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.
Scientist Stories
Get to know the human side of researchers behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Join A Live Recording Of Science Friday’s Radio Show
Join the live conversations with Ira Flatow and guests as they record for our radio program—and get the chance to have your voice on the show!
12:02
FDA Advisory Board Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
If approved, the progestin-only pill would be sold under the brand name Opill.
33:55
US Declares An End To The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Funding and policy changes loom as the federal health emergency that’s covered things like free tests and vaccines comes to an end. Ira and Dr. Anthony Fauci discuss.
29:26
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
17:01
The Sweet Song Of The Largest Tree On Earth
The ancient Pando tree inspired a sound artist to record the leviathan’s many movements.
12:10
A Dying Planet Offers A Peek Into The Future
Astronomers spot a planet being swallowed by its star—a fate that may come to Earth in billions of years.
7:33
Saliva: The Unsung Hero Of Taste
Scientists are beginning to unravel saliva’s role in taste perception. Plus, a few fun experiments at home to put your saliva to the test.
26:21
Who Will Win The Rat Race?
Ridding cities of the rats that love them is an age-old problem.
6:33
SpaceX Explosion Damages Environment Around Launch Site
A debris cloud deposited potentially hazardous material as far as six miles north of the launch pad.
5:17
The Private Space Race Takes A Toll On Planet Earth
Carbon dioxide is the least of our worries when it comes to private spaceflight.
9:13
Are Phages A New Page In Medicine?
Scientists first discovered phages’ ability to treat bacterial infections about a century ago. Can their virus hunting skills be turned into new treatments?
25:00
How To Combat The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis
Antibiotic resistant infections are a growing problem, but researchers are developing a multi-pronged approach to solve it.
Cephalopods Are Coming To A Town Near You!
This June, gather with us in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Thousand Oaks for another sunny Cephalopod Week celebration.
This Astrophysicist Turned Star Data Into 3D-Printed Spheres
Astrophysicist Nia Imara’s career merges art and astronomy to figure out how stars are born.
12:17
Dirty Diapers Reveal How Germy Babies’ Microbiomes Are
A new study found 10,000 virus species in baby poo.
11:14
Why Climate Activists Are Turning To Drastic Measures
To express their urgency, climate activists are increasingly turning to more disruptive acts of civil disobedience.
5:32
Recasting The Climate Movement In ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’
A new environmental thriller raises big questions about the goals and methods of climate activists.
11:54
The Southwest Is Learning to Live With Less
A new podcast is a tale of climate change and bureaucracy due to Colorado River drought.
17:20
Why Do Humans Anthropomorphize AI?
You might intellectually know a chatbot is a computer, but it’s hard not to imagine it has feelings.