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.
8:21
The Walking…and Falling Robots of DARPA’s Robotics Competition
The DARPA Robotics Competition challenged teams to design robots that could navigate a simulated disaster scenario.
8:09
This Ant Stinks
Two entomologists set out to prove the true scent of the odorous house ant.
The Silk Road’s Turn Toward Biotechnology
Using a protein found in silkworm moth cocoons, researchers at Tufts University in Boston are developing a range of biodegradable materials and therapeutic devices.
Dissect a Silkworm Cocoon
Learn about the insect origins of silk by dissecting a cocoon and “degumming” it to reveal the protein that scientists use for constructing new materials.
What Role Does the Sun Play in Vitamin D Synthesis?
The sun kickstarts a process that converts a vitamin D precursor into the active form your body needs.
11:37
Koala Chlamydia, Pluto’s Moons, and Bad Science Search Results
Rachel Feltman of The Washington Post talks about the week in science, and Christina Warren of Mashable joins to talk about science search results gone wrong.
17:33
What Is Sleep? A ‘Superpower,’ a ‘Power Cleanse’
In his latest “Flame Challenge,” Alan Alda asked people to answer the question: “What is sleep?” We talk with the winning respondents.
15:58
How You Explained the Sun
Science Friday’s Science Club has been on a month-long exploration of the sun: what it is, how we see it, and its effects on our lives.
6:27
Rising Ocean Temps Could Shrink Ocean Habitats
How will increasing global temperatures affect fish and marine habitats?
28:11
‘Beer Can Chicken’ Myths and BBQ Science Tips
Meathead Goldwyn busts ‘beer can chicken’ myths and shares science secrets for a successful backyard barbecue.
5:26
Endangered Sawfish Reproduce Asexually
Female smalltooth sawfish were found to undergo ‘virgin births’ in southern Florida.
5:34
A Potential ‘Missing Link’ Between the Brain and Immune System
Researchers describe previously undiscovered lymphatic vessels in the brains of mice.
A Human Sundial
Why does the length and direction of our shadow change throughout the day? It all comes back to rotation and position of our planet relative to the sun.
The Story Behind That Iconic Milk Drop Picture
An engineer creates a perfect liquid crown using innovative flash photography.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Sun’
You’ve heard of “heliocentric.” So why don’t we call it the “helio?”
The Medical Wonders Of Worm Spit
David Kaplan explains how bioengineers at Tufts University craft silk into a myriad of medical materials.
11:52
The Thirty-Meter Telescope, A Cancer-Killing Virus, and a Fossil Find
Hawaii Public Radio reporter Molly Solomon talks about a new proposal for Hawaii’s Thirty-Meter Telescope, and reporter Rachel Feltman sums up the week in science news.
10:24
Chew on This: Jaw Fossils Provide Evidence of New Hominin
Scientists uncover evidence of new hominin species in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
24:16
One Year Aboard The Space Station
Astronaut Scott Kelly—aboard the International Space Station—and his Earth-bound twin brother, Mark, talk about the effects of living in space for one year.