May 16, 2025
The Department of the Interior seeks to remove the endangered species designation from the lesser prairie chicken. Plus, how well do we understand the long-term health risks to firefighters? And, highlights from SciFri’s live show in Columbia, Missouri.
Talk To Science Friday Using The VoxPop App
We’ve launched a new way for you to talk to us all week long: the SciFri VoxPop app.
28:39
Planning Your Science Travel Itinerary
Suggestions for science-focused locations to add to your summer vacation plans.
42:23
How The Allies Sabotaged The Nazi Atomic Bomb
The Allies were terrified the Nazi atomic bomb would be ready before their own—and they were willing to try anything to stop them.
16:54
Revisiting The Debunked Theory Of Spontaneous Generation
The controversial idea of spontaneous generation—that life could arise from non-living matter—was debunked by Louis Pasteur in an experimental showdown.
17:32
Searching For The Secrets Of Ancient Cultures—From Space
Archaeologist Sarah Parcak explores how modern tools are helping us learn lessons from ancient history.
The Unlikely Origins Of A Space Archaeologist
In this excerpt from “Archaeology from Space,” Sarah Parcak recounts who inspired her to become a space archaeologist, from her grandfather to Indiana Jones.
Keeping The Nuclear Bomb Out Of Hitler’s Hands
During World War II, two French physicist’s assistants escape German occupation with a crucial nuclear weapon ingredient before the Nazis get to it first.
Charlie Chaplin And ‘Paternity’ In Modern Times
In this excerpt from “Paternity” by Nara B. Milanich, a 1940s court case with a Hollywood icon epitomized the shifting meaning of fatherhood.
7:33
A Rollback Of The Clean Power Plan
The Trump administration replaced the greenhouse reducing Clean Power Plan with a proposal that has narrow regulations for power plants.
4:10
New Orleans Sues Energy Companies To Repair Its Wetlands
Climate change is causing parts of Louisiana to sink. Now the city of New Orleans wants energy companies to pay to fix it.
10:13
Investigating The USDA’s Silence On Climate Change
A new Politico investigation suggests the Agriculture Department is avoiding publicizing its research regarding climate change.
12:14
Turning Proteins Into Music
Researchers are using music to unravel the mysteries of life’s complicated building blocks.
10:40
A Tiny Training Partner In Your Gut?
Though the ads tell you it’s gotta be the shoes, a new study suggests that elite runners might get an extra performance boost from the microbiome.
23:13
Solving The Mystery Of Paternity, Once And For All
In her new book, historian Nara Milanich shares the fascinating history of paternity testing.
23:47
Closing Out The Cephalo-Party
Cephalopod genetics, the thrill of the giant squid, and a farewell to Cephalopod Week 2019.
Swimming Down The Runway: Finding A Model Species For Cephalopods
Want to learn more about cephalopods? Start by learning about bobtail squids.
The Mysterious Swimming Habits Of The Ancient Ammonite
These extinct shelled cephalopods ruled the ocean for 300 million years. But how they swam and shaped the seas remains a mystery.
Dive Into A Reddit AMA With Three Cephalopod Researchers
They talk about octopus behavior, fossilized cuttlefish ink, and proper cephalopod grammar.
SciFri Extra: About Time
Ira talks with the head of the NIST’s Time and Frequency Division about time, and how to measure it better.
