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.
Recreate Darwin’s Experiments In Your Backyard
Biologist James T. Costa recreated some of Darwin’s experiments that led to his theory of evolution. Now, you can try them in the comfort of your backyard.
11:08
Ensuring Recovery Efforts Work In Flooded Puerto Rico
Disaster researchers look to past catastrophes to find better responses to Hurricane Maria.
Why Don’t Banana Candies Taste Like Real Bananas?
Actually, they do. The story of artificial banana flavoring is, well, bananas.
Fossilization And Decay At The La Brea Tar Pits
Using the La Brea Tar Pits as inspiration, look at the conditions that affect fossil formation.
See Undiscovered Live At The Bay Area Science Festival!
Annie and Elah will join Adam Savage and the Tested.com team live on stage on October 28th.
Up On The Roof, A Handful Of Urban Stardust
A jazz musician-turned-micrometeorite hunter gives advice on how to search for the tiny bits of cosmic dust that could be covering your rooftop.
How Do You Figure Out How Dinosaurs Walked?
Analyze the gait of bipedal organisms, including humans, chimps, and birds, then use pelvic anatomy to predict how theropod dinosaurs walked.
In Defense Of Dinosaurs
We don’t conclude that Einstein’s towering accomplishments should be sullied by his own mortality. Author Kenneth Lacovara argues that dinosaurs deserve the same credit.
7:41
In Frog Versus Dinosaur, This Frog Wins
By analyzing the bite force of frog jaws, researchers determined that an extinct giant frog from Madagascar could have devoured dinos.
4:25
The Downside Of A Quick And Easy Malaria Test
The malaria rapid diagnostic test can help manage the disease, but it also led to an unintended consequence in some countries.
28:05
How Will The Wildfires Of Today Fuel The Fires Of Tomorrow?
Most wildfires are started by humans. Will that number increase in the future?
6:01
Meet The New Zealand Glow Worm
How does a glow worm glow? Hint: it’s not the same as a firefly.
11:35
Sleepy Times Under The Sea
New research indicates that even animals as simple as jellyfish have the need to doze.
11:29
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Rememory’
Is memory manipulation the stuff of Hollywood, or a glimpse into the near future?
21:52
Why Do Dinosaurs Matter?
Long dead dinosaurs have plenty to teach us about Earth’s future.
To Study Sea Otters, Use A Lifetime Tracker
Scientists know little about how the toxic algae endemic affects sea otters. That’s why veterinarians are trying a novel new surgery.
If You’re Drinking Tap Water, You’re Consuming Plastic Pollutants
If synthetic fibers are in tap water, they’re also likely in foods prepared with water, such as bread, pasta, and baby formula, researchers say.
Slippery Soles: A Lesson In Friction
Even in our best winter boots, we often slip and slide on icy sidewalks. Design a boot that doesn’t slip on ice, in this friction and surface area engineering challenge.
Goodbye, Cassini
As the probe plunges into Saturn, SciFri takes a look at the people and history of the iconic NASA mission.
12:07
How Hurricane Irma Could Affect Florida’s Endangered Species
Biologists wait to assess the damage done to a delicate ecosystem.