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.
3:29
In An Uncanny Valley, Art Evolves
The website ArtBreeder lets you blend, tweak, and evolve existing artworks using biological principles.
12:01
When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?
Choosing when to end a conversation is a perplexing psychological problem.
17:19
Talking Through The History Of Our Teeth
Ever wonder why we lose our teeth? Biological anthropologist Shara Bailey has the answers.
17:09
A Look Back At The Time Of The Tasmanian Tiger
Wildlife enthusiasts’ hopes were recently raised by a video of what looked like two adult thylacines, better known as the extinct Tasmanian tiger.
13:37
Oregon Just Decriminalized Small Amounts of All Drugs. Now What?
Small amounts of all drugs are now legal in Oregon—but the state’s addiction and recovery community are still debating if it’s a good idea.
How You Can Become A Better Bystander
Researchers say that understanding the psychology behind the bystander effect can help increase the odds of stepping in during an emergency.
Alcohol: History’s Favorite Mind-Bending Substance
And the time the U.S. government went to unthinkable lengths to pry it away.
How The Age Of Mars Rovers Began
Perseverance is the fifth rover to land on the Red Planet. NASA scientists remember Mars Pathfinder’s Sojourner—the 90s experimental endeavor that started it all.
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11:47
Does A Vaccine Help You If You’ve Already Had COVID-19?
Recent studies showing that a single dose of vaccine could boost immunity for former COVID-19 patients.
15:01
Keeping An Eye On The Climate, From Space
As the government focuses more attention on climate issues, NASA has appointed a ‘senior climate advisor.’
1:50
A SciFri Soundscape Of The Red Planet
The Perseverance rover recently sent back audio of Martian wind. We investigated what Earth sounds would sound like on the Red Planet.
11:49
Memory And The Dreaming Mind
What role does sleep play in memory? Researchers look to lucid dreams for clues.
9:07
Progress In Considering Sex As A Biological Variable
Five years ago, NIH asked researchers to include how the sex of mice affects the outcome of pre-clinical research. One team member discusses what’s changed—and what lies ahead.
7:41
The Problem With ‘Parachute Science’
In Indonesia, close to half of published studies on coral reefs included no local scientists, causing researchers to reexamine practices.
16:16
The Global COVID-19 Supply Problem
An unfair vaccine rollout is threatening global health—and could prolong the pandemic for everyone.
16:34
The Aftermath Of Texas’ Winter Storm
While power has been mostly restored, journalists report Texans are now facing water shortages, housing damage, and crop losses.
Options Texas Lawmakers Are Considering To Prevent Future Blackouts
The recent winter storm and blackouts in Texas brought the state’s aging infrastructure into painful focus. Here’s what may change.
Robot: Making A Mechanical Mind
A mind we create isn’t necessarily a mind we can control.
These Stunning Images Were Created Using The Forces Behind Evolution
A computer programmer and artist discovers inspiration in biological growth processes.