September 27, 2024
Climate activists Bill McKibben and Akaya Windwood say it isn’t fair to leave the climate crisis for younger generations to solve. Plus, a cultural anthropologist discusses the Mariana Islands’ long history of colonization and why demilitarization matters for climate progress. And, new research into a fish known as the sea robin finds that leg-like appendages can “taste” prey buried in the sand.
17:16
A Breakthrough In A Mollusk Mystery
Freshwater mussels have been in decline for decades. New research shows viruses could be responsible.
29:20
Solar System Smackdown: Mars Vs. Venus
Both Mars and Venus have captured the interest of scientists, but which planet is the best candidate for finding signs of life?
Upgrade Your ‘Dumb House,’ Today
In this excerpt of the sci-fi anthology “New Suns,” Andrea Hairston’s short story ‘Dumb House’ follows a woman who resists upgrading her home with new technology.
Let’s Talk Black Holes, With New Nobel Prize Winner Roger Penrose
Last year, a winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in physics sat down with Pioneer Works to chat black holes, the universe, Penrose tilings, and consciousness.
Breakthrough: The Trauma Tracer
Follow Bianca Jones Marlin as she uses cutting-edge neuroscience to uncover how the effects of trauma can be passed down from generation to generation.
11:50
President Trump Tests Positive For COVID-19
What we might expect from the next few weeks of White House COVID news.
Book Club: ‘New Suns’
Dive into the metaphorical and metaphysical worlds in Nisi Shawl’s collection of speculative fiction.
17:06
Fact Check My Feed: Could A COVID-19 Vaccine Come Out Before Election Day?
During this week’s debate, President Trump made misleading claims about a timeline for a COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what the experts have to say.
12:15
New Study Shows No Second Chance For Antarctic Ice Shelves
A new study predicting major sea level rise magnifies the need for fundamental changes to forestall catastrophe.
17:22
Ask An Expert: Why Do We Itch?
A professor of molecular and cellular biology explains the neuroscience behind itching and scratching.
17:08
Digging For Answers To Avians’ Ancestors
Paleontologist Jingmai O’Connor studies prehistoric bird fossils found in China to answer questions about the evolution of dinosaurs and flight.
17:25
Read A Collection Of Science Fiction With The Science Friday Book Club
Join us in exploring the far-out and the familiar with a new speculative fiction collection, edited by Nisi Shawl.
When The Dead Stay With Us
Read an excerpt of speculative fiction about literally carrying your dead loved ones with you from the SciFri Book Club pick ‘New Suns.’
Gather ‘Round For A Brainy Watch Party
We’re partnering with Black In Neuro to host a watch party! Watch the film featuring Bianca Jones Marlin and ask questions during the Q&A.
A Mile In The Shoes Of A Volcanologist
Meet Kayla Iacovino, a NASA petrologist (and Star Trek superfan) who looks for tiny clues atop volcanoes to understand eruptions on Earth and beyond.
Breakthrough: The Avian Authority
Follow Jingmai O’Connor as she catalogues ancient avian dinosaurs and learn how her Chinese-American roots helped lead her to incredible paleontological discoveries.
11:38
The Race For A COVID-19 Vaccine Heats Up
Four U.S. vaccines are in the final stage of clinical trials, plus other news from the week.
16:16
Oliver Sacks, In His Own Words
A new film explores the extraordinary life and legacy of neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks.
12:05
Thermal Imaging Technology Helps Firefighters See Through Smoke
Infrared waves help firefighters know where to focus their efforts—and help keep them safe.
17:21
Birds Of A Feather Flutter Together
Some birds use the shape of their feathers as a communication tool, using the sound their feathers make to relay messages.