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.
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.
5:42
Solar Panels In Historic Cape Cod: Who Decides Where ‘Modern’ Fits?
Local historic committees in Cape Cod are blocking some residents from installing solar panels, citing visual impact on the neighborhood.
11:53
‘Dark Fungi’ Species Don’t Get Names. Should They?
Scientists have recovered the DNA of thousands of new species of fungi from the environment, but they aren’t eligible for scientific names.
16:03
Music’s Emotional Power Can Shape Memories—And Your Perception Of Time
Researchers used music to elicit different emotions, then looked at how shifts in emotion influenced participants’ memory formation.
16:58
The Unseen World Of Seaweeds
A new book celebrates the beautiful and underappreciated seaweeds shaping coastlines around the world.
29:36
How ‘Panda Diplomacy’ Led To Conservation Success
For decades, panda policy has guided conservation advancements. Now, pandas in the US are being returned to China.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2023
This year science reached new frontiers, and our coverage followed suit. Our staff—and audience—share their favorite SciFri creations of 2023.
Crafting Inclusive Narratives: The Role Of Sensitivity Consultation In Media Design
We share what we learned about how to design accessible media when telling stories about the deaf community.
11:57
Climate Conference Ends, With Few Immediate Results
COP28 ended with an agreement calling for a transition away from fossil fuels, but critics say it’s too little, too late.
17:01
The Military’s Carbon Footprint Is A Hidden Cost Of Defense
A recent report estimates that climate reparations of the US and UK militaries would reach $111 billion.
8:58
Why Are Some People Affected By Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people are more prone to develop seasonal depression. A researcher discusses the most effective treatments.
7:00
These Penguins Are Masters Of Microsleeping
While they’re nesting, chinstrap penguins take thousands of seconds-long naps a day. It adds up.
7:49
Flame Retardant Could Be Made From Discarded Cocoa Husks
Scientists are using leftover cocoa husks to extract lignin, an organic polymer that can become flame retardant, foam, or a straw.
9:02
The Oozy Physics Of Oobleck
Non-Newtonian fluids challenge our ideas of what’s liquid and what’s solid. We now have a better understanding of how they work.
7:52
Pennsylvania Drug Laws May Limit Syringe Services
Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.6 billion in opioid settlement funds. But state laws may prevent that money from going to syringe services.
9:28
These Romance Novels Represent Black Women In Science
Dr. Carlotta Berry writes romance novels about Black women in the sciences to encourage more people to go into the field.
12:16
Scientists Report Second Highest-Energy Cosmic Ray Ever Detected
Powerful cosmic rays like the “Amaterasu” particle are typically caused by celestial events. This one’s source is unknown.
Talking Science Over Tiramisu
In ‘Elevated Inferno,’ Monet opens up about balancing her engineering dreams and her parents’ expectations.
Experiment With Fluid Physics In Your Kitchen
Experiment with non-Newtonian fluids, like ketchup and Oobleck, to determine how they react to shear stress.
SciFri Picks: 2023 Science Books
Science Friday featured 35 books on the program this year. Here’s a recap of some of this year’s most exciting science titles.