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.
7:49
A Bee’s Eye View Of Cities’ Microbiomes
Researchers found that samples from beehives could reveal important environmental differences between cities, and even neighborhoods.
9:33
This Is Your Brain On Words
A recent study explores what parts of the brain get activated while reading.
17:22
From Backyards To Barn Yards, The Surprising Science Of Chickens
Author of the new book “Under the Henfluence: Inside the World of Backyard Chickens and the People Who Love Them” ponders America’s favorite fowl.
The History And Science Of America’s Favorite Backyard Bird
Author Tove Danovich explains the wild history of chicken domestication and the surprising science of chicken intelligence.
The Mortgage Realities Of A Dream Home
Purchasing a house is not just about how it looks and feels, but the actual costs. Learn to calculate the mortgage of your dream home.
AI For STEM Education
Enhance STEM education with resources and discussions that investigate the world of artificial intelligence, chatbots, and machine learning.
Investigate Biodiversity As You Design A Frog
Design a frog species of your own as you learn about the many ways frogs and toads adapt to their environment.
9:53
An Explosive End For A Massive Rocket
The uncrewed test flight of SpaceX’s Super Heavy rocket and Starship space vehicle ended suddenly minutes after liftoff.
2:13
Listen To Science Friday’s New Arts Podcast, ‘Universe Of Art’
On ‘Universe of Art,’ meet illustrators who draw invertebrate butts and astrophysicists who 3D-print galaxies they’re studying.
11:09
Dismantling Myths About Menstruation
Half the world menstruates. So why does it still feel taboo to discuss?
6:12
Fighting Climate Change With Genetically Modified Trees
Can trees be genetically engineered to store more carbon? A new strategy to do just that is being put to the test in a Georgia forest.
12:08
How We Arrived At Current Standards Of Care For Trans Medicine
Understanding the origins of trans medical guidelines as states move to ban gender-affirming care.
10:21
How The Cherokee Nation Is Saving Culturally Significant Seeds
The Cherokee Nation seed bank distributed nearly 10,000 heirloom seed packets to its citizens last year.
24:24
The Long Legacy Of The Alpha Wolf Myth
Despite being scientifically debunked almost 25 years ago, the idea of a “top dog” still shows up in our everyday lives.
17:09
All You Need To Know About Anesthesia
Anesthesiologists tell tales from the operating room—from the basic science of anesthesia to the specific drug combinations made for each patient.
This Book Wants You To Think About Periods
Much of what we know about menstruation is wrong is because of societal biases. Kate Clancy hopes that her book will shed light on the truth.
Illustrating The Anal Teeth And Deadly Farts Of Invertebrate Butts
In the latest episode of ‘Universe of Art,’ meet the illustrators and scientists spreading joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
11:26
EPA Proposal To Require 60% Of New Cars To Be EVs By 2030
A new emission standards proposal would ramp up electric vehicle production in the next decade.
33:23
Lactose Intolerance May Have A Lot To Do With Your Gut Microbiome
A third of the U.S. is lactose intolerant, and studying the microbiome might explain why.
8:38
Farm Fertilizers Can Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’ From Sewage
Dangerous chemicals called PFAS, are now ubiquitous, contaminating waste that ends up on farm fields.