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.
12:03
Storytelling Teaches Robots Right and Wrong
How do you teach robots to behave ethically? One way is to feed robots human stories, and train them to model their behavior after the tales’ protagonists.
6:48
How Can Virtual Reality Plug In to Social Media?
More immersive media could help us forge deeper digital and real-world connections.
34:06
Forecasting The Future Of Pandemics—In 1994
In 1994, Laurie Garrett and Stephen Ostroff came on Science Friday to contemplate some troubling trends in public health. Twenty-two years later, they’re back for a check-up.
What Are the Basic Foundations of Modern Physics?
A preview of what to expect from “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.”
Are We Getting Closer to the ‘Death’ of Cancer?
There have been many exciting developments in cancer treatment in recent years.
Media Guide: HIV Prevention With PrEP
Use this classroom resource to have your students learn about PrEP, an HIV prevention treatment that is the subject of a recent study in the Netherlands. Discuss implications of PrEP on the spread of HIV with this audio segment from Science Friday.
Ched Talks: The First-Ever SciFri Wine and Cheese Night
Come join Ira and members of the SciFri staff for an exclusive night on the science of cheese.
11:45
Forecasting Financial Crises, Thawing Water Bears, and the Pros of a Big Deductible
Economists look to ecology for inspiration. Plus, the good and bad of a high deductible on your health care plan.
25:16
Can Silicon Valley Bridge Its Diversity Gap?
More tech companies are pledging to increase diversity in their workforce, but their employee numbers remain the same.
8:42
3-D Printing Living Cells
Scientists used living cells to 3-D-print ear, bone, and muscle structures.
11:45
When Hospitals Get Hacked
A Hollywood hospital’s computer systems were invaded by malware, encrypted, and taken for ransom. The price? Forty bitcoins, or $17,000 dollars.
7:28
Malnutrition, and a Battle of the Microbiota
Is malnutrition due to more than just a lack of access to quality food? A “battle of the microbiota” taking place in the gut may play a significant role in health.
26:37
What El Niño Means for Other Parts of the Planet
El Niño’s atmospheric influence is global, affecting fish stocks off Peru and potentially driving up malaria deaths in East Africa.
Behold, The Gargantuan Stick Insect
Only three female Ctenomorpha gargantua stick insects have ever been seen in the wild.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 2/16/16
Did you listen closely to the big news about gravitational waves?
What Party Affiliation Could Mean for Your Future Marriage or Job
The biggest social divide might not be race or religion, but rather political affiliation.
11:58
Hidden Galaxies, Sigh Science, and Facebook’s Free Basics
Researchers using a radio telescope found hundreds of galaxies hiding behind the Milky Way.
11:51
Launching the Latest OK Go Video in Zero-G
The band OK Go choreographed their latest video in zero-G.
16:48
Could Genetically Engineered Insects Squash Mosquito-Borne Disease?
Scientists have been able to genetically engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes. But is it ethical to release them into the wild?