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.
16:22
How The West Will Be Won (For The Black-Footed Ferret)
In the western prairies, the bandit-masked predator faces an invasive plague, limited food, and the work of staying alive.
12:00
When Your Tongue Needs A Tuneup
The tongue weakens as we age, which can result in more frequent choking during eating. But simple exercise seems to be an effective way to keep the tongue muscles toned.
17:05
Jill Tarter Is Still Searching For A Sign Of Life
Astronomer and SETI co-founder Jill Tarter reflects on her career as an alien hunter.
16:19
Peeking Under The Skin Of Aging Aircraft
A lab disassembles aging aircraft piece by piece to look for signs of cracks, corrosion, and metal fatigue.
Which Came First: The Chicken Or Antibiotic Resistance?
In her new book, Maryn McKenna unspools the misuse of drugs, and chronicles how food animals may have created bacteria more resistant to human medicine.
In the Jungles Of Puerto Rico, Jill Tarter Looks To The Sky
SETI astronomer Jill Tarter has spent her life searching for E.T., “simply because we’re curious.” She says that’s a milestone for humanity.
Building A Flood-Proof Skyscraper Resilient To Climate Change
After the flooding damage from Superstorm Sandy, New York developers are designing buildings with big storms in mind.
After Harvey, A Perfect Storm For Bacteria
Hurricane Harvey left a slew of highly visible damage. But after the waters recede, the storm may leave something far less visible in its wake: a public health concern.
2017 Science Friday Educator Collaborative
The 2017 cohort are redesigning boots, fossilizing chicken bones, and more for the classroom.
6:51
The Rules Of Entanglement, Reining In Stem Cell Claims, And Why You Shouldn’t Lick Your Turtle
Researchers have shown mathematically that the weirdness of quantum entanglement may be an essential part of the universe’s physics.
5:17
On The Mississippi, A Battle Of The Levees
A plan to address Mississippi River flooding rests on those who disagree on control measures.
11:56
In Florida, A New Law Is Hitting Textbooks
A new state law allows people to challenge the content in school textbooks. Will it put classroom science at risk?
17:04
The Myths That Persist About How We Learn
The idea that some people learn best from visual or audio materials has been around since the 1950s. But there’s little evidence to support it.
All Spun Up: A Look At Properties Of Rotation
Why do hardboiled eggs spin better than raw ones? How can you engineer faster race car wheels? The key is understanding rotational inertia.
16:53
Back-To-School Lessons From Science Friday’s Educator Collaborative
Seven innovative science teachers have turned Science Friday stories into lessons you can use in the classroom and at home.
Why Are Honeycomb Cells Hexagonal?
Honeybees make the cells of their hives in the shape of hexagons, but why?
33:33
Hurricane Harvey And The New Normal
As Harvey devastates Houston, Michael Mann says it becomes increasingly clear that we live in an ever-evolving state of a “new normal.” Where do we go from there?
How Cities Are Preparing For More Extreme Weather
Tropical Storm Harvey may have taken Houston by surprise, but places around the world are getting ready for more extreme weather due to climate change.
Science Friday Trivia: San Francisco
On October 30, we’re teaming up with the Bay Area Science Festival to bring the ultimate battle of the geeks to the West Coast.
How Animals Keep Their Cool
From horses to humans, here’s how animals have evolved to beat the heat.