June 20, 2025
Picking a sunscreen can be overwhelming. Experts tell us what to look for, and what ingredients matter. Plus, is the Hubble constant—a key part of how we measure our universe—having a crisis? Some cosmologists say yes. And, the new book “The Science of Revenge” explores the neuroscience of revenge, and how its addictive potential could make it dangerous.
You Do Realize… That’s Impossible
Physicist Suchitra Sebastian may have discovered a new state of matter. But the hardest part was convincing the doubters.
12:20
Alaska Issues Its First-Ever Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory earlier this week, with temperatures in central Alaska climbing to the mid-80s.
17:00
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients And Which Ones You Need
Picking a sunscreen can be overwhelming. We’ll break down what to look for, and what ingredients matter.
17:00
You Can Whistle While You Work—But How Does A Whistle Work?
Whistling requires attention to your mouth, muscles, and breath. Here’s how it works, and how to get better at it.
29:00
Is It Time For A New Model Of The Universe?
Is the Hubble constant—a key part of how we measure the expansion of our universe—in a crisis? Some cosmologists say yes.
17:00
How To Fight The Brain’s Desire For Revenge
The new book “The Science of Revenge” explores the neuroscience of revenge, and how its addictive potential could make it dangerous.
SciFri Is Headed To Redwood City!
Don’t miss Ira Flatow, Flora Lichtman, and the SciFri team live in Redwood City, CA, on Sept 18 for a special stage version of our radio show.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Biochemist Virginia Man-Yee Lee has spent her career unlocking the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Her secret? Happiness.
Small City Pays A Price For PFAS In Drinking Water
A military base polluted water in Newburgh, New York, with PFAS for years. Now a CDC-led study is uncovering the health impacts.
EPA Moves To Accelerate Superfund Cleanup Amid Cuts
The agency plans to expedite the process of cleaning up toxic waste sites, even as Trump aims to slash its budget and staff.
RFK Jr. Reshuffles CDC Vaccine Panel With Vaccine Skeptics
The health secretary fired the entire panel that recommends vaccines. Plus, the EPA moves to expedite cleanup of Superfund sites.
17:29
What Are The Best Practices For Prostate Cancer Screening?
Former President Joe Biden’s diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer has put a spotlight on prostate cancer screening.
17:30
A Dino’s Last Dinner And Eavesdropping Birds
Scientists look inside the fossilized stomach contents of a massive dinosaur. And, why some birds listen for prairie dogs’ alarm calls.
What’s Next For China’s Space Program?
From lunar missions to a space station to an asteroid rendezvous, China has been making impressive strides in spaceflight.
The Ruin And Redemption Of The American Prairie
Tallgrass prairies in the United States were cleared for industrial farms. Can the lost biodiversity be restored?
Don’t Lick The Toad From ‘Friendship’
In the movie, Tim Robinson seeks a psychedelic experience from an unusual source. Herpetologists want others to just say no.
A Scientist’s Quest To See Every Organism On Earth
Manu Prakash wants to map the whole tree of life, with the help of everyone on this planet.
Chasing A Butterfly Down Its Changing Migration Route
Each year, painted lady butterflies migrate thousands of miles between Africa and Europe. As the environment changes, so do their journeys.
Are We Prepared To Fight ‘The New Polio’?
A mysterious polio-like disease could challenge our healthcare infrastructure. And, zooming in on non-cancerous cells in and around tumors.
17:14
What Does It Mean To Have A Chatbot Companion?
People are turning to AI chatbots for emotional and social support. While chatbot friends can ease loneliness, they can also cause real harm.