March 8, 2019
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine talks about agency ambitions beyond planet Earth. Plus, the story of how our skeletons evolved to look they way they do. And why gene therapy—not bone marrow transplants—could be one piece in the puzzle of neutralizing HIV worldwide.
March 1, 2019
Scientists are creating unnatural base pairs to better understand DNA—and create new medicines and fuels. Plus, a new book tells the story of the engineering missteps that led to the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.
February 22, 2019
Four telescope projects have been nominated to be NASA’s next great observatory. But which will take home the coveted award? Plus, why do grapes spark in the microwave?
February 15, 2019
In the final installment of the winter Book Club, we wrap up exploring N.K. Jemisin’s “The Fifth Season.” Plus, materials scientist Mark Miodownik takes a look at the science behind many of the liquids we encounter every day.
February 8, 2019
We talk the history of buttons and how they’ve changed our relationship with technology. Plus, a project aims to collect and organize maps of the Grand Canyon to help tell its geologic and cultural stories.
February 1, 2019
We reflect on the history and future of coding and technology in art. Plus, scientists study the viscosity and flow of searing-hot lava…from a parking lot.
January 25, 2019
How has the field of weather prediction improved over the past 100 years, and what challenges do forecasters still face? Plus, dozens of doctors have failed to disclose their industry ties to journals.
January 18, 2019
The SciFri Book Club tackles earthquakes and human disaster response with N.K. Jemisin’s apocalyptic ‘The Fifth Season.’ And a new play introduces us to the enslaved women whose bodies paved the way for modern gynecology.
January 11, 2019
Did you know a marathon runner’s heart is built differently from a weightlifter’s? We look at how exercise shapes and conditions your heart. Plus, a look at the effect of the partial government shutdown on scientists.
January 4, 2019
We celebrate winter birds and the people who love them. Plus, how does the movement of crowds change when they behave predictably, and when they don’t?