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.
12:14
World Leaders Gather Virtually For Climate Summit
Forty world leaders attended to discuss how each country would commit to decreasing emissions.
4:41
Offshore Wind Power Moves Forward In Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm has been in the planning stage for years. Now, the project may finally be going forward.
16:36
The Dazzling Rufous Hummingbird, Threatened By Climate Change
The population of one of the most common hummingbird species in the U.S. is plummeting. Climate change may be the culprit.
12:04
Proposed Legislation Threatens Trans Rights Nationwide
From participation in sports to accessing medical care, over 30 state legislatures are weighing anti-trans proposals.
36:19
Why Gender-Affirming Healthcare Is ‘Lifesaving Care’
Two medical providers discuss how gender-affirming healthcare helps transgender kids—and adults—figure out who they are. Plus, what opponents get wrong about what this care does.
16:21
What Does It Mean To Be Alive?
Science writer Carl Zimmer explores the complicated search for a definition of life.
12:51
Setting New Goals At An Earth Week Climate Summit
The European Union is targeting climate neutrality by 2050, and the Biden administration has announced a national goal of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
The Fiery Hummingbird Of Isla Robinson Crusoe
The Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird is a magnificent, isolated castaway that had evolved to look unlike others of its kind.
10 Questions With The Father Of Environmental Justice
Since 1979, Robert Bullard has studied the disproportionate impacts of pollution on communities of color. He reflects on the past and future of the environmental justice movement.
Earth Day And The Evolution Of The Environmental Movement
From the first Earth Day in 1970 to today’s youth climate strikes, researchers and activists look back at the decades-long fight for a healthy planet.
Cook Up A Lost Feast With Our Science-y Online Cooking Class!
Join us on May 16 to create a lost feast celebrating some of the flavors featured in this spring’s SciFri’s Book Club pick.
12:12
It’s Okay To Be Confused About J&J’s Vaccine
The emergence of very rare complications when a vaccine is introduced isn’t surprising. Here’s what the FDA’s next steps could look like.
17:29
The Plight Of The North Atlantic Right Whale
Human activity is responsible for the sharp decline in North Atlantic right whales. A new documentary sheds light on why.
17:24
Conserving More Than Just the Planet’s ‘Beloved Beasts’
A new book looks at the history of some of the conservation movement’s key figures.
12:06
Understanding St. Vincent’s Volcanic Eruption
The Caribbean volcano has a long legacy of impact on the island. A volcanologist puts that in context with its most recent eruption.
8:06
How Many T-Rexes Once Roamed the Earth? Maybe Billions
Scientists recently calculated that 2.5 billion individual T-Rexes roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period.
8:54
Pterosaurs Had A 40-Foot Wingspan And A Giraffe-Like Neck
Recent research into the pterosaur’s vertebrae sheds light on the evolution of flight.
1:45
SciFri Soundscape: Justice In The Jungle
Scientists are using acoustic monitoring devices in Guatemala and Honduras to help curb jaguar poaching.
15:50
SciFri Book Club Digs Into The Foods We’ve Loved To Death
SciFri Book Club reads “Lost Feast” and follows author Lenore Newman’s exploration of a long-lost Roman herb, the dodo bird, and more food mysteries.
