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.
This Violinist Is Making Ultra-Affordable 3D-Printed Violins For Kids
A concert violinist is developing a 3D-printed violin that costs $7, in hopes of lowering the barrier to getting kids into music.
12:06
Orcas Are Attacking Boats Near Spain. Scientists Don’t Know Why
Orca attacks on boats in the region have increased, leading to three sinkings. Plus, how a Supreme Court decision could affect wetlands.
11:57
The Long And Short Of Telomere Activity
Short sequences of genetic code on the ends of chromosomes called telomeres may be more involved in the cell than previously understood.
5:02
Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum Takes Down Digital Resources
A patient with a rare condition donated his heart to the museum, only to have it caught up in the conversation over how to handle human remains.
11:58
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Debate Keeps Pecking Away
The last verified sighting was in 1944, but bill-ievers are still looking for the bird.
9:46
Tracking Pain In Your Brain
Scientists are decoding the brain signals linked to chronic pain.
7:27
What Can We Learn From A Woman Who Feels No Pain?
Understanding the gene mutations causing Jo Cameron’s inability to feel pain could lead to better pain medications for the rest of us.
16:53
Turning To Space While Processing Grief
After her husband’s death, astronomer Michelle Thaller turned to space’s mysteries to find solace in grief.
17:22
A Famous Sled Dog’s Genome Holds Evolutionary Surprises
By looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including the heroic sled dog Balto, a project called Zoonomia offers a new view of evolutionary history.
Design A One-Of-A-Kind Chatbot
Become a chatbot engineer as you design, create, and adapt your own one-of-a-kind chatbot using artificial intelligence.
AI For Kids: A Chatbox Exploration
Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) by experimenting directly with chatbots and machine learning technology.
12:16
Can Science Find An Antidote To Americium?
Researchers are testing a drug that could help remove radioactive elements from the human body.
16:01
What To Do When 500-1,000 Crows Roost In Your Neighborhood
When hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.
10:01
Science Says Eat More Beans
SciFri staff round up their favorite bean recipes to help address the humble legume’s PR problem.
2:00
The World According To Sound: Feeding Time
The gnarly sound of grizzlies feasting on a bison.
17:20
Bees Have Feelings, Too
After fifty years of studying bees, pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman suggests bees have feelings.
17:09
Pinning Down The Origin Of Butterflies
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago.
17:20
Debunking Common Myths About Being Fat
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health.
The Fascinating Case For Bees’ Feelings
Pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman makes the case that bees aren’t just smart, but sentient, too.
Unpacking What You Know About Fat People
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon debunks stereotypes and discusses anti-fat bias in healthcare.