April 25, 2025
Understanding the psychological and neurological components of chronic pain may lead to better treatments. Plus, vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care. And, researchers isolated one kind of cone in the eye and aimed lasers at it to allow subjects to see a super vibrant teal shade they call “olo.”
11:42
Internet White Spaces, Pollen Protein, and Tiger Conservation
Logging online through unused TV frequencies, and the good and bad of tiger conservation efforts.
16:12
Computer Device Allows Paralyzed Man to Regain Movement
A computer hooked to Ian Burkhart’s brain reads his thoughts and translates those into electrical signals, which stimulate his arm muscles and allow him to move his hand.
7:18
The Science Club Wants You to #TakeASample
This month’s project from Science Friday’s Science Club asks participants to answer a question about a big or complex thing by looking at a sample of the whole.
11:55
That Emoji You’re Sending Is Open to Interpretation
Emoji, the tiny graphics used in text communications, can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
17:37
Listening In on Scientific Data
Proponents of sonification hope that listening to data could lead to more scientific discoveries.
9:57
Zika Virus Transmission Still Mysterious
Many questions remain about the Zika virus, such as how it passes from mother to child.
17:13
Orchids: Masters Of Deception
Orchids use mimicry, fraud, and deception to attract pollinators, fascinating home gardeners in the process.
#TakeASample
Sample a vast or complex thing to reveal something new about it, then share your discovery with the hashtag #TakeASample
Unraveling The Orchid Mantis Mystery
This elusive praying mantis lures insect prey by exploiting flower-like attributes.
How Many Genes Are Necessary to Create a Living Cell?
A team led by biologist Craig Venter found that they only needed 473 genes to create a living, stripped-down version of a cell.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 4/12/16
How much do you know about the “Boiling River”?
Sex, Lies, And Orchids
With their pungent aromas and vibrant blooms, orchids lure insects, green-thumbs, and romantics alike.
16 Pieces of Pop Culture About Climate Change, From Atwood to Spielberg to the Pixies
Let’s talk about cli-fi!
Discussing What Can Be Done About Mass Extinction
After listening to E.O. Wilson talk about mass extinction, students discuss the problem and possible solutions. They then write a response to E.O. Wilson’s ‘Half-Earth’ proposal. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
11:29
Diabetes Drug Prices Tripled in a Decade
The World Health Organization cites lack of affordable insulin as one reason why diabetes patients worldwide are suffering complications and dying prematurely.
16:38
‘Lab Girl’: The Pursuit of Sanctuary, and Science, Inside the Lab
In the memoir “Lab Girl,” geobiologist Hope Jahren unlocks the secrets of plants and the personal discoveries behind the pursuit of science.
11:54
Canvassing Conversations, Animal Organ Transplants, and a Stumble in Providing Internet Access
Changing attitudes through canvassing and the Angolan “Wikipedia Zero” project.
8:06
Climate and the Collapse of Ancient Civilizations
How did climate change affect the boom-and-bust cycles of of ancient Southwest civilizations in the United States?
16:53
Satellite Snapshots Help Pinpoint and Protect The Past
Undiscovered tombs and pyramids can be found right on your iPad—if you know what to look for.
26:12
Telling the Story of Climate Change — In Fiction
Writer Paolo Bacigalupi is using fiction to help us imagine our climate change future—and he’s not alone.