June 27, 2025
In his new book, a former FDA commissioner unpacks the latest science on metabolism, weight loss, and how GLP-1 drugs actually work. Plus, the first images from the brand new Vera C. Rubin Observatory have finally been unveiled. And, researchers have observed a population of orcas that use kelp tools to scratch their backs.
6:15
Why The Equinox Can Make Your Credit Card Fail
Twice a year, Earthbound satellite dishes can get blinded by the Sun.
8:55
From Anal Teeth To Deadly Farts: The Wild World Of Invertebrate Behinds
#InverteButtWeek is here! Meet the scientists and illustrators who are spreading joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
19:27
Can Meteorites On Earth Point To Ancient Life On Mars?
An astrobiologist explains why a meteor from Mars changed planetary science. Plus, why samples from the Perseverance rover will be key to understanding the Red Planet.
12:17
Where Are The Black Physicists?
A physicist and higher education researcher on what’s driving the absence of Black physicists—and what universities can do to change.
12:05
Paul Farmer, Global Health Leader, Dies At 62
A champion of equitable healthcare, and the co-founder of humanitarian non-profit Partners In Health, Farmer leaves behind a poignant legacy.
17:24
Blind Patients With Eye Implant Left In The Dark As Its Startup Struggles
Second Sight Medical Devices abandoned support for blind patients who received its bionic eye implant. What happens to those patients next?
7:13
Climate Change Ruins The World Championship Sled Dog Derby
At the World Championship Sled Dog Derby, warm weather played an unwanted star role.
9:57
Finding Tranquility In The Sounds Of Nature
Human activity is erasing the natural soundscape, says Bernie Krause, a former musician turned ecologist.
12:09
Pittsburgh’s Bridge Collapse Spotlights America’s Infrastructure Woes
Larger vehicles, increased traffic, and climate change are putting pressure on America’s aging infrastructure. How did things get so dire?
7:50
Why Did Ancient Ferocious Cat-Like Creatures Go Extinct?
A combination of factors led to a period known as the “Cat Gap,” a stretch of 6.5 million years where there were no cats or cat-like animals living in North America.
9:36
Why Are Mice The Most Frequently Used Lab Animal?
Despite mice’s genetic similarity to humans, treatments that work in mice often don’t work in humans.
7:50
The Science Behind ‘Power Of The Dog’
A leading contender for an Oscar for Best Picture has a somewhat hidden science theme.
9:26
Blast Off To The Red Planet With The Spring Book Club
A planetary scientist explores the history of Mars in her book, “The Sirens of Mars.”
Get Outta This World With Our Mars Book Club Events
This spring, The SciFri Book Club team is gathering to explore this season’s Book Club pick, ‘The Sirens of Mars.’
12:17
Third Person Cured From HIV, Thanks To Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Stem cell transplants can’t cure everyone. But could the latest advance still help point to a more accessible treatment for HIV?
8:50
New Energy Record Set By Fusion Reactor
Results from the JET fusion experiment have scientists hopeful that a coming reactor called ITER will succeed.
12:12
New Device Helps People With Paralysis Walk Again
Patients with complete lower body paralysis are able to walk, cycle or swim using new spinal cord implants.
9:57
Could Protein-Based Vaccines Help Close The Global Vaccination Gap?
Vaccines made with recombinant protein technology are cheaper, and easier to manufacture and distribute around the globe.
7:25
How Cuba Developed Five COVID-19 Vaccines
The country’s robust biotech industry has long been on the leading edge of vaccinations.
17:12
Fish Make More Noise Than You Think
Far from being silent, many fishes either have been observed to make sounds, or have the capability to do so.