Episodes

When the federal government wavered in its commitment to climate action, city sustainability officers stepped up. Plus, a deep-sea squid was filmed cradling large eggs for its body size, which suggests it’s an entirely new species. And, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired on June 10, but supporters are still fighting to expand it.

Happy Cephalopod Week! Squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish use ink to confuse predators and to communicate. But there’s even more to know about inking. Plus, researchers used citizen science observations and machine learning to understand where fireflies are and what they need to thrive. And, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make “Inside Out 2” more scientifically accurate.

A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics. Plus, the genome of a little fern has 160.45 billion base pairs—50 times more DNA than a human. And, how will Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s leadership shape science policy in Mexico?

A science journalist discusses plants’ ability to communicate, store memories, and more in her new book, “The Light Eaters.” Plus, how the eerie calls of the common loons have made their way into pop music. And, the growing field of Indigenous data sovereignty demands that Native communities maintain the right to decide how data about their people are collected, owned, and used.

A van outfitted as a mobile laboratory helps scientists study how legal cannabis products affect users—without breaking the law. Plus, after decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor. And, for the first time, scientists have recorded how salps form chains and swim in corkscrews to reach the ocean’s surface each night.

The latest breast cancer screening guidelines move the recommended age to start mammograms from 50 down to 40. How are these decisions made? Plus, early data from the DESI collaboration suggests that dark energy, which powers the universe’s accelerating expansion, may evolve over time. And, scientists are breeding wine grapes that will grow in Iowa’s climate in hopes of expanding the state’s wine industry.

Medical researchers are working to better understand—and hopefully mute—tinnitus, a persistent “ringing in the ears.” Plus, in her new book, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant shares how her lifelong love for the natural world led her to become a nature TV show host. And, the Field Museum has unveiled a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, a species that may hold the key to how ancient dinosaurs became modern birds.

Science Friday is live from Ames, Iowa, home to prairies, greater prairie chickens, and an array of wildlife. Plus, the co-emergence of two periodical cicada broods is underway. Scientists have tips for how to experience the event. And, as the “Universe of Art” podcast turns one, listeners discuss solar music boxes and what it’s like making art with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms. Plus, an array of new products monitors users’ brain waves using caps or headbands. That neural data has few privacy protections. And, bonobo males may not live up to their reputation as calmer, more peaceful great apes.

Superfund sites contain extreme pollution. Flooding—made worse by climate change—could carry their toxic contaminants into surrounding areas. Plus, researchers in Buenos Aires have figured out a way to tap into bird dreams. And, a citizen science project aims to sample the waters of hundreds of lakes worldwide for environmental DNA.