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.
16:58
How Insects Changed The World—And Human Cultures
In “The Insect Epiphany,” an entomologist explores the history of insects in art, food, engineering, and more.
How Aging Water Systems Are Pushing Sewage Into U.S. Homes
Outdated and poorly maintained sewage and stormwater systems have led to chronic sewage backups in communities across the country.
Mission Tech Force: Robots For A Sustainable Future
Tackle a hands-on critical-thinking team challenge, then discover how robots from space can solve Earth’s problems.
Lights On Afterschool With Science Friday
Join Science Friday as we shine a light on the need for high-quality, hands-on afterschool STEM programs for all children.
12:08
Pandas Return To Washington, D.C., Zoo
In a new chapter of “panda diplomacy,” two giant pandas on loan from China have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
17:09
NASA’s Europa Clipper Heads To Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa
Scientists suspect that beneath Europa’s icy crust is a giant ocean of liquid water. They launched a spacecraft to investigate.
16:23
How Do Animals Understand Death?
Philosopher Susana Monsó unpacks the latest research into how animals like possums, chimps, and ants interpret death.
11:56
How Metaphor Has Shaped Science, For Better Or Worse
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside.
4:16
Scientists Push For A Lesser-Known Grain Called Kernza
Originally from Central Asia, Kernza doesn’t need to be replanted every year, unlike crops such as corn and soybeans.
12:53
Intertwining The Lives Of Moths And Humans Through Music
A pair of musicians wrote a concept album inspired by moths—and found that humans have more in common with the insects than they expected.
17:35
MRIs Show How The Brain Changes During Pregnancy
New research sheds light on changes in gray and white matter during this transformational event.
Mission Rehydrate: Water For A Thirsty Planet
Discover how astronauts recycle water on the ISS, then build and test your own filter to address real-world environmental issues.
El Regreso del GEDI: Escaneando el Amazonas con rayos láser
Un instrumento en la Estación Espacial Internacional recopila datos que ofrecen pistas sobre la deforestación en la Amazonia.
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
‘Salem’s Lot’ And The Bloody Fountain Of Youth
In this Stephen King adaptation, a vampire drinks blood to live forever. Can young blood have anti-aging effects for the living?
12:13
The Science Behind Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton caused a major storm surge, but also a reverse one.
17:12
Asheville Was Never A ‘Climate Haven.’ Nowhere Is.
Although the kinds of risks vary by location, there is no place that’s immune to the damaging effects of climate change.
16:41
What Makes ‘SuperAgers’ Stay Healthy For So Long?
Scientists are looking to recruit 10,000 people over age 95 to study how their genes may contribute to longer, healthier lives.
16:58
Searching The Universe For Clues To The Ultra-Small
Several astronomy projects are mapping vast areas of space, searching for traces of tiny quantum fluctuations in the early universe.
6:04
Lake Michigan Swimmers Enjoy ‘Unsettling’ Warm Water
The lake’s surface temperature has been above average nearly every day this year so far. All five Great Lakes are heating up.