaldehyde and pepper could contain coconut shells or charred rope—until a government chemist called for new food safety.
24:11
Using Logic In A Maddening World
We all think we’re logical. So why do we have so many disagreements?
Science Friday Live In The Sunshine State
On Saturday November 17, we’re heading to Tampa, Florida to soak up the local science.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Alcohol’
“The cause of (and solution to) all life’s problems” is derived from Arabic. But the word ‘alcohol’ originally referred to a method of manufacturing makeup, among other things.
Shell Shocked
Study gastropod shells to understand the evolutionary trade-off between the costs and benefits of building a shell for protection in this resource from Shape of Life
A New Beak Evolution Lab!
This evolution simulation goes further by modeling reproductive success while giving young engineers an opportunity to flex their skills.
Pakistan Faces A Water War On The Horizon
In his new book, Jeff Nesbit unpacks the rising political tensions between India and Pakistan as a critical water source begins to shrivel up. Will it trigger a nuclear war?
7:31
Is This The Dawning Of The Age Of Meghalayan?
Geologists and archeologists debate a new potential geologic age, starting around 4,200 years ago.