July 4, 2025
In this archival show, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep-sea exploration. Plus, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
23:38
The SciFri Book Club Visits ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
Dian Fossey’s classic account of her fieldwork is on the reading list this month.
How Dirty Roaches Get Clean
Cockroaches are constantly grooming themselves, especially their antennae, says entomologist Coby Schal. A new study investigates benefits of clean antennae.
Wild Advice for Shutterbugs
Photographer Alex Wild shares some tips for getting those insect glamour shots.
Open Invitation to Lamar Smith, House Science Committee Chairman
Science Friday invites Chairman Lamar Smith to discuss technology that will track objects such as asteroids that threaten Earth.
Cold Snap: Our Winter Nature Photo Contest Returns
Warm us up with your best winter nature shots.
Watch the Asteroid Flyby Live
A roundup of live streams that will let you watch the approach of asteroid 2012 DA14 online.
Silence Is Noisy
An excerpt from “Shouting Won’t Help: Why I—and 50 Million Other Americans—Can’t Hear You.”
Meteor Steals Asteroid’s Thunder
A meteor streaks over Russia, just before Earth’s close shave with an asteroid.
4:42
Art Meets Geek at Toni Dove’s Studio
“This is geek central,” says artist Toni Dove of her New York City studio.
21:09
A New View of Newton in ‘Isaac’s Eye’
A new play looks at the rivalry—real and imagined–between scientists Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke.
41:43
Tracking a Space Rock’s Streak Past Earth
Asteroid 2012 DA14 spans half a football field, and will whiz by the Earth a mere 17,000 miles above us–closer than many satellites.
25:14
Katherine Bouton Opens Up About Going Deaf in ‘Shouting Won’t Help’
Katherine Bouton discusses hearing loss, a condition that affects nearly 50 million Americans.
Art Meets Geek in Toni Dove’s Studio
You’ll find cyborgs, robots, 3D projections, digital puppets and more in Dove’s techno-savvy productions.
Battle of the Electric Cars: ‘Hydrogen Sucks,’ Says Elon Musk
War of the Currents Redux: Fuel Cells vs. Batteries.
11:59
Automakers Drive Towards Hydrogen Cars
Carmakers are teaming up to develop fuel cell cars. Is the time right for the technology?
17:21
Tracking Privacy and Ownership in an Online World
How much of your personal data is really yours to control?
16:27
Researchers Point to the Demise of the Dinosaurs
Scientists are working to refine the dates for an ancient cosmic collision.
46:40
Science of Slumber: How Sleep Affects Your Memory
How much sleep does your brain need? Experts discuss the links between sleep, memory, and cognition.
Below the Feathers
Artist Katrina van Grouw looks past the feathers to see the beauty in birds.