November 15, 2024
Medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut. Plus, a “one-of-a-kind” fossil helps fill a giant gap in scientists’ understanding of how bird brains evolved. And, walking pneumonia typically affects school-age kids, but the CDC reports a rise in cases in children aged 2-4.
6:01
Why Some Cats Scratch Furniture So Much
New research shows that cats’ tendency to scratch is affected by stress, certain kinds of play, and how active they are at night.
What The Small Intestine Can Tell Us About Gut Health
Most gut microbiome research focuses on the colon. But understanding the small intestine might unlock better treatments for GI disorders.
Why Are There So Many Drug Shortages In The U.S.?
It’s not just Ozempic. There are 323 ongoing drug shortages in the U.S., leaving patients scrambling for necessary medications.
11:33
Helping Queen Conchs Mate In The Florida Keys
Rising temperatures shut down some conchs’ impulse to reproduce. So scientists are ferrying them to colonies in deeper, cooler waters.
A Note From Ira About Science Friday’s New Co-Host Role
SciFri is hiring a co-host to help shape the next chapter of the show.
Journey Down The Colorado River With Melissa L. Sevigny: Author Q&A
On July 18, we’ll discuss Melissa L. Sevigny’s book on Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter’s botany surveying trip down the Colorado in 1938.
Down The Drain: How Water Journeys Through City Sewers
Investigate how water travels through city sewers and impacts the environment. Then, experiment to address urban flooding and pollution.
The Best Summer Science Books Of 2024
Discover new science reads for this summer with two authors familiar with the best books on the shelf.
30:00
How Politics And Diplomacy Shape Panda Conservation
China just sent new pandas to the San Diego Zoo, and another pair will arrive at the National Zoo this year.
17:41
How Do They Actually Store The Declaration Of Independence?
At a live event in Washington, Ira talks to restoration experts about the science of preserving America’s founding documents.
17:05
How Can Iowa’s Agriculture Adapt To Climate Threats?
From drought-resistant crops to making sure farmers of color thrive, here’s how experts in Iowa are looking at the future of agriculture.
29:51
The Best Science Beach Reads For Summer 2024
Discover new science reads for this summer with two authors and science writers familiar with the best books on the shelf.
Two Last Names: Reflections From A Colombian Astronomer
Countries across Latin America have very different struggles, and successes, in producing and retaining astronomy talent.
12:09
A Sample From The Far Side Of The Moon Lands On Earth
China’s Chang’e 6 return capsule landed in Mongolia, carrying samples from the far side of the moon.
15:12
Study Shows Which Kids Are Getting Periods Younger Than Others
The age of first menstruation trended downward from 1950 to 2005, but more so among low-income kids and kids of color.
12:13
Will The Seine Be Clean Enough For Olympic Swimmers?
Paris has invested $1.5B in cleaning up the Seine for open-water swimming events, but recent tests indicate it’s not yet safe.
26:52
From Microbes To Mammoths: How Life Transformed The Planet
In “Becoming Earth,” author Ferris Jabr reexamines our relationship to Earth, and makes the case that Earth itself is alive.
7:23
Avoiding Grilling and Barbecue Pitfalls
Marinade myths, charcoal chemistry, and the elusive “smoke ring”—the science behind barbecue and grilling.
17:08
What To Do When Your Hypothesis Is Wrong? Publish!
In an effort to learn from scientific failure, The Journal of Trial Error only publishes “negative” results.
Climbing High To See A Rainforest’s Connection To Rain
Through his visit to the Amazon tall tower observatory in Brazil, author Ferris Jabr explains how microbes change the weather.