05/01/2015

Salty Antarctic Aquifers, Penguin Poop, and a 3D-Printed Splint

12:12 minutes

This week in our news roundup, science reporter Arielle Duhaime-Ross tells us about salty aquifers deep under the Antarctic surface, which scientists say could be an analog for where life might hide out on Mars. Also, details on how penguins melt snow with their droppings. And we’ll hear about a life-saving use of 3D-printing to create a splint for children with a rare tracheal disease.

Plus, Jason Koebler, staff writer at Motherboard, joins us to talk about archivists who want to preserve Adobe’s Flash plug-in as a window on Internet culture in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Segment Guests

Arielle Duhaime-Ross

Arielle Duhaime-Ross is freelance science journalist, artist, podcast, and TV host based in Portland, OR.

Jason Koebler

Jason Koebler is the co-founder of 404 Media and co-host of the 404 Media podcast. He’s based in Los Angeles, California.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.