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November 22, 2024
On the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, paleoanthropologists reflect on what she means to science, and what she taught us about ourselves. Plus, divers have recovered seeds of a long-lost rye variety from a 146-year-old shipwreck in Lake Huron. And, just in time for Thanksgiving, a potato researcher explains potato varieties, potato nutrition, and some tubular tuber facts.
17:27
The Peculiarity of Homo Sapiens
Modern humans are the only surviving hominin from what was once a rich, fairly bushy family tree. But why did we alone survive?
12:12
Polluting Planes, Coked-Out Eels, and the Science of ‘Frass’ (Fake Grass)
What cutting airlines’ carbon emissions could mean, why scientists gave eels cocaine, and the good and bad of artificial turf.
5:34
A Potential ‘Missing Link’ Between the Brain and Immune System
Researchers describe previously undiscovered lymphatic vessels in the brains of mice.
5:26
Endangered Sawfish Reproduce Asexually
Female smalltooth sawfish were found to undergo ‘virgin births’ in southern Florida.
28:11
‘Beer Can Chicken’ Myths and BBQ Science Tips
Meathead Goldwyn busts ‘beer can chicken’ myths and shares science secrets for a successful backyard barbecue.
6:27
Rising Ocean Temps Could Shrink Ocean Habitats
How will increasing global temperatures affect fish and marine habitats?
15:58
How You Explained the Sun
Science Friday’s Science Club has been on a month-long exploration of the sun: what it is, how we see it, and its effects on our lives.
17:33
What Is Sleep? A ‘Superpower,’ a ‘Power Cleanse’
In his latest “Flame Challenge,” Alan Alda asked people to answer the question: “What is sleep?” We talk with the winning respondents.
11:37
Koala Chlamydia, Pluto’s Moons, and Bad Science Search Results
Rachel Feltman of The Washington Post talks about the week in science, and Christina Warren of Mashable joins to talk about science search results gone wrong.
7:59
We’re at Least a Little Like Yeast
Scientist swap out yeast genes for human ones, with an almost 50 percent success rate.