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.
10:26
App Chat: Being Social Without Leaving a Trace
A growing number of apps allow users to post ephemeral or anonymous messages—and they’re catching on quickly with millennials.
21:44
Concocting Condiments
Culinary scientist Ali Bouzari dips into the chemistry behind condiments, from hot sauce to mustard.
18:06
Sylvia Earle’s ‘Mission Blue’
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle bears witness to troubling changes in our oceans in the documentary “Mission Blue.”
6:37
Bridging the Rift: Oculus’ Answer to Virtual Reality
Technological and design innovations inside the Oculus Rift make virtual reality poised for a mass-market debut.
Stained Glass Conservation
Medieval stained glass reveals a lot about life in the Middle Ages, but keeping these artistic works from falling apart is a detailed process.
Secrets of the Sauce (and Other Edible Liquids)
Culinary scientist Ali Bouzari weighs in on the four ways to change the thickness of any sauce, soup, or liquid.
Bridging the Rift: Oculus’ Answer to Virtual Reality
Technological and design innovations inside the Oculus Rift make virtual reality poised to make a mass-market debut.
Share Your Favorite ‘Dune’ Quote
Record yourself reading your favorite quote from “Dune,” and share it with SciFri.
Is Your Hot Sauce Up to Snuff?
Use science to improve your latest spicy concoction.
An Ephemeral River, Viewed From Space
This ephemeral river may only last a few days a year, but it’s life sustaining.
Dune Discussion Question: Week #3
The third discussion question for this summer’s SciFri Book Club selection, “Dune.”
Build Your Own Radio Telescope to Listen to Meteors
Even if it’s cloudy or you can’t get outside at night, you can still listen to the Perseid meteor shower using a simple FM radio setup or by building a radio telescope at home.
8:19
Listening In on Elephant ‘Mating Pandemonium’
In a ‘mating pandemonium’ event, a group of elephants roar after a pair of elephants mate.
21:23
Behind the Scenes at the City Morgue
Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek’s memoir “Working Stiff” goes behind the scenes at the New York City morgue.
16:08
Giving Viruses a License to Kill…Cancer
Scientists transform common viruses like measles and herpes into potential cancer treatments.
12:14
Can an Experimental Therapy Be Used to Treat Ebola?
A look at the experimental therapy used to treat two Americans who were infected with Ebola.
3:13
‘Lucy’ Debunked
A neurobiologist reveals sci-fi thriller “Lucy”‘s neuroscience bloopers.
13:47
Close Your Eyes and Listen to the Night Sky
If the bright “supermoon” drowns out the Perseid meteor shower this year, why not listen for meteors instead?
8:36
Can Science Build a Better Piano?
Scientists have created a 3D acoustical scan of the piano’s resonance—and say it could help refine the art of piano-making.
7:44
Algorithm Turns Everyday Objects Into Microphones
Sound waves trigger tiny vibrations in objects. By studying the vibrations, researchers can recreate the sounds that caused them.