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?
16:17
A Thumb Drive Made of Genes?
We keep talking about storing our data in DNA. How soon will it happen?
12:06
Back When the Planet Had Just One Plate
Geologists are trying to construct a picture of an ancient Earth, before the continental plates split apart.
17:38
Modern Farmers on the Frontline of Conservation
Some farmers are using techniques that conserve natural resources, like no-till and dry irrigation, as a way to cultivate crops according to the biology of the soil and land.
17:19
Has California’s Five-Year Drought Washed Away?
Predicting rain, snow, and water supply in the warming West.
17:24
The Secret (Smart) Life of Bees
Bees can distinguish between human faces, count to four, and even play “soccer.”
Science Friday Spoonfuls
Classroom-ready doses of current science, technology, and engineering stories.
Fighting A.I. With A.I.
As we increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, we must prepare for new types of hacks.
To Survive on Mars, BYO Bacteria
Microbes could form the basis of a human life support system on the Red Planet.
Life Beyond Earth
We delve into the science of listening, and looking, for possibilities of life in the universe.
7:48
Magnetic Pottery, and the Effects of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Teens
In states where same sex-marriage was legalized, the suicide attempts among gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens dropped by 14 percent.
3:47
A Cautious Go-Ahead for Human Gene Editing
A report from a National Academies panel endorses the possible use of gene-editing techniques in human embryos—under very limited conditions.
21:59
How Can We Discover Better Antibiotics?
A look at the scientific obstacles and breakthroughs involved in finding and developing new antibiotics.
7:02
Can This Treatment Combat Hearing Loss?
Boston-based researchers have regrown a high volume of sensory hair cells in the lab using a new technique.
16:51
Seven New Chances for Life in Space, Just 40 Light-Years Away
Scientists have discovered seven Earth-size planets orbiting a nearby star that could hold the conditions for life.
31:55
Computer Hacks of the Future, and How to Prevent Them
As self-driving cars and other artificial intelligence advance, how safe will we be from A.I. hacks and attacks?
How Well Does Facebook Know Us?
The SciFri staff discusses the assumptions Facebook makes about us.
Science Friday Live in Orlando
On Tuesday, March 28, Science Friday heads to Orlando to show how the future is NOW!
The Plastic Battery That Doesn’t Explode
The inventor thinks the new technology could revolutionize the future of batteries.
7:37
CRISPR Patent Battles, a Super-Sized Space Launch, and the Rise of Commuter Drones
The U.S. Patent Office ruled in favor of the Broad Institute in an early case over rights to the gene-editing technique known as CRISPR.