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.
9:59
Building a Liver From Stem Cells
Researchers say they have created a functional human liver using induced pluripotent stem cells.
7:47
Writing Tunes to Tune In To
A behind-the-notes look at the creation of Science Friday’s new theme music.
7:51
Can White Blood Cells Spread Cancer?
Researchers say they may have found a new way that cancer spreads.
14:16
With Rising Temperatures, Infrastructure Falters
Hot weather means more than just sweaty brows and a yearning for the pool.
23:29
Benjamin Franklin’s Intellectual Revolution
Benjamin Franklin pushed innovations that set the groundwork for the political and intellectual revolution in America.
Lock Luster
The evolution of safe and vault lock technology is on view in midtown Manhattan.
Rube Goldberg Mashup
July 4th isn’t just Independence Day—it’s the anniversary of Rube Goldberg’s birthday.
Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Social Networker?
Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in founding the American Philosophical Society, which drove his goal toward improving collective, “useful knowledge.”
A Most Important Radio Station, Birds and Tornadoes, More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
12:20
Obama: U.S. Should Lead Assault on Climate Change
Without cooperation from Congress, President Obama has proposed his own plan for climate change.
28:50
Aiming For ‘Wild and Crazy’ Energy Ideas
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy backs risky ideas that may offer a huge energy payoff.
5:43
Living Large in 140 Square Feet
Chris Tack made seven unloading trips to Goodwill before moving into the tiny home he and his wife Malissa designed and built.
29:35
‘Brainwashed’ Examines the Value of Brain Scans
What, if anything, can brain scans reveal about the mind at work?
17:17
Not One, but Three ‘Goldilocks Planets’?
In a nearby solar system, astronomers say they found three planets that could support life.
Tiny Living
The nuts and bolts of designing, building and living in a 140-square-foot home.
Is Free Will Just an Illusion?
As neuroscientific research reveals the underlying causes of behavior, will we come to see our lives as predetermined?
How to Be a Better Boss, the Power of Peer Pressure, and More
A roundup science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
The Human Brain, Ready for Its Close-up
Researchers have created the most detailed three-dimensional brain model to date.
This Math Problem Is Just Ducky
Laura Overdeck, the founder of Bedtime Math, shares a brain teaser for your kids.