Universe of Art
A podcast from Science Friday featuring conversations with artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level.
How Metaphors Help—And Hurt—Science
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside.
How Insects Shaped Human Culture Over Millennia
In “The Insect Epiphany,” an entomologist explores the history of insects in art, food, engineering, and more.
Intertwining The Lives Of Moths And Humans Through Music
A pair of musicians wrote a concept album inspired by moths—and found that humans have more in common with the insects than they expected.
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
Pollution Cookies And The Hidden Physics In Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’
The Center for Genomic Gastronomy is making foods that capture environmental crises. Plus, what scientists found when they took a closer look at one of Van Gogh’s iconic paintings.
How A Diver And Artist Brought A Mysterious Octopus To Light
In 1990, diver Arcadio Rodaniche’s findings about a highly social octopus were dismissed. Decades later, his work was validated.
What Newly Discovered Cave Art Tells Us About Human Creativity
Archaeologists keep finding older and older cave art. Here’s what it could tell us about how humans evolved over time.
How Ancient Art Influenced Modern Astronomy
How do we make sense of the vast expanse above our heads, the millions of stars we might be able to see, and the billions more we can’t?
How Science Fiction Influenced American Psychological Warfare
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics.
The Tornado Science Of ‘Twisters’ And A Real Life ‘Dune’ Stillsuit
A meteorologist decodes the tornado science in the new ‘Twisters’ sequel, and researchers made a spacesuit inspired by the one from ‘Dune.’