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.
27:27
They Might Be Giants With A Timely Reminder: “Science Is Real”
A Science Friday archival special with an ode to science from the band They Might Be Giants.
17:09
These Worms Are Superheroes Of The Sea
Tube worms! Zombie worms! Gossamer worms! This week’s Charismatic Creature Corner dives into the weird, beautiful, and amazing world of marine polychaetes.
16:06
How Did Dogs Evolve To Be Domesticated?
Using 11,000-year old dog genomes, scientists have traced the evolution of the domesticated dog.
12:13
Nature’s Own Holiday Light Show
The aurora usually sticks close to the poles. But shifting magnetic field lines allow it to sometimes be seen far south of the Arctic.
33:07
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
12:08
2020: The Year In Science, With Wendy Zukerman
There was more to this year than masks and hand sanitizers. Here’s some of the science stories you might have missed.
11:47
Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine May Soon Be Approved In The U.S.
FDA advisors recommended Moderna’s vaccine for emergency use Thursday, one step shy of full authorization. Plus, scan the skies for Jupiter and Saturn’s coming conjunction.
17:18
Mapping Out The ‘Microbial Skyscrapers’ On Your Tongue
Researchers are trying to understand the relationships between communities of bacteria in the human mouth.
30:10
What Would Happen If You Fell Into A Black Hole?
In her new book, “Black Hole Survival Guide,” astronomer Janna Levin explores different theories, most of them grisly.
11:48
The Case Of The Vanishing Scallops
Scientists are rushing to understand why Long Island’s shellfish are dying at an alarming rate.
5:59
Composing A Sound Map Of An Ever-Changing River
Composer Annea Lockwood has been using stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps” since the 1960s.
17:49
How The Past Hints About Our Climate’s Future
To narrow uncertainties about the future’s climate, researchers want to look to prehistoric fossil and ice records.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2020
2020 has been a remarkable and difficult year. Science Friday staff and listeners reflect on the most inspirational and impactful science stories of the year.
Capture The Scents Of The Season
Create a scent that captures the essence of the winter season—and explore why the smell of evergreens [or ‘sugar cookies’] can remind you of the holidays.
The Cookie Chemistry Challenge
Can you create the most crowd-pleasing cookie? Let kitchen chemistry help you explore how ingredients, timing, and temperature affect your cookie’s crumble.
12:07
COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin In The U.K.
Plus, Canada approves a vaccine, and the FDA may approve a vaccine for the US this week.
17:07
What Has Europe’s Green New Deal Accomplished In Its First Year?
Though the U.S. stalled in its progress toward a green economy, the European Union preserved through the pandemic toward its climate goals.
16:47
Charting A Path To Deliver The COVID-19 Vaccine
Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved in the United States, the hard work of getting it produced and distributed begins.
12:12
Trump Administration Rushes To Sell Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Land For Drilling
Despite lawsuits and outcry, there’s a race to develop an important piece of Arctic habitat.
27:28
The Best Science Books Of 2020
Catch up on our list of books that celebrate some of the best science non-fiction reads you might have missed this year.