February 21, 2025
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond. Plus, flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. And, a video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online.
12:02
Crowdsourcing Data, While Keeping Yours Private
“Differential privacy” allows companies to randomize user data, preserving individual privacy while pulling out larger trends.
26:18
Checking In on Our Planetary Neighbors
From Jupiter to Pluto, new windows into the origins of our largest and smallest friends around the sun.
12:07
Crime Algorithm, Space Junk, and Stem Cell Therapies
The legalities of algorithms to predict “high risk” criminals, and the dangers of unapproved stem cell therapies.
8:11
Zika Vaccines Ready for Testing, While Yellow Fever Shots Fall Short
Several vaccines for Zika virus have triumphed in animal tests and are now ready for human trials, but stores of vaccine for another, older tropical disease are running out.
34:11
Looking At The Brain For Hidden War Wounds
Military doctors are starting to pay more attention to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield.
Who Should Your Autonomous Car Save?
Should it save you, or the people outside your car?
Step Into a Hive
Wolfgang Buttress’ giant sculpture interprets the activity of a real beehive.
How Does ‘Brexit’ Affect Science?
In the lead-up to the Brexit vote, 13 Nobel Prize winners warned that departing the EU would be bad for British scientific research.
Why You Don’t Want to Get Stung by a Tarantula Hawk
Biologist and author Justin O. Schmidt tells the story of getting stung by a tarantula hawk, whose sting is extremely excruciating.
11:59
Supercomputer Rankings, ‘Frankenturtles,’ and Psychology of Self-Driving Cars
China tops the list of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, and the psychological toll of autonomous vehicles.
11:43
Tracking Nighttime Bird Migrations, by Sound
Researchers are trying to build a network of computerized sensors that identify birds based on the short chirps they make while in flight.
23:52
Predicting the Car (and Fuel) of the Future
Will electric cars ever be popular? A trip into the Science Friday archives for a look at the rise of alternative-fuel vehicles.
16:47
Closing Out the Cephaloparty
For the end of Cephalopod Week 2016, we delve into the mysteries of cephalopod ink and the squid microbiome.
10:16
Heat Waves Make for Less Friendly Skies
Extreme heat affects an airplane’s lift during takeoff and landing, due to reduced air pressure, and some experts say climate change could result in more weight restrictions on flights.
17:21
From ‘Nettles’ to ‘Volcano,’ a Pain Scale for Insect Stings
What we can learn from the man who got stung…willingly…for science.
This Cuttlefish Dazzles
Internet chatter suggests that the flamboyant cuttlefish—known for ambling along the seafloor and flashing brilliant displays—is toxic. What does the science say?
Make a Squid Print
Observe the different features of a squid from your local market and then create a squid print where you can document your findings.
A Shot in the Dark: Alternative Uses for Squid Ink
Stephanie Bush, a scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), suggests that squids might use ink to attract a mate, repel a predator, or even confuse their prey.
The Rare Sight Of A Brooding Squid
This cephalopod will carry and brood its eggs for several months, without feeding.
Discuss the Applications and Implications of Metal Foam
What responsibility, if any, do scientists and the public have to make sure new technologies are developed for the purpose of good? Have students discuss this issue by brainstorming possible uses for a new metal foam and then deciding who should address unintended uses of that technology.