May 2, 2025
An astronomer explores the cosmos and the limits of what science can test. Plus, how the mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades. And, millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
7:16
Teen Innovator’s New AI Tool Helps Create Affordable Drugs
Rishab Jain combines his passions for artificial intelligence and biotech to build a more efficient model for producing prescription drugs.
4:54
When Trapping Invasive Bugs Is Science Homework
STEM educators are helping students tackle a real-world challenge—trapping the invasive spotted lanternfly.
17:12
The Countdown Begins For Humanity’s Return To The Moon
NASA’s lunar rocket will see its first launch opportunity on August 29th, officially starting the Artemis program’s era of space exploration.
16:58
Should Kids Get Vaccinated If They’ve Already Had COVID-19?
A new school year brings new challenges for parents and pediatricians, as viruses continue to complicate back-to-school planning.
What It Means To Examine Illness As A Quantum State
Microbiologist Joseph Osmundson takes a deeper look at what it means to be ill—and what it means to live with illness.
Expert Q&A: What You Need To Know About Monkeypox
How does monkeypox spread, what are the signs and symptoms, and how can one protect themselves from the virus? Experts weigh in.
Aquascaping: Building Underwater Worlds
Filmmaker and aquascaper Alex Wenchel guides us through their creative process while building and caring for elaborate living aquariums.
12:14
A Plan To Cap Insulin Prices May Not Be Helpful
Plus, why the world was so convinced by space chorizo.
16:22
Frenemies, Lovers, And The Fate Of The Cosmos: Our Galaxy Tells All
Astronomer and folklorist Moiya McTier’s new book is a saucy memoir from our very own Milky Way.
5:05
Some Grasses Can Stop Lead From Spreading In Soil
As the consequences of decades-old lead mining and smelting linger, scientists look for solutions to clean up lead pollution in the Midwest.
06:57
A High School Student Invented An Affordable Brain-Reading Prosthetic
Inspired by technology in Star Wars, seventeen-year-old Benjamin Choi has developed an affordable robotic limb.
17:23
Personalized Immunotherapy Shows Promise Beyond Cancer
CAR T Cell therapy, currently approved to treat several forms of blood cancer, is now in early clinical trials to treat autoimmune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
11:55
Feeling Hopeless About Climate Change? Try Playing These Video Games
How do you make a video game about climate change that’s fun to play? The annual Climate Jam competition aims to do just that.
5:13
Analogue Animation: Turning The Pages Of A Flipbook Machine
J.C. Fontanive brings birds and bees to life through automated ‘flipbooks,’ with some help from discarded clock and bicycle components.
17:22
What You Need To Know About Monkeypox
Following the declaration of a new public health emergency, experts answer SciFri listener questions—and clear up misinformation.
A New Tell-All Memoir Written By The Milky Way
Astronomer and folklorist Moiya McTier’s new book is a saucy memoir that shows why our galaxy needed to tell its own story.
Expert Q&A: How To Manage COVID Risk As New Variants Emerge
You asked updated questions about staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compiled answers from expert epidemiologists.
The Never-Ending Flipbook Machines
This Queens-based artist created a way to turn flipbooks of fluttering hummingbirds and butterflies into moving sculptures.
12:15
White House Declares Monkeypox Outbreak A Public Health Emergency
A public health emergency designation can open up additional resources to combat the growing number of monkeypox cases in the United States.
17:16
Engineering and Infrastructure In A Collapsing Climate
Our infrastructure isn’t ready for extreme heat or rising floodwaters. An engineer on what needs to change.