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Each week Science Friday, hosted by Ira Flatow, focuses on science topics that are in the news and brings an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand.

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Go behind the headlines: From the economy and healthcare to politics and the environment - and so much more - On Point talks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR.
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On Point

Go behind the headlines: From the economy and healthcare to politics and the environment - and so much more - On Point talks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR.

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Science

Researchers from Columbia University and Rutgers University found roughly 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in a typical liter of bottled water.(Jody Amiet/AFP via Getty Images)
NPR
Public Health

Researchers find a massive number of plastic particles in bottled water

Researchers found roughly 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in a typical liter of bottled water. Most of them were nanoplastics — particles less than 1 micrometer in size.

3 years ago

The exterior of the building which houses the offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environment
National
Public Health

EPA finalizes new rules for companies producing toxic PFAS chemicals

Companies must now notify the EPA if they want to resume the production of certain PFAS chemicals.

3 years ago

Listen :54
Second Life is a 3D virtual world where users can connect and engage with others. Reporter Grant Hill’s avatar is seen walking through a post-apocalyptic community. (Screenshot of Second Life)
The Pulse
Politics
Technology

Democracy in the metaverse: What can we learn from Second Life?

Early metaverse pioneers on lessons learned using a 3D virtual platform.

3 years ago

Listen 16:19
A rider looks at a landscape with stone towers that reach into the sky, with a giant yellow glowing tree at the center.
The Pulse
Architecture & Design
Technology

Why archaeologists study virtual worlds from video games

There’s a growing field of academic study where archaeologists study virtual worlds, or work with game developers to recreate historical sites.

3 years ago

Listen 12:11
A Block Island Wind Farm turbine operates
Delaware
Energy
Environment

Amidst market challenges for offshore wind, Delaware recommends flexibility for future state projects

Delaware report encourages the state to approach offshore wind with “flexibility” in an uncertain market.

3 years ago

Metaverse digital Avatar, Metaverse Presence, digital technology, cyber world, virtual reality, futuristic lifestyle. Woman in VR glasses playing AR augmented reality NFT game with neon blur lines
The Pulse

Virtual Worlds, Virtual Lives

Virtual worlds allow us to reinvent ourselves and build new lives. But some of our troubles follow us there. A look at navigating community, love, and work in digital realms.

Air Date: January 5, 2024

Listen 48:46
A view of trucks on a landfill
Delaware
Environment
Sustainability

University of Delaware researching how methane leaks from landfills

University of Delaware is one of five institutions across the U.S. that received funding from the EPA to study how to measure methane in landfills more accurately.

3 years ago

An aerial view of the 80 MW solar field in Adams County.
Energy
Environment
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Sustainability

Philadelphia will power up to 25% of its buildings with solar energy from Adams County array by early 2024

Philadelphia takes steps toward renewable energy goals with a solar farm in Adams County.

3 years ago

Listen 1:05
Scientist measured the brainwaves of cud-chewing reindeer, and found that they are similar to those of deep sleep.
NPR
Animals
Community Events

How the real-life Rudolphs get enough rest: Sleep while you chew!

Scientists say reindeer seem to sleep while they chew, allowing them to forage all day in the summertime and still get enough sleep.

3 years ago

The Pulse

The Transformative Power of Awe

We talk with Keltner about his new book “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life.”

Air Date: December 22, 2023

Listen 48:18
haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J.
Energy
Environment
Philadelphia

Orange skies, flash floods, and offshore wind drama: Here are WHYY News’ top climate stories of 2023

Climate change took a big toll on the Philly region this year, featuring everything from wildfire smoke to serious flash floods. And yet, climate solutions abound.

3 years ago

This Feb. 13, 2012, file photo shows a Cabot Oil Gas Corp. wellhead in Dimock, Pa.
Energy
Environment
Pennsylvania

Drilling under Pa.’s ‘Gasland’ town has been banned since 2010. It’s coming back

“I was played a fool,” said one resident, who will have a gas well running under her land. “This was the most egregious betrayal I’ve experienced."

3 years ago

Land-based wind turbines spin in Atlantic City
Animals
Energy
Environment
New Jersey

Wind farm off New Jersey likely to ‘adversely affect’ but not kill whales, feds say

NOAA said there should be no impact to any critical habitat for the North Atlantic right whale, only 360 or so of which remain in the world.

3 years ago

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge spanning the Delaware River
Animals
Environment
Government
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia

EPA proposes new water quality standards for fish living in the Delaware River

Environmentalists have been calling for improved water quality for the endangered Atlantic Sturgeon for more than a decade.

3 years ago

Listen 1:07
A deer in the woods
Animals
Pennsylvania
Spotlight PA

Pa. introduces new rules for hunters to limit the spread of ‘zombie deer disease.’ Here’s what to know

Pa. has seen an increase in chronic wasting disease since 2012. While the state has implemented tracking and mitigation efforts, testing is still optional for hunters.

3 years ago

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