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.
Science Friday Live In The Sunshine State
On Saturday November 17, we’re heading to Tampa, Florida to soak up the local science.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Alcohol’
“The cause of (and solution to) all life’s problems” is derived from Arabic. But the word ‘alcohol’ originally referred to a method of manufacturing makeup, among other things.
Shell Shocked
Study gastropod shells to understand the evolutionary trade-off between the costs and benefits of building a shell for protection in this resource from Shape of Life
A New Beak Evolution Lab!
This evolution simulation goes further by modeling reproductive success while giving young engineers an opportunity to flex their skills.
Pakistan Faces A Water War On The Horizon
In his new book, Jeff Nesbit unpacks the rising political tensions between India and Pakistan as a critical water source begins to shrivel up. Will it trigger a nuclear war?
7:31
Is This The Dawning Of The Age Of Meghalayan?
Geologists and archeologists debate a new potential geologic age, starting around 4,200 years ago.
4:23
After Florence, A Coal Ash Controversy In A North Carolina River
Environmentalists and industry representatives disagree about the amount of coal ash in a North Carolina river following recent flooding.
23:29
What’s Next For Utah’s Bony Treasures?
Months after the national monuments at Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante were slashed, paleontologists are among those still in limbo.
10:10
A Trip To An Asteroid…And Back
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency landed two rovers on the asteroid Ryugu with a plan to return samples to Earth in two years.
11:27
From Mother’s Lungs To Baby’s Body
Why does air pollution exposure in the womb adversely affect infants? Researchers find a possible clue in the thyroid.
10:59
Capturing A Rare Kind Of Cloud
Noctilucent clouds weren’t spotted until 1885. Now, NASA’s PMC Turbo mission has captured their image.
22:56
Will World War Three Be Fought Over Water?
Yemen is gripped by civil war—and some experts say it could be the first of many ‘water wars’ to come.
The Joy Of Cooking Asteroids
How making simulated asteroid dirt paves the way for a future of space mining.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Meme’
What does LOLcats have to do with evolutionary biology?
Deep Dive: An Expedition With Skype A Scientist And Professor Pete
On October 20th in NYC, join Skype a Scientist and Science Friday on an expedition into Earth’s deepest oceans.
Science Friday Live In Thousand Oaks
On Saturday, October 13, Science Friday heads to Thousand Oaks, California to learn about local science.
Dark Skies
Darkness can be scary for humans. But illuminating our cities comes with a cost.
A Day With Fossil Hunters
Science Friday treks with paleontologists on the fossil hunt in Utah’s dusty canyons.
12:28
The Great Salt Lake Is An ‘Oasis’ For Migratory Birds
Ten million birds stop at Utah’s Great Salt Lake every year to feed, fatten up, and relax.
17:44
The Exotic Life Above The Forest Floor
For years, tree canopies were the last frontiers of the forest—until ecologist Nalini Nadkarni pioneered innovative ways to explore them, with hot air balloons and cranes.