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.
17:22
Why Does COVID-19 Spike In Summer?
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.
7:23
Damaged Wind Turbine Blade Sinks Off Massachusetts Coast
Fiberglass is washing up on Nantucket’s shores, and residents are concerned about the long-term environmental impact of this debris.
9:50
One Bird’s Physics Trick For Flying At High Altitudes
At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, which makes it harder for birds in flight to generate lift. The turkey vulture has a solution.
17:14
Why Cancer Death Rates Have Decreased Over The Last 30 Years
Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges persist.
Take A Walk On The Lichen Side With SciFri In Portland, OR
On October 30, join Ira Flatow for a day full of the symbiotic fuzzy growths on trees, roofs and gravestones—lichen!
Putting Humboldt Back In The Spotlight With Andrea Wulf
On August 29, we’ll revisit Andrea Wulf’s book about globe-trekking explorer, scientist, and environmentalist Alexander von Humboldt.
What I Learned Setting Up The Science Friday Archive
I had two months to make sense of 33 years of programs–and set Science Friday up to document its future.
12:11
Curiosity Rover Discovers Pure Sulfur On Mars
Previously, the rover uncovered minerals mixed with sulfur. But this is the first time pure sulfur has been discovered on Mars.
11:25
What A Rodent Brain Shows Us About Love–And Loss
Monogamous prairie voles may help us understand how our brains respond to love, and how they move on after heartbreak.
6:04
If You Rolled Colorado Out Into A Brownie, How Big Would It Be?
Science suggests it would be very, very large. And still, somehow, probably larger than you think.
17:13
Inside The Race To Save Honeybees From Parasitic Mites
Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.
12:12
A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In our August book club pick, “The Invention of Nature,” Andrea Wulf restores Alexander von Humboldt to his rightful place in science history.
17:02
Sodium Replaces Lithium In A New Type Of Battery
Researchers developed the first anode-free solid-state battery that’s based on sodium, which is cheaper and more abundant than lithium.
17:25
From Farm To Fridge: The Science And History Of Refrigeration
In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.
Stepping Inside The Global Cold Chain
Author Nicola Twilley ventures into the often-overlooked—but rapidly expanding—global network of food refrigeration.
The Tornado Science Of ‘Twisters’ And A Real Life ‘Dune’ Stillsuit
A meteorologist decodes the tornado science in the new ‘Twisters’ sequel, and researchers made a spacesuit inspired by the one from ‘Dune.’
11:49
A Small Meteor Blazes Over New York City
The foot-long meteor passed through the Earth’s atmosphere near the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, it was fine.
17:20
FDA Panel Rejects MDMA Therapy For PTSD
The panel raised concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.
17:14
How A Shark Scientist Forged Her Own Path
In her book, marine biologist Jasmin Graham writes about uplifting young scientists of color and why she pursues research outside of academia.
11:35
The Tornado Science To Know Before Seeing ‘Twisters’
The follow-up to the 1996 movie “Twister” is a whirlwind of tornado science. A weather expert decodes its lingo—and real-life tornado trends.