July 25, 2025
Newly released images from the Parker Solar Probe are so detailed that scientists can see explosions and the flow of solar winds. Plus, menopause research began in earnest about 30 years ago. Two experts want you to know that we’ve actually learned a lot—and it’s not all bad. And, how fast did dinosaurs run? A longstanding equation for dino speed may be wrong.
7:32
President Obama Calls for a ‘BRAIN Initiative’
NIH Director Francis Collins discusses President Obama’s new ‘BRAIN Initiative’ research program.
4:17
Building Synthetic Tissues from Water Droplets?
Researchers turned tiny water droplets into cooperating networks that can change shape and pass electrical signals.
8:42
Amyloid Proteins Help Paralyzed Mice Walk Again
Scientists say the proteins, once thought to be enemies of the nervous system, may actually be protective ‘guardians.’
12:24
Bees Emerging After a Hard Winter
Apiculturist Eric Mussen discusses the plight of the modern honeybee.
25:37
Searching for the Roots of ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’
Primatologist Frans de Waal explores the origins of morality in The Bonobo and the Atheist.
Mama’s Boys, Black Sheep, and Peacekeepers
An excerpt from “The Bonobo and the Atheist.”
Would Usain Bolt Run More Slowly With the Name Usain Plod?
This excerpt from “Drunk Tank Pink” explores whether names affect major life outcomes.
Making Tissues from Water Droplets?
Researchers turned tiny water droplets into cooperative networks that can change shape and pass electrical signals.
Building the Future of SciFri
A number of listeners have asked us what the end of “Talk of the Nation” means for us.
How to Get 6,000 People to Talk Science
Bill Nye and I were on a panel discussing how to tell stories about science.
Scene in the Sonoran
Science Friday hits the desert trail to take in some springtime sights.
11 Things You Didn’t Know About Saguaro Cacti
Were you aware that saguaros are black market commodities? Here’re some other cool cactus facts.
30:36
The Secret Life of the Sonoran Desert
We check in on the Gila monsters, saguaros, and microbial crusts living in the desert Southwest.
15:59
How Cosmic Collisions Have Shaped Our Solar System
Some of our solar system’s landmarks can trace their origins to massive impacts.
36:35
Gripping Science Tales Need Not Be Science Fiction
How can scientists tell compelling stories without hyping or distorting the science?
9:34
Studying Rocks Found on Earth for Clues About Space
We’ll take a tour of the Center for Meteorite Studies, and learn how meteorites can teach us about the history of the solar system.
12:01
For Babies, It’s Better to Like What I Like
How green beans, graham crackers, and puppets can give insight into the development of moral behavior.
17:25
Grand Central: An Engine of Scientific Innovation
Standard time zones and electric trains were both pioneered at New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
16:37
Birds Evolve Shorter Wings to Escape Traffic Crush
Cliff swallows with shorter wings appear better suited to avoid becoming roadkill.
29:13
Scientists Search for Gulf War Illness Answers
More than 20 years later, many Gulf War veterans still suffer from an array of unexplained ailments.