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.
11:59
Top Technologies To Watch In 2024
Weight-loss drugs, AI, clean-energy tech and more: digging into MIT Technology Review’s annual list with executive editor Amy Nordrum.
13:20
Brain ‘Organoids’: Lab-Grown Cell Clusters Model Brain Functions
Scientists can coax stem cells into clusters that mimic the functions of brain regions, which could help us understand brain disorders.
19:49
3,000 Types Of Brain Cells Categorized In Massive Brain Cell Atlas
The new atlas catalogs cell types by the genes they express, which could help medical researchers tailor treatments.
33:06
How Close Are We To Answers About Aliens?
Dr. Adam Frank discusses the human fascination with extraterrestrial life—and the scientific search for it—in his new book.
Are We Alone? Science Searches For Aliens
From biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres to radio telescope arrays, science is searching for extraterrestrial life.
Why A Scientist Made A Graphic Novel About Understanding Physics
In “The Dialogues,” a graphic novel by theoretical physicist Clifford Johnson, the superheroes are scientists—and they’ll teach you a thing or two about physics.
12:07
Solar Activity Flares Up In 2024
Look out for a total solar eclipse, more solar flares, and the Parker Solar Probe’s closest approach to the sun.
12:03
Could Underground Hydrogen Reserves Put Clean Energy Within Reach?
Underground hydrogen stores have raised renewable energy hopes, but can the industry overcome the logistical hurdles of distributing it?
17:01
Science Journalism Is Shrinking–Along With Public Trust In Science
In 2023, a flood of science journalists lost their jobs. At the same time, public trust in science continues to decline.
8:35
To Get Ready For Mars, NASA Studies How The Body Changes In Space
Spending time in space affects everything from eyesight to bone health. NASA’s CIPHER program will measure these changes and more.
8:15
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Improve Memory, Study Finds
Mice fed with the mushroom had better hippocampal memory—a result that may guide new treatments for dementia.
34:25
Orchids, Snails, And Wolves: The Ongoing Benefit Of The Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act established protections for plant and animal species at risk of extinction. It’s still working 50 years later.
Test Your Taste Receptors With Spicy Treats
Discover the science behind foods that make your tongue tingle. Experiment with spiced beverages that activate your mouth’s TRP receptors.
12:10
Unmasking Owls’ Mysteries
Jennifer Ackerman’s book delves into these fascinating avian predators, including their supersonic hearing, quiet flight, and complex communication.
32:57
A Mathematician Asks ‘Is Math Real?’
When math is based on abstract concepts, how do we know it’s correct? Dr. Eugenia Cheng takes on that question in a new book.
28:45
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
8:08
The Science Behind Your Unraveling Sweaters
A textile professor and knit expert explains why many sweaters today are of poorer quality than sweaters in the past.
7:38
Why It Feels So Good To Eat Chocolate
An artificial tongue helps researchers understand how texture impacts what people like about chocolate.
The Delightfully Silly Science Comics Of Rosemary Mosco
Nature cartoonist Rosemary Mosco shares her process about how she dreams up scenes from the funny side of science.
12:12
The Top Science News Stories of 2023
This year brought us new vaccines, a highly anticipated asteroid sample, and an update to T. rex’s smile.