February 7, 2025
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists. Plus, an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments in a new book. And, why snow has that crisp, clean smell.
11:45
Trump Administration Cancels Meetings, Freezes Hiring At NIH
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health say the move has sent fear and confusion throughout the agency.
17:04
Can Paxlovid Relieve Long COVID Symptoms? For Some, Yes
Research on long COVID patients who took an extended course of Paxlovid shows mixed results.
15:39
The Factors That Make Bird Sounds So Diverse Across The World
An analysis of 140,000 vocalizations from 77% of bird species showed that beak size and geography play a big role in the way birds sound.
11:47
What Exactly Is A Meme Coin And How Does It Work?
President Trump and the first lady issued their own meme coins, the value of which inflated and then dropped. What’s the technology behind them?
17:27
AI Is Coming Up With Brand New Molecules, Fueling Drug Discovery
AI models are able to design molecules that don’t even exist in nature. Some have proven effective as snake antivenom.
17:23
The Science Of Thriving In Winter—By Embracing It
A psychologist and author of “How To Winter” explains what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest, darkest parts of the world.
If ‘Interstellar’ Were Made Today, What Would Be Different?
The science advisor for “Interstellar” discusses the film’s impact, and how new information about gravitational waves could have changed it.
12:02
Rocket Launches With Lunar Landers From 2 Private Companies
The SpaceX rocket carries lunar landers from companies based in Texas and Japan. They could arrive at the moon in the coming months.
17:08
Fire Risk To Homes Where Cities And Wildlands Meet
About a third of US homes are in a wildland-urban interface, a kind of high-risk area where development meets open land.
11:56
As Cervical Cancer Deaths Plummet, Experts Credit HPV Vaccine
HPV can cause a variety of cancers, including cervical. New mortality data for women under 25 point to the success of the HPV vaccine.
17:23
Why Editors At Scientific Journals Are Resigning En Masse
Publishers want to put out more papers with less editorial staff, all while charging scientists more to publish. Editors have had enough.
12:15
This January, See A ‘Planet Parade’ In The Night Sky
Astronomer Dean Regas gives us the lowdown on what to look for in the night sky this winter, from a “planet parade” to the ATLAS comet.
16:58
‘Orbital’ Imagines The Inner Lives Of Astronauts On The ISS
The award-winning novel explores the inner thoughts of astronauts during a single day aboard the International Space Station.
11:49
Science Friday Now Has Two Hosts: Meet Flora Lichtman!
After her SciFri internship 20 years ago, Flora went on to become a beloved science journalist, video producer, and podcaster. Now she’s back!
11:04
Los Angeles Wildfires Burn For Days, Stoked By Santa Ana Winds
Several different fires are causing extreme damage in the Los Angeles area. Strong Santa Ana winds are one factor behind their rapid spread.
5:05
What Makes A Hula Hoop Stay Up?
Scientists investigated how the shape of the human body makes hooping possible—and what hips and a waist have to do with it.
11:41
NASA Considers Cheaper, Faster Ways To Retrieve Mars Samples
The decision for how to proceed with the Mars Sample Return Mission will fall to the incoming administration.
17:31
First U.S. Bird Flu Death Raises Concerns About Preparedness
This week, the U.S. reported its first human death from bird flu amid a rise in cases globally.
16:50
‘Artificial General Intelligence’ Is Apparently Coming. What Is It?
For years, AI companies have said that AGI is coming soon. But what does the term mean, and what is the science behind it?
17:26
Surgeon General Highlights Link Between Alcohol And Cancer
In his final advisory, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spotlights how alcohol increases the risk of developing certain cancers.