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.
6:27
Sifting Soils for New Approaches to Antibiotics
Researchers report that they’ve isolated a new type of antibiotic compound from soil-dwelling bacteria that previously couldn’t be cultured.
10:13
A Broadway Hit, With an Autistic Math Whiz at Its Center
Actor Alex Sharp talks about playing a 15-year-old math whiz on the Autism spectrum in the hit Broadway play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
6:28
The Cold Virus Seeks Safety in the Nose
One out of five people harbors a cold virus in their nose at any one time.
11:44
Diet Pill Mimics the Effects of Eating
The “imaginary meal” pill helps mice lose weight—but can it do the same in humans?
10:58
Mapping White-Nose Syndrome’s Lethal Course In Bats
Bats infected with white-nose syndrome use up twice as much energy during hibernation as uninfected bats.
16:59
Bill Nye on the Origins of Evolution
When it comes to evolution, Bill Nye the Science Guy won’t be denied.
Talking Darwin Over Dinner
An excerpt from the Science Guy’s new book, “Undeniable.”
SciArts: Exoplanet Art
Artist Helena Kauppila imagines and paints her vision of what it would be like stand on the surface of another planet and look up at the stars.
When Egg Meets Sperm, Sparks Fly
The original meet-cute. When sperm and egg meet, sparks fly.
Make Your Own Fall Foliage With This Dad-Tested Experiment
Learn about why leaves change colors in different seasons.
22:17
An App A Day Keeps The Doctor Away?
Eric Topol’s book ‘The Patient Will See You Now’ argues that technology will save patients time and money—and put healthcare back in their hands.
23:41
Birding Into the New Year
We’ll check in on the 115th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count and hear what birds have made an appearance so far this winter.
11:52
Don’t Stress! How To (Probably) Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
A lack of discipline isn’t what might undermine your goals, but rather an abundance of stress.
10:54
Could an ‘Ocean’ of Water Be Trapped Within the Earth?
Rocks deep within the earth’s mantle could sequester water for billions of years and release small amounts to the surface.
23:23
Families Geek Out! Try These DIY Experiments at Home
“Bill Nye the Science Guy” writer Lynn Brunelle and “Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments” author Mike Adamick share fun science experiments parents and kids can do at home.
A New Era of Medicine, Centered on Smartphones
An excerpt from “The Patient Will See You Now.”
This Insect’s Got Gears
The cogs allow the planthopper nymph to synchronize movement of its hind legs.
Science Friday Home Science Highlights of 2014
Our best home experiments and maker projects from 2014.