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.
25:17
Fact Check My Feed: What’s Up With These COVID-19 Mutations?
Virologist Angela Rasmussen explains the virus variant and the latest controversy of the vaccine distribution.
How Big (Or Small) Is The Universe?
“One shouldn’t envy the universe just because it’s big. We’re big, too.” Theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek contemplates the idea of space.
12:27
Where Did The Word ‘Vaccine’ Come From?
The story of the first vaccine begins with a disease, a milkmaid, and a cow named Blossom.
23:46
New Year, New Birds
The annual Christmas Bird Count is still on this year—and the hundred-year-old community science project is guiding scientists.
10:24
Birds Of A Feather: Making Science More Inclusive
Black Birders Week co-founder Chelsea Connor discusses how to create—and maintain—spaces where Black scientists can thrive.
11:48
The Luxury Ostrich Eggs Of The Bronze And Iron Age Upper Class
Buried with an ornate ostrich egg? Scientists decipher these status symbols of Bronze and Iron Age aristocrats.
6:37
Name That Call: Test Your Animal Sound Trivia
Can you guess the chirp, squeak, and growl? Put your knowledge to the test in our quiz with Google Earth.
27:27
They Might Be Giants With A Timely Reminder: “Science Is Real”
A Science Friday archival special with an ode to science from the band They Might Be Giants.
17:09
These Worms Are Superheroes Of The Sea
Tube worms! Zombie worms! Gossamer worms! This week’s Charismatic Creature Corner dives into the weird, beautiful, and amazing world of marine polychaetes.
16:06
How Did Dogs Evolve To Be Domesticated?
Using 11,000-year old dog genomes, scientists have traced the evolution of the domesticated dog.
12:13
Nature’s Own Holiday Light Show
The aurora usually sticks close to the poles. But shifting magnetic field lines allow it to sometimes be seen far south of the Arctic.
33:07
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
12:08
2020: The Year In Science, With Wendy Zukerman
There was more to this year than masks and hand sanitizers. Here’s some of the science stories you might have missed.
11:47
Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine May Soon Be Approved In The U.S.
FDA advisors recommended Moderna’s vaccine for emergency use Thursday, one step shy of full authorization. Plus, scan the skies for Jupiter and Saturn’s coming conjunction.
17:18
Mapping Out The ‘Microbial Skyscrapers’ On Your Tongue
Researchers are trying to understand the relationships between communities of bacteria in the human mouth.
30:10
What Would Happen If You Fell Into A Black Hole?
In her new book, “Black Hole Survival Guide,” astronomer Janna Levin explores different theories, most of them grisly.
11:48
The Case Of The Vanishing Scallops
Scientists are rushing to understand why Long Island’s shellfish are dying at an alarming rate.
5:59
Composing A Sound Map Of An Ever-Changing River
Composer Annea Lockwood has been using stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps” since the 1960s.
17:49
How The Past Hints About Our Climate’s Future
To narrow uncertainties about the future’s climate, researchers want to look to prehistoric fossil and ice records.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2020
2020 has been a remarkable and difficult year. Science Friday staff and listeners reflect on the most inspirational and impactful science stories of the year.