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.
16:42
Surfing Particles Can Supercharge Northern Lights
How the physics of plasma, particles, and the Earth’s magnetic field combine in dazzling displays of aurora.
29:14
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.
16:40
Decking the Halls, Mathematically
How many calories does Santa consume? From Markov chains to matrices, mathematician Hannah Fry is here to optimize your holiday questions.
17:08
When Can Climate Change Be Comedy?
A disaster-ologist and a movie curator discuss the role that disaster movies play in understanding the biggest challenges facing humanity.
American Chestnut: Resurrecting A Forest Giant
The American Chestnut towered in forests, then disappeared. Now, it’s staging a comeback.
11:48
A Spike In Winter COVID Cases Begins
Plus, scientists discover a new species of millipede that actually lives up to its name.
10:19
Black Protestant Clergy Are Effectively Encouraging Vaccines
In historically Black Protestant churches, regular attendees are much more likely to be vaccinated than those who come infrequently.
6:34
What Is Causing Maine’s Puffins To Physically Shrink?
Centuries of see-sawing growth and decline now has a new factor: climate change.
11:57
Big Trees, Big Benefits
The largest one percent of trees play an outsized role in forest ecosystems.
4:22
How To Create Your Own Holiday Scent Memories
Why our brains connect smells to memories—and how to capture your favorite seasonal scents.
13:08
Caroling With COVID-19
Researchers tested a variety of face masks to find ones that least distorted a singer’s voice.
17:10
Exploring The Body’s Hidden Wonders, From The Inside Out
Dr. Jonathan Reisman considers the human body as an ecosystem in his new book.
17:28
The Webb Telescope Is Counting Down To Liftoff
The next-generation space telescope—over 20 years in the making—could finally launch next week.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2021
These are the science stories that moved and inspired us this year, made and selected by Science Friday’s staff.
Wondrous Beauty Made From Dead Insects
Artist Jennifer Angus creates a celebration of cicadas and insects in her eye-catching collages and dioramas.
11:34
How America Is Preparing For Another Pandemic Winter
Plus, a look at the complicated world of conserving the vaquita, a rare marine mammal.
35:00
Three Plant-Based Chemicals That Can Change Your Brain
Author Michael Pollan examines opium, caffeine, and mescaline in his new book on the mind-altering powers of plants.
12:02
The Why Of Vocal Fry
Vocal fry has been around for ages. Why are people suddenly so bothered by it?
10:09
Tribal Concerns Grow As Water Levels Drop In The Colorado River Basin
Historically excluded from negotiations, Indigenous communities want to make sure they have a seat at the water-distributing table.
24:22
Space Tourists, Asteroids, And Anti-Satellite Tests, Oh My!
A trio of stellar space reporters round up 2021’s out-of-this-world headlines.