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.
16:35
Chasing Space: Astronaut Leland Melvin’s Journey From Sports To Space
Leland Melvin on the perseverance and different communities that helped launch his career into space.
17:03
The Many Uses Of ‘Useless’ Research
Reviving a case for foundational science that dates back to Einstein.
11:34
Jupiter Surprises In Its Closeup
Scientists report the first scientific results from the Juno mission, now in orbit around Jupiter.
Will Driverless Cars Work Outside The United States?
Driverless car technology is built with the West in mind—but will the same rules work in other countries?
Use Your Senses To Make Sense Of Your Soil
You can see, feel, and even smell the difference between good and lousy soil.
Can Opioid Addiction Be Cured?
Tom Price’s claims about opioid addiction are disputed by experts.
7:50
From Alberta’s Oil Sands, A Dinosaur ‘Mummy’ With Skin Intact
Plus, how is one of the most isolated islands on Earth also the most littered?
4:25
Your Airline Will See You Now
Is Delta’s new facial recognition technology a customer convenience or an invasion of privacy?
17:22
There’s Less Science In Forensic Science Than You Think
A look at efforts to improve forensics after the death of a key federal commission.
8:58
Weighing A Stockpile Of Computer Threats
When should the government alert the computer industry about software flaws that could become cyberweapons?
7:17
Prospecting For Martian Gold In Antarctica
On the latest episode of “Undiscovered,” we hear the story of meteorite hunter Nina Lanza, and what life’s really like in Antarctica.
17:15
Getting Inside The Head Of A Muskox
One researcher’s game of pretend sheds light on species survival in a warming climate.
29:39
Sprucing Up Your Springtime Soils
Moldy compost? Compacted soil? Here’s some soil science to help your garden spring into shape.
How To Study Muskox Behavior? Become The Master Of Disguise
This researcher disguises himself as the predators of muskoxen to study their reaction.
Bear In Mind The Muskox
Conservation scientist Joel Berger dresses up as a grizzly bear near musk oxen herds, to find out if male oxen make them safer from bears.
A Physicist Explains The Shimmering Science Behind Auroras
Liz MacDonald tells SciFri what causes these beautiful polar “glitter bombs.”
7:58
Are We Ready For A Climate Change Refugee Crisis?
Plus, the lasting impact of the BP oil spill, and how a warming Arctic is making climate change worse.
3:57
The Ups And Downs Of Bird Tracking Devices
Recently published research points to possible ill effects of putting tracking devices on the smallest songbirds.
7:49
Introducing Our New Show: Undiscovered
Science Friday has a new show! It’s called Undiscovered, and it tells the back stories of great scientific discoveries.
15:08
But Really, Can You Stand In Front Of The Microwave?
We’ve been nuking our food for 50 years. Why are some people still worried about their safety?