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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.
8:35
To Get Ready For Mars, NASA Studies How The Body Changes In Space
Spending time in space affects everything from eyesight to bone health. NASA’s CIPHER program will measure these changes and more.
8:15
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Improve Memory, Study Finds
Mice fed with the mushroom had better hippocampal memory—a result that may guide new treatments for dementia.
34:25
Orchids, Snails, And Wolves: The Ongoing Benefit Of The Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act established protections for plant and animal species at risk of extinction. It’s still working 50 years later.
12:10
Unmasking Owls’ Mysteries
Jennifer Ackerman’s book delves into these fascinating avian predators, including their supersonic hearing, quiet flight, and complex communication.
32:57
A Mathematician Asks ‘Is Math Real?’
When math is based on abstract concepts, how do we know it’s correct? Dr. Eugenia Cheng takes on that question in a new book.
28:45
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
8:08
The Science Behind Your Unraveling Sweaters
A textile professor and knit expert explains why many sweaters today are of poorer quality than sweaters in the past.
7:38
Why It Feels So Good To Eat Chocolate
An artificial tongue helps researchers understand how texture impacts what people like about chocolate.
12:12
The Top Science News Stories of 2023
This year brought us new vaccines, a highly anticipated asteroid sample, and an update to T. rex’s smile.
5:42
Solar Panels In Historic Cape Cod: Who Decides Where ‘Modern’ Fits?
Local historic committees in Cape Cod are blocking some residents from installing solar panels, citing visual impact on the neighborhood.