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.
7:59
Protecting Sequoias From Wildfire Raises Tricky Questions
Sequoia National Park is largely designated as wilderness. That complicates efforts to protect its iconic trees from worsening wildfires.
17:06
Astronaut Cady Coleman On ‘Sharing Space’
Cady Coleman discusses her reaction to seeing Earth from orbit, the challenges of her path into space, and her new book.
17:32
Errors On Death Certificates May Be Skewing Mortality Data
Misreporting on death certificates could lead to inaccurate mortality data, including for key statistics like maternal mortality rates.
17:07
The History Of Teeth, From Ancient Fish To Humans
In “Bite,” author Bill Schutt takes readers on a dental adventure spanning half a billion years and much of the animal kingdom.
12:12
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.
What Vampire Bat Teeth Tell Us About Their Evolution
Author Bill Schutt writes about vampire bats’ unusual teeth—and how scientists puzzled over their evolutionary history.
When The Spacesuit Didn’t Fit, She Wore It Anyway
Astronaut Cady Coleman had to make do when NASA decided not to use small spacesuits on the International Space Station.
Imagine “What If We Get It Right?” With The SciFri Book Club
On September 24, meet us for our Climate Week NYC event with marine biologist, nonprofit co-founder, and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
Make Ancient Ink With The Help Of Oak Tree Parasites
Bring history to life through biology and chemistry as you make iron oak gall ink like Leonardo da Vinci did.
Atlantans, Come Out For Our Science Trivia Night!
On November 13, nerd out with your brain out at Science Trivia Night with Science Friday and Science ATL at Halfway Crooks!
How Ancient Art Influenced Modern Astronomy
How do we make sense of the vast expanse above our heads, the millions of stars we might be able to see, and the billions more we can’t?
12:02
Scientists Find Strong Evidence For Liquid Water On Mars
Data from the Mars InSight lander points to the presence of liquid water underneath its crust.
8:51
Releasing Campsite Reservations In Waves Makes Booking Fairer
Some national and state parks are changing the way they open up campsite reservations online to make them more accessible to everyone.
12:05
Could Light And Sound Therapy Treat Alzheimer’s?
Exposing mice to a specific frequency of light and sound decreases Alzheimer’s biomarkers and symptoms. Now it’s being tested on humans.
17:23
Don’t Just Walk In The Woods—Touch, Smell, and Taste Them, Too
September’s SciFri Book Club pick, “Forest Walking,” teaches readers how to use all five senses to engage with forests in a deeper way.
17:22
Are Space Elevators Really A Possibility?
The space elevator has long been a part of science fiction, but some experts believe it could soon be a reality.
24:21
Dr. Fauci On A Life Of Medical Research And Public Service
His new book “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service” chronicles his work on health crises from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19.
Así Contemplaban El Cosmos En La América Prehispánica
Por miles de años, grupos indígenas midieron con precisión fenómenos naturales como los eclipses solares, los años bisiestos y El Niño.
11:58
Boeing’s Starliner Leaves Astronauts Stuck On The Space Station
The Boeing capsule is having issues with its thrusters and cannot bring astronauts back to Earth, leaving NASA scrambling for alternatives.
17:04
An Expert Vegetable Breeder On Innovating Crops For The Future
As the climate changes, we need vegetables resilient to drought, pests, and heat. An expert explains how to breed plants for harsh conditions.