July 22, 2022
A geneticist on the growing evidence for earlier arrivals of the First Peoples to North and South America. Plus, whether gene editing could give some plants new defenses against climate change. And how breeding across species may give one toad a leg up in survival.
July 15, 2022
Mind-boggling photos of the universe, taken by the JWST, were released this week. Astronomers share their thoughts. Plus, what does the current COVID wave mean for reinfections? And our new SciFri Book Club pick explores a fictional world where gene editing is easy—and also a crime.
July 8, 2022
How did the Big Bang theory come about? Plus, maggots are more helpful than you think. And we dive deep into the world of invertebrate butts.
July 1, 2022
A Supreme Court decision could affect world efforts to combat climate change. Plus, climate researchers have felt ignored, but now a group of scientists are sounding the alarms in very public ways. And the best science books to read this summer.
June 24, 2022
Although gender-affirming care is safe and effective, there is more to learn about how to best care for trans people over the course of their entire lives. Plus, HIPAA is often cited when it’s not applicable. What’s covered and what’s not? And a new book dives into amazing animal sensory abilities.
June 17, 2022
Some state laws to ban or restrict abortion may also interfere with common IVF treatments—we’ll analyze the effects. Plus, a long-awaited COVID vaccine approval for kids nears release. And Ira and undersea experts tackle audience questions at a Cephalopod Week celebration.
June 10, 2022
Cephalopod Week is back! We explore the newest science about the fancy tricks and ineffable weirdness of these animals. Plus, race is often conflated with biology in medicine. A more nuanced approach is emerging: using culturally competent care in treatment. And a new book explores the surprising roots of facial reconstruction surgery.
June 3, 2022
A new book will make you question what you thought you knew about sex. Plus, A vast majority of medical school students graduate with no education on medical marijuana. As more states legalize it, that’s a problem. And how discovering thousands of new viruses in the ocean sheds new light on underwater ecosystems.
May 27, 2022
Personal health data, like the kind shared on period tracking apps, may be used in court if abortion protections are overturned. Plus, how can we inspire the next generation of female scientists? And we dive into the wonderful world of sharks.
May 20, 2022
A recent Texas law limiting abortions also limits safe miscarriage treatment. What does Texas’ current reality mean for a future without Roe v. Wade? Plus, should robots replace astronauts in space? And a conversation with the creators of the new dinosaur docuseries “Prehistoric Planet.’