July 11, 2025
A century after a teacher went on trial for teaching evolution, the role of science in the classroom and in society remains in contention. Plus, tick seasons are getting worse, raising concerns about the risk of Lyme disease. Dogs can get vaccinated for it. Why can't humans? And, as disasters escalate, what's the future of FEMA?
11:37
Running The Numbers On AI Energy Use
The energy consumption of one AI query may seem small, but they add up. A new analysis calculates the AI industry’s footprint—so far.
33:32
How ‘Super Agers’ Stay Sharp And Active Longer Than Their Peers
Super agers are folks who stay fit into their 80s and beyond. What’s behind their unique health and longevity?
29:33
Could The NIH Plan For A ‘Universal Vaccine’ Really Work?
The plan raises some eyebrows, as some in the Trump administration have been skeptical of vaccines and moved to limit vaccine access.
16:09
What We’re Learning From The James Webb Space Telescope
JWST has detected the earliest galaxies in the universe, but some look “more mature” than expected. Is it time to rethink how galaxies form?
Meet A Pioneer Of Modern Weather Prediction
In a new memoir, a climate scientist reflects on his journey from a rural village in India to the cutting edge of weather forecasting.
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
The Volcano Whisperer
When St. Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano threatened to erupt, geologist Richie Robertson was the scientist the islanders trusted.
Can Animals Sail Across The Seas?
Investigate whether claims of floating iguanas hold water with this engineering activity where you explore buoyancy and ocean migration.
Lesser Prairie Chicken May Lose Endangered Species Status
The Department of the Interior seeks to remove the lesser prairie chicken’s endangered species designation. What would that mean?
Tracking The Hidden Dangers Of Fighting Fires
How well do we understand the long-term health risks to firefighters? Plus, researchers across the country are breeding pest-resistant trees.
Can Breeding Pest-Resistant Trees Save American Forests?
Pests are ravaging keystone species like ash, elm, and beech. But researchers are breeding the survivors into more resilient populations.
Join Our Ship-To-Shore Livestream And Talk To An Ocean Scientist
On June 17, talk to ocean scientists and ask your questions in a special ship-to-shore livestream from the ocean floor.
Identifying New Plants, And The Scientific Secrets Of Superfoods
Scientists at the Missouri Botanical Garden are preserving diverse plant species. And, how micronutrients could help address world hunger.
Adventure Is Calling: Dive Into Oceans Month
Join Science Friday for a deep-sea livestream, an ocean-inspired Read-a-Thon, and educational science activities for Oceans Month.
Designing Hyperrealistic Body Parts, From Eyeballs To Placentas
On-screen and in hospitals, fake body parts are getting more and more realistic. That helps medical students practice for real procedures.
I Was Considered A Nobody
Katalin Karikó was ignored, demoted, and dismissed for decades. Then she won a Nobel Prize.
Cuts To NASA And A Fast-Track For Deep Sea Mining
Proposed budget cuts for NASA would jeopardize space research. And an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
16:46
Are Physical Buttons And Knobs Making A Comeback?
Some car designers are turning from touchscreen controls back to physical buttons. Two researchers explain why that could be better.
17:15
Scientists Identify Genes For Tomato And Eggplant Size
Geneticists mapping nightshade genomes used CRISPR gene editing to grow bigger fruits without sacrificing flavor.
How Do Bacteria Talk To Each Other?
Bacteria are not as simple as their reputation suggests. Understanding how they communicate may lead to better disease treatments for us humans.