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.
6:00
As Arctic Permafrost Thaws, Microbes Kick Into Action
Recent findings suggest that microbes living in Arctic permafrost could produce carbon dioxide and methane as it thaws.
28:15
The Future of Artificial Intelligence
What questions should we ask as research on artificial intelligence progresses?
12:07
Are Scientific Journals Clogged With ‘Publication Pollution’?
Medical ethicist Art Caplan says science and medical journals are plagued by fraud, plagiarism, and predatory publishers.
7:20
How the Apple Watch Measures Up
Re/code’s Lauren Goode give us her take on Apple’s new wearable.
The Undersea Network That Connects the World
An excerpt from “The Undersea Network.”
What Freaks You Out About Robots?
Should we worry about the imminent rise of robots in our lives?
Can You Explain The Sun?
For this science club, we want you to explain something to us, something BIG!
Booting Up Computer Art
In the 1960s, curious computer scientists transformed computers into art machines.
Science Friday Introduces New Video Series, ‘The Macroscope’
Through fictional and documentary film-making approaches, we’ll bring you true stories from scientists and innovators.
Babies On The Brink
A series of rigorous (and adorable) experiments shatters the myth that babies learn to fear heights as they learn to crawl.
The 1-2-3s of Hard-Cooked Eggs
Cooking geek Jeff Potter cracks the code on easy-to-peel, hard-cooked eggs.
18:25
A Climate Pledge, a Medieval Antibiotic, and an Exoskeletal Boot
In the news roundup this week, Eric Holthaus breaks down the new U.S. climate pledge.
17:16
Festival of Fake Hypotheses Generates Real Laughs
The satirical science festival BAHFest challenges science fans to construct real arguments for completely bogus hypotheses.
6:56
Mercury: The Ashtray of the Solar System?
Scientists say that dust from passing comets could have darkened the surface of Mercury.
16:40
Cracking the Egg
There’s a better way to make hard-boiled eggs—and it doesn’t involve boiling.
4:55
Catching a Non-Stop, Transatlantic Flight on a Songbird’s Back
The blackpoll warbler, a songbird that weighs 12 grams, can fly 1,700 miles—non-stop—to its wintering grounds.
16:16
Building Cancer Vaccines From Tumor Mutations
Researchers look to the genome of a patient’s tumor to build a cancer vaccine.
10:48
The Math Game Behind the Iran Nuclear Talks
Energy secretary Ernest Moniz joins us to talk about the science behind the diplomacy.
Home For A Horn Shark Embryo
The spiraling protective packaging ensconces a single embryo and yolk sac.
Easy Hard Eggs
Jeff Potter, author of “Cooking for Geeks,” explains how steaming eggs, even massive ostrich eggs, makes them easier to peel.