April 18, 2025
Are traffic engineering decisions based on evidence-based research? Not as much as you might think. Plus, researchers captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid swimming in its natural habitat. And, with brain-implanted devices, people with paralysis have been able to command computers to “move” virtual objects and speak for them.
See the World Through Color-Filtering Lenses
Explore color by creating color-filtering glasses using paper and tinted cellophane.
12:12
Hotter Weather, Heavier Rains Threaten Penguins
Move over polar bears—could penguins be the new poster children for climate change?
34:21
Could There Be a Crisis in Physics?
Physicist Lawrence Krauss and Nobel Laureates Frank Wilczek and Brian Schmidt discuss current cosmic challenges.
29:15
At Sundance, Scientists and Screenwriters Are Judges
What makes science work on-screen? This year’s Sundance judges weigh in.
16:53
Alan Alda’s Challenge to Scientists: Define Color
Alda’s ‘Flame Challenge’ asks scientists to explain color—with children as the judges.
10 Questions for Jill Tarter, Astronomer
The long-time SETI astronomer discusses the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and helping inspire a Carl Sagan novel.
A Physicist Conjures Sounds From the Past
Physicist Carl Haber helps resurrect sound from old audio files once thought lost to history.
A Novelist Inspired by Physicist-Muses
Author Sara Paretsky describes the scientific influences on her new crime detective novel, “Critical Mass.”
22:30
Is Coding the Language of the Digital Age?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that programming jobs will grow by 12 percent from 2010 to 2020.
13:36
Sara Paretsky: ‘Critical Mass’
In “Critical Mass,” a crime writer draws inspiration from an overlooked physics pioneer.
30:01
A ‘Personal’ Computer Turns 30
On January 24, 1984, Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh computer to the world.
17:04
James Dyson: ‘Failures Are Interesting’
Inventor James Dyson built 5,127 prototypes before completing his first bagless vacuum.
Dispatches From Sundance
SciFri staff members are checking in on the Sundance Film Festival’s science offerings.
Why Is This Fish Glowing Green?
Researchers have discovered an unprecedented diversity of glowing fish species.
Why We Should Think Big
An MIT physics professor discusses how mathematics is integrated into every part of our universe.
29:57
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Her’
Our scientist-film critics weigh in on “Her.”
16:50
Is the Universe Built on Math?
In “The Mathematical Universe,” physicist Max Tegmark argues that the universe is completely mathematical.
20:58
Scott Stossel: My Age of Anxiety
An estimated one out of seven Americans suffers from anxiety.
8:10
How Fins Gave Way to Feet
Tiktaalik roseae was a fish that had scales, gills, and limb-like front fins.