May 16, 2025
The Department of the Interior seeks to remove the endangered species designation from the lesser prairie chicken. Plus, how well do we understand the long-term health risks to firefighters? And, highlights from SciFri’s live show in Columbia, Missouri.
16:21
What Does It Mean To Be Alive?
Science writer Carl Zimmer explores the complicated search for a definition of life.
12:51
Setting New Goals At An Earth Week Climate Summit
The European Union is targeting climate neutrality by 2050, and the Biden administration has announced a national goal of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
The Fiery Hummingbird Of Isla Robinson Crusoe
The Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird is a magnificent, isolated castaway that had evolved to look unlike others of its kind.
10 Questions With The Father Of Environmental Justice
Since 1979, Robert Bullard has studied the disproportionate impacts of pollution on communities of color. He reflects on the past and future of the environmental justice movement.
Earth Day And The Evolution Of The Environmental Movement
From the first Earth Day in 1970 to today’s youth climate strikes, researchers and activists look back at the decades-long fight for a healthy planet.
Cook Up A Lost Feast With Our Science-y Online Cooking Class!
Join us on May 16 to create a lost feast celebrating some of the flavors featured in this spring’s SciFri’s Book Club pick.
12:12
It’s Okay To Be Confused About J&J’s Vaccine
The emergence of very rare complications when a vaccine is introduced isn’t surprising. Here’s what the FDA’s next steps could look like.
17:29
The Plight Of The North Atlantic Right Whale
Human activity is responsible for the sharp decline in North Atlantic right whales. A new documentary sheds light on why.
17:24
Conserving More Than Just the Planet’s ‘Beloved Beasts’
A new book looks at the history of some of the conservation movement’s key figures.
12:06
Understanding St. Vincent’s Volcanic Eruption
The Caribbean volcano has a long legacy of impact on the island. A volcanologist puts that in context with its most recent eruption.
8:06
How Many T-Rexes Once Roamed the Earth? Maybe Billions
Scientists recently calculated that 2.5 billion individual T-Rexes roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period.
8:54
Pterosaurs Had A 40-Foot Wingspan And A Giraffe-Like Neck
Recent research into the pterosaur’s vertebrae sheds light on the evolution of flight.
1:45
SciFri Soundscape: Justice In The Jungle
Scientists are using acoustic monitoring devices in Guatemala and Honduras to help curb jaguar poaching.
15:50
SciFri Book Club Digs Into The Foods We’ve Loved To Death
SciFri Book Club reads “Lost Feast” and follows author Lenore Newman’s exploration of a long-lost Roman herb, the dodo bird, and more food mysteries.
Introducing SciFri Findings
Learn along with Science Friday as we dive into how science media is impacting and connecting with the general public.
Orphans Delivered The World’s First Vaccine
The world’s first vaccination campaign involved a ship, some pus-filled sores, and 22 orphan boys.
12:16
Particle Behavior Disobeys Laws Of Physics As We Know Them
Plus, how your weather forecast will change next month.
5:58
Punjabi Sikh Truckers Lack Access To COVID-19 Information
Organizations like Jakara Movement and Punjabi Radio USA filled in the information gaps for the Punjabi speaking community in California.
12:13
New AI Composes Songs From Silent Performance Videos
This algorithm can watch a silent piano performance and then turn it into expressive, human-sounding music.