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.
9:20
Now Presenting, The Nominees For The Next Space Telescope
Four telescope projects have been nominated to be NASA’s next great observatory. But which will take home the coveted award?
7:17
Israel Launches The First Privately-Funded Lunar Mission
The Beresheet lunar lander’s $90 million budget came mostly from private funders.
16:44
Is California Ready For The Next Catastrophic Flood?
The worst flood in California history was once thought to be incredibly rare. But new data—and climate change—are changing the equations.
28:52
When Black Holes Burp, Stars Sense It
As a grad student, Priya Natarajan theorized that winds emanate from black holes, affecting nearby stars. Now, new evidence hints that she was right.
Cocktail Chemistry Quest With Science Friday And OMSI
On Friday April 5, we’re brewing up trouble in Portland, Oregon with a chance to taste and learn about the science behind spirits.
Hungry Hungry Hermetia
Food waste is a real problem in the world today. Can you design an economic and environmental solution—with fly larvae?
The Origin Of ‘The Five-Second Rule’
It has to do with Genghis Khan and Julia Child.
11:19
What Does That Parking Lot Puddle Have To Do With Climate Change?
The amount of water in the streets and other low-level flooding in coastal communities has increased—and it is linked to changes in climate.
The Art And History Shaped By Volcanic Winters
Volcanoes have a long and storied history of altering the course of human culture.
Why You Can’t Bring A Jar Of Peanut Butter On A Plane—And Other Illusive Liquids
Peanut butter’s thick, sticky spread is not a solid, but a liquid. Explore the many curious properties of fluid materials that can be tricky to grasp.
7:39
NASA Loses An Opportunity, And Greenland Takes One
This week, we say goodbye to the rover that turned a 90-day mission into a 14-year journey on the Red Planet.
4:41
How Will Arizona Battle Drought In The Next Decade?
Arizona, and seven other states that use the Colorado River for water, is putting together a plan to address future drought and water needs.
12:16
Disappearing Insects Could Trigger Ecological Calamity
A new review suggests the world’s insects are facing catastrophic declines, which could ricochet through food chains—but entomologists say there are still uncertainties.
23:10
The Fluids That Flow Through Our Lives
Materials scientist Mark Miodownik takes a look at the science behind many of the liquids we encounter every day.
34:51
SciFri Book Club: ‘The Fifth Season’ Draws To A Close
It’s the end of the world as we know it. Plus, how real disasters shape society.
How Should You Prepare For Disaster?
Two disaster preparedness experts share tips on what to put in your “runny-sack.”
Make A Donation On #WorldRadioDay
This #worldradioday, become a Science Friday sustaining donor and receive a special pin so you can wear your commitment to science, quality journalism, and public media!
The Origin Of The Word ‘Chocolate’
Every day, people around the word are speaking a tiny bit of the native language Nahuat.
Put Saturn’s Ring On It With Science Valentines
There’s only one way to say ‘I love you’ in 2019: with science.
7:44
In Trump’s State Of The Union, A Promise To End AIDS—But Silence On Climate Change
President Trump said he wants to end the spread of HIV in the U.S. by 2030. But he stayed silent on climate change.