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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.

Science Friday

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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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Environment

the data center in Vineland being constructed
Science

Vineland data center accused of operating natural gas generators without permit

The 300-megawatt AI data center is being developed by DataOne for the Nebius Group.

4 hours ago

Listen 1:11
(Daxiao Productions / Bigstock)
The Pulse
Science

The Search for Wilderness

Why we seek out the wilderness — and what “wilderness” really means in a world defined by human intervention.

Air Date: August 28, 2026

Listen 49:24
Matt Meyer signing legislation
Politics & Policy

Delaware governor signs legislation that aims to make data centers ‘pay their fair share’

The legislation would prevent data centers from passing the costs of running data centers onto ratepayers.

2 days ago

Listen 1:03
People at a town hall, one person holds a sign reading OUR COMMUNITY, OUR CHOICE
Politics & Policy

In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers

Data centers have become a growing concern as November's midterm elections loom. The debate has united left-leaning environmentalists and conservative farmers.

2 days ago

a person sleeping on the sidewalk, under an umbrella
Weather

Philadelphia should do more to help unhoused people during heat waves, advocates say

In an open letter, a coalition of homeless people, advocates and service providers called for a heat response similar to how the city handles cold.

3 days ago

Listen 1:20
Franklin Kury speaking with 2 other men while standing in front of a large American flag.
Community
Inside Climate News

Remembering the ‘visionary’ author of Pennsylvania’s environmental rights amendment

Franklin Kury, who passed away last week, helped make Pennsylvania one of the first governments in the world to guarantee a healthy environment as a basic right.

3 days ago

Scientists hold nets filled with insect samples as they wade through water in a creek
Science

Researchers find microplastics in insects from Schuylkill River watershed

The researchers found that microplastics were as prevalent in forested parts of the watershed as they were in urban areas.

7 days ago

Listen 1:21
Josh Shapiro is gesturing with his hand as he gives a press conference about data centers on August 18, 2026.
Politics & Policy

Governors’ races are being increasingly buffeted by the toxic politics of data centers

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is just one of several governors across the country trying to address the hot button issue of residents not wanting data centers near them.

1 week ago

Kensington High school is a large brick building.
Education

Philly’s Kensington High shuttered after asbestos issue discovered during HVAC replacement

Last year, the School District of Philadelphia became the first in the country to be criminally charged over its management of asbestos.

2 weeks ago

People at a town hall, one person holds a sign reading OUR COMMUNITY, OUR CHOICE
Science

Opposition to data center construction is rising sharply, survey says

Opposition has jumped significantly among both Democrats and Republicans, according to a recent Penn poll.

2 weeks ago

Listen 1:07
A line of tanks at a PFAS treatment plant in Stanton, Delaware
Courts & Law

Delaware’s drinking water supplier Veolia files suit against 9 companies for PFAS contamination

The lawsuit alleges nine companies failed to prevent toxic forever chemicals from entering the waterways Veolia relies on to provide drinking water.

2 weeks ago

Listen 1:23
Jacqueline M. Santiago-Vicente standing in the Byron Street community garden
Science

Camden nonprofit plans to keep bus riders cool with shade and pollinator gardens

Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens’ bus shelters will include shade trees, pollinator-friendly plants and air quality monitors.

3 weeks ago

Listen 1:11
People sit in an auditorium for a Conshohocken Planning Board meeting
Science

Plymouth Township, Conshohocken-area residents shout, boo, as hearing for data center begins

Residents say they’re concerned the new data center will reduce property values and impact their quality of life in the suburban Pennsylvania towns.

3 weeks ago

the data center in Vineland being constructed
Science

Vineland data center makes case for on-site power generation during 6-hour hearing

Developers for the New Jersey-based center plan to use on-site fuel cells, saying the new plan will not draw power from the grid or increase residential rates.

3 weeks ago

Piles of plastic waste outside.
Studio 2
Science

Can we ever get rid of plastics for good?

Plastic is everywhere. Going "plastic-free" can be much easier said than done.

Air Date: August 3, 2026 12:00 pm

Listen 51:45
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