May 9, 2025
Some car designers are turning from touchscreen controls back to physical buttons. Two researchers explain why that could be better. Plus, geneticists used CRISPR gene editing to grow bigger tomatoes and eggplants without sacrificing flavor. And, an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
9:00
Read ‘The Fifth Season’ With The SciFri Book Club!
We’ll tackle earthquakes and human disaster response with N.K. Jemisin’s apocalyptic work of science fiction.
The Season The Earth Shattered
In N.K. Jemisin’s novel “The Fifth Season,” the earth lashes back when humans begin to harm the planet—leaving behind a barren, broken world.
Take A Voyage To The Volcanoes With SciFri!
On February 18 in NYC, volcanologists and author N.K. Jemisin guide us through an evening of quakes, shakes, and geologic events.
7:04
From Deep In Space, A Strange Radio Signal
Astronomers report more observations of the puzzling ‘Fast Radio Bursts’—including one that has burst twice.
5:01
On New Hospital ‘Chargemasters,’ The Price Probably Isn’t Right
Starting this month, hospitals have been required to post a list of prices—but they lack key information.
11:24
Can An App Fight Opioid Overdoses?
How cellphone sonar can tell you’re still breathing—and if you stop.
12:21
CES 2019: Robot Companions, Flying Cars, And 5G (Maybe)
We take a look at 2019 tech trends on display at the Consumer Electronics Show.
17:38
Exercise Actually Remodels Your Heart
Weightlifter’s hearts are built differently than those of marathon runners—but both activities seem to be beneficial to your long-term health.
17:20
Peering Into The Depths Of The Event Horizon
Two new studies shed light on the inner workings of black holes. Plus, how black holes can tell us more about galaxy evolution.
22:38
Science Put On Pause Under The Government Shutdown
Many research projects and departments grind to a halt, from food inspections to scientists who can no longer monitor their data.
7:51
China Reaches A New Lunar Frontier
Chinese space probe Chang’e-4 landed on the far side of the moon, marking a new era in space exploration.
3:57
Science Seeks Snowflake Snapshots
Citizen scientists are photographing snowflakes to help study winter storms.
19:54
Are All Calories Created (And Burned) Equally?
How do low-carb, high protein, calorie counting guidelines affect our metabolism?
14:21
The Physics Of A Crowd
How does the movement of crowds change when they behave predictably, and when they don’t? The answer lies in fluid dynamics.
45:45
Gaga For Grosbeaks? Coveting Chickadees? Devoted To Ducks?
SciFri celebrates winter birds and the people who love them.
28:42
The Revolutionary Doctor Who Made New York ‘New York’
David Hosack was the physician at the famous Hamilton-Burr duel, and founded many other institutions. Yet he’s been largely forgotten.
16:30
The New Horizons Spacecraft Peers Beyond The Known World
New Horizons explored Pluto. Next stop? A New Year’s visit to a planetary ‘time capsule’ in the Kuiper Belt.
46:19
2018 Year In Review: Wildfires, Space Probes, And CRISPR
We recap the year in science news with Sarah Kaplan and Rachel Feltman.
The Doctor Who Saved Hamilton’s Son’s Life
David Hosack was much more than just the doctor present at the Hamilton-Burr duel. He was also a respected botanist who founded the first botanic garden in the U.S.
Build A Groundwater Model
Make an affordable aquifer model then conduct a lab experiment to explore the effects of groundwater pollution.