November 15, 2024
Medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut. Plus, a “one-of-a-kind” fossil helps fill a giant gap in scientists’ understanding of how bird brains evolved. And, walking pneumonia typically affects school-age kids, but the CDC reports a rise in cases in children aged 2-4.
10:16
Scientists Identify The ‘ManhattAnt’ Spreading Across NYC
An unknown ant was spotted in Manhattan in 2011, and it quickly spread through New York City. We now know what it is.
12:14
Extreme Heat Is Making Learning—And Teaching—More Difficult
As the climate changes and summer temperatures linger, educators are increasingly worried about keeping kids safe from heat exhaustion.
17:33
To This Neuroscientist, Cows Are Like Puppies
In a new book called “Cowpuppy,” neuroscientist and farmer Gregory Berns investigates cow intelligence.
11:15
‘Time Capsule’ Rocks Provide Clues About Earth’s Mantle
Samples of 2.5 billion-year-old mantle rocks found at spreading ocean ridges could put bounds on models of how the planet formed.
5:45
Genetically Engineering Stronger Poplar Tree Wood
Researchers decreased the amount of lignin in poplar tree wood, making it stronger and slower to deteriorate.
An ‘Egghead Neuroscientist’ Tries His Hand At Cattle Farming
In the book “Cowpuppy,” a scientist forges a bond with his new cows as he tries to help a calf nurse for the first time.
Pick Your Fave SciFri Radio Stories!
Help us choose the top Science Friday radio stories from our archive to air as part of our 33rd anniversary celebration.
What Newly Discovered Cave Art Tells Us About Human Creativity
Archaeologists keep finding older and older cave art. Here’s what it could tell us about how humans evolved over time.
‘Slingshot’ And The Mental Battle Of Long Space Missions
The new movie “Slingshot” depicts an astronaut’s mental health meltdown. How is NASA preparing for the challenges of long-term space travel?
12:14
Mosquito-Borne Diseases Are Spreading As Temperatures Rise
Several states have reported cases of the rare but serious mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis.
6:30
Asteroid That Killed The Dinosaurs Was A Carbon-Rich Rock
A new study suggests that the giant dino-killing rock may have originated from the outer parts of the solar system.
10:30
‘Slingshot’ Imagines A Yearslong Space Mission Gone Wrong
The new sci-fi movie about an astronaut’s mental breakdown prompts questions about how to prepare humans for long-term space travel.
12:12
Training Dogs To Stop The Spread Of Spotted Lanternflies
The invasive insects often lay eggs on vehicles and shipped goods. Now researchers are training dogs to sniff them out before they hatch.
17:28
Could ‘Season Creep’ Affect Human Behavior?
The seasons are arriving at different times than they used to. A psychologist weighs in on whether these shifts could impact our behavior.
17:03
Webb Telescope Data Point To Six ‘Rogue Worlds’
Rogue worlds float around in the cosmos, untethered to a specific star. They could help scientists understand the formation of the Milky Way.
17:00
Why Eels Are So Mysterious—And In Demand
In her new book, Ellen Ruppel Shell covers the natural history of eels and the crime ring that has sprung up from illegally trafficking them.
How A Hunger For Eels Sparked A Bustling Black Market
The book “Slippery Beast” traces how the explosion in demand for eel led to overfishing, poaching, and black market activity.
How One Photo Of A Flower Reignited A Species Debate
A new photo of a long-forgotten flower showed up online. Identifying it means getting into the tricky question of how a species is defined.
12:13
Study Finds A Staggering Amount Of Plastic In Human Brains
A new study measuring microplastics in organs of the recently deceased found that about two dozen brain samples were 0.5% plastic by weight.
9:30
CDC Updates Guidelines For Managing Pain From IUD Insertion
Having an IUD inserted in the uterus is extremely painful for some people. The CDC now recommends that doctors use local anesthetics.