January 3, 2025
A “mirror organism” would have proteins and DNA shaped like the mirror image of how they naturally appear. Scientists are calling for a halt to mirror life research. Plus, this winter marks 125 years of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, the world's longest-running community science project. And, we discuss the breakthrough technologies to watch in 2025.
Flora Lichtman To Host Science Friday Alongside Ira Flatow
Veteran science journalist Flora Lichtman has been named a Host of Science Friday, joining Ira at the mic.
A Play About Pregnancy Inspired By Mushroom Research
Playwrights and scientists teamed up to create plays based on scientific research. One of them explores pregnancy through fungal computing.
Workshop: Exploring Science Through Stories
Discover how interactive read-alouds can transform your elementary science curriculum in this workshop for formal and informal educators.
11:41
Scientists Predict Loss Of Deep Snow In Most Of U.S.
Without climate action, the United States would only have snow cover high in the mountains by the end of the century.
17:23
What Scientists Have Learned From 125 Years Of Bird Counts
This winter marks Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. It’s the longest-running community science project in the world.
29:57
What Lichen Tell Us About Ecology, Air Quality, And More
Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.
16:22
The Breakthrough Technologies To Watch In 2025
Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is still poised to be a major driver of technological change this year.
17:28
Biologists Call For A Halt To ‘Mirror Life’ Research
A “mirror organism” would have proteins and DNA shaped in a way that’s the mirror image of how they naturally appear.
46:49
Health, Astronomy, And Climate Experts On 2024’s Coolest Science
Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science.
29:23
Jane Goodall On Life Among Chimpanzees
In an interview from 2002, the primatologist gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps.
17:11
The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.
12:09
Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew You
Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States.
12:38
Meet 3 Leaders Addressing Local Conservation Problems
What makes three very different conservation projects so successful? These experts say it’s getting the community involved.
4:14
A New Argument For Preserving ‘Space Junk’ Left On Mars
Archaeologists call for tracking and preserving artifacts left on Mars to chronicle humans’ first attempts at interplanetary exploration.
12:20
What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone Sightings
With drone sightings in the news, we take a look at the current laws and regulations around hobby and commercial drone operation.
17:19
Parker Solar Probe Will Make Closest-Ever Approach To Sun
On December 24, 2024, NASA’s probe will break its own record for closest approach to the sun—just 3.8 million miles away.
9:12
The Most Exciting Dino Discoveries Of 2024
To wrap up 2024, science writer Riley Black shares her favorite paleontology discoveries of the year.
7:37
Can Spiking Eggnog Kill Bacteria From The Raw Eggs?
If treated properly, even old-fashioned eggnog made with cream and raw eggs can be a safe holiday beverage.
17:33
If ‘Interstellar’ Were Made Today, What Would Be Different?
The science advisor for “Interstellar” discusses the film’s impact, and how new information about gravitational waves could have changed it.
En defensa de la ciencia hecha en Latinoamérica
Dado lo poco que vemos en América Latina a nuestros astrónomos y astrónomas, es un milagro que sigamos produciéndolos.