November 22, 2024
On the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, paleoanthropologists reflect on 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, a potato researcher explains potato varieties, potato nutrition, and some tubular tuber facts.
Compete For The Nerdy Crown At SciFri Trivia Night
On Wednesday, April 29, our sixth annual Science Friday Trivia Night returns to littlefield in Brooklyn, New York.
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Annihilation’ In Chicago
On Thursday April 23, join us at the Davis Theater as we screen ‘Annihilation.’ Plus, a live conversation with local experts.
A Party For The Planet With The Story Collider And SciFri
Science and storytelling come together at The Story Collider—and Science Friday is teaming up for an Earth Day celebration on April 7 in Washington, D.C.
8:05
A Backstory For Kuiper Belt Object ‘Arrokoth’
Plus an update on the new coronavirus outbreak, and more in this week’s News Roundup.
3:41
Bringing California’s Groundwater Into Balance
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act seeks to regulate water flowing out of and into California’s underground aquifers.
20:38
Bringing A ‘Ghost Heart’ To Life
Scientists are engineering hybrid mechanical animal hearts and “ghost heart” scaffolds in the hopes of finding alternate transplantable organs.
24:04
How Big Tech Is Taking On Big Government
Tech companies are supplying citizens with food, courting international diplomats, and fighting terrorism—work that sounds a lot like what governments do.
34:05
A Last Love Letter To The Great Lakes Book Club
The SciFri Book Club wraps its month-long investigation of the Great Lakes with questions about the future of the ecosystems’ recovery.
What Happens When Tech Giants Assist In Natural Disasters?
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the U.S. government didn’t step in to restore power. What happens when countries turn to private companies for infrastructure?
SciFri Extra: The Marshall Islands Stare Down Rising Seas
Former Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine speaks on a vulnerable country’s plan to stay put in the face of climate change, and why other countries should pay attention.
11:52
“One Trillion Trees”… But Where to Plant Them?
President Trump and Republicans are increasingly considering planting trees to combat climate change—but the strategy has some serious flaws.
29:13
How Tech Can Make Us More—And Less—Empathetic
A new book covers why empathy is important to society, and how technology is changing that.
16:21
Meet Alice Ball, Unsung Pioneer In Leprosy Treatment
A new short film tells the story of a young African-American chemist and her pioneering work in the early 1900s.
34:19
How Native American Communities Are Addressing Climate Change
Indigenous tribes are centering climate change management strategies around traditional practices.
How Empathy Has Changed In The Face Of Tech
As tech takes over our lives, a journalist reckons with what has happened to our ability to empathize.
Your Cervical Mucus Is Beautiful
The protective substance is an important barrier between the body and the environment. Here’s how researchers are using it to understand health.
7:15
A Close Call Collision In Near-Earth Orbit
Plus news about crab heath, graphene, and more in this week’s News Roundup.
4:50
When A Correction May Not Be Helpful
Messages meant to counter misconceptions about the Zika virus may have decreased trust in correct information as well.
17:04
Putting Invasive Species On Trial
How can ecologists predict invasions in advance—and make the most of things when they do happen?
28:49
‘Radical’ Explores The Hidden History Of Breast Cancer
Did you know the ubiquitous pink ribbons were almost peach-colored? Or that the DOD has spent three billion dollars on breast cancer research?