May 23, 2025
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. Plus, super agers are folks who stay fit into their 80s and beyond. What’s behind their unique health and longevity? And, could the NIH plan for a "universal vaccine" really work?
17:07
OpenAI’s New Product Makes Incredibly Realistic Fake Videos
A security expert weighs in on Sora, OpenAI’s new text-to-video generator, and the risks it could pose, especially during an election year.
12:16
How One Invading Ant Species Sent Ripples Through A Food Web
In Kenya, the new species pushed out ants that protected acacia trees. That had cascading effects for elephants, zebras, lions, and buffalo.
17:00
Blood In The Water: Shark Smell Put To The Test
Despite their reputation as super-smellers, sharks don’t have a better sense of smell than other fish. One researcher investigates.
17:29
As Space Exploration Expands, So Will Space Law
A new generation of space lawyers will broker deals and handle disputes between countries as the world enters a new era of space exploration.
11:11
A ‘Jeopardy!’ Winner Studied How Trivia Experts Recall Facts
How can some people recall random facts so easily? It may have to do with what else they remember about the moment they learned the information.
14:12
Protegiendo a la tarántula ‘Satanás’ y a otras adorables arañas
Un equipo de científicos de Ecuador busca describir especies desconocidas de arácnidos para ayudar en su conservación.
Model Chemical Elements And Molecules With Bricks
Build simple atoms and molecule models using plastic construction bricks—like LEGO—as you explore the elements that shaped all life on Earth.
How Gamification Has Crept Into School, Work, And Fitness
Game developer and author Adrian Hon explains the consequences of allowing gaming principles to creep into so many corners of our lives.
Science Friday Is Coming To Boulder, CO!
On Saturday, July 27, join Ira Flatow and the Science Friday team in Boulder for a special live stage version of our radio show.
12:15
Odysseus Lander Is On Its Way To The Moon
If successful, it will be the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon since the Apollo mission.
7:59
A Year After Chemical Spill, Ohio Community Is Still Recovering
In East Palestine, Ohio, the stream that flows under residents’ houses is still polluted following a train derailment and chemical spill.
8:57
Sacre Bleu! Some French Cheeses At Risk Of Extinction
A lack of diversity in the microbes that make Camembert, brie, and some blue cheeses could mean we bid adieu to some French varieties.
12:15
How Do You Know If A Feathered Dinosaur Could Fly?
Researchers found that a specific number and symmetry of certain feathers can indicate whether a bird (or dinosaur) could fly.
17:30
Understanding And Curbing Generative AI’s Energy Consumption
As the environmental costs of tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E mount, governments are demanding more clarity from tech companies.
16:15
Making Chemistry More Accessible To Blind And Low-Vision People
Scientists are working to make chemical research more accessible to blind and low-vision students through 3D-printed models and modified equipment.
17:17
Climate Scientist Michael Mann Wins Defamation Case
Michael Mann discusses what the victory means for the public understanding of climate science—and for bad-faith attacks on scientists.
12:16
Faraway Planets Could Have Oceans Of Magma
Hycean planets were thought to be covered by oceans of water, but a new study suggests it could be magma instead.
17:07
The World According To Sound: A Sonic History Of Astronomy
A new podcast series examines sonified space data to explore pivotal moments throughout the history of astronomy.
12:07
Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Rising In Young People
It used to be rare for people under 50 to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It’s increasingly common among adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
17:09
One Crisis After Another: Designing Cities For Resiliency
The leaders of a global architecture and design firm discuss how design can help communities adapt to global crises.