623: Saltwater Wedge In The Mississippi & Kenya's Geothermal Boom
A saltwater wedge threatens infrastructure and human health along the Mississippi River. Also, the geologically active East African Rift System has already helped Kenya become the world’s seventh largest geothermal producer.
19m Oct 12, 2023
19m
625: How Artists And Scientists Collaborated To Make Art About HIV
At an HIV research conference earlier this year, HIV-positive artists and scientists were paired together to create art for an exhibition.
19m Oct 11, 2023
19m
622: Full-Body MRIs Promise To Detect Disease Early. Do They Work?
Influencers like Kim Kardashian have promoted full-body scans, but experts say the potential harms outweigh any possible benefits.
19m Oct 10, 2023
19m
623: Meet The Doctor Who Solves Medical Mysteries
A news story was circulating a few months ago—a woman in Australia came into the hospital with abdominal pain. She was increasingly forgetful and struggling with depression. Her doctors were stumped for over a year. What was causing her symptoms? Turns out she had a three-inch parasitic worm living in her brain. (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/joe-derisi-medical-mysteries/?utm_source=wn...
18m Oct 09, 2023
18m
624: mRNA Research Wins Nobel Prize & Lightning On Venus
Nobel prizes also went to advances in quantum dots and timing super-fast electron pulses. Also, does Venus have lightning? A study based on data from the Parker Solar Probe gives the 40-year-old debate a jolt.
26m Oct 06, 2023
26m
621: Placebo Effect, Technoableism, Florida Citrus, Neuroscience Music. Sept 29, 2023, Part 2
Researchers are learning that placebos might be more effective when patients are told they’re receiving them. Plus, a new book argues that cutting-edge technology is not always a needed solution. And a food scientist explains how an invasive insect is turning oranges sour.
48m Sep 29, 2023
48m
620: Vision and the Brain, Jellypalooza. Sept 29, 2023, Part 1
A neuroscientist discusses how your brain filters visual inputs. Plus, two stories about jellyfish -- tracking a freshwater jelly that’s spreading across the US, and the surprising finding that one species of jelly may be able to learn.
50m Sep 29, 2023
50m
619: Ocean Climate Solutions, Florida Corals, Climate Video Games. Sept 22, 2023, Part 2
The ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink. We need to take better care of it. Plus, after this summer’s heat, marine biologists are scrambling to help protect the rapidly dying reef in the Florida Keys.
48m Sep 22, 2023
48m
618: Our Fragile Moment, Climate Comedy. Sept 22, 2023, Part 1
Climate scientist Michael Mann talks about how important it is to take action now—before we see climate change’s worst consequences. Plus, research suggests that comedy is a powerful way to mobilize people.
48m Sep 22, 2023
48m
617: New Covid Vaccine, Moroccan Earthquake, Native Bees. Sept 15, 2023, Part 2
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco left thousands of people dead, injured, or lost. Why was it so dangerous? Plus, three new vaccines will be available this fall to address COVID, the flu, and RSV. And the buzz on native bees in your neighborhood.
48m Sep 15, 2023
48m
616: Radioactive Wildlife, Bus Stop Heat, Football Jersey Numbers. Sept 15, 2023, Part 1
Measuring cesium in wild boar and uranium in turtles sheds light on how radioactive materials travel through the environment. Plus, a new study explains why wide receivers on professional football teams feel slimmer and faster when they wear smaller numbers.
48m Sep 15, 2023
48m
615: Tree Soil, Rodent Biologist, Soundscape Artist. Sept 8, 2023, Part 2
Treetops can hold complex ecosystems that include soil and other plants. Plus, a rodent biologist reflects on her career.
48m Sep 08, 2023
48m
614: Embryo Model, Sweat, Whale Vocal Fry. September 8, 2023, Part 1
Scientists successfully created a 14-day old human embryo model without sperm or eggs. And, whale “vocal fry” helps them echolocate.
48m Sep 08, 2023
48m
613: An AI for Smell, Heat and Agricultural Workers, Golden Lion Tamarin, Y Chromosome. Sept 1, 2023, Part 2
Having a complete sequence of the human Y chromosome might help research and medicine. Plus, a new computer model can map the structure of a chemical to predict what it probably smells like.
48m Sep 01, 2023
48m
612: US Surgeon General On Mental Health, Tracking Tick Bites. Sept 1, 2023, Part 1
Dr. Vivek Murthy on the intersection of youth mental health, social media, and loneliness. Plus, how an app is helping scientists learn more about the spread of tick-borne diseases.
48m Sep 01, 2023
48m
611: Old Things Considered: La Brea, Megalodon, Dino Footprints, Surviving History. Aug 25, 2023, Part 2
A new book uses science and hindsight to figure out how to survive history’s greatest disasters. Plus, megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived. How accurate is the science in the movie Meg 2: The Trench?
48m Aug 25, 2023
48m
610: Sea Otters, Alaskan Minerals, Salmon Restoration. Aug 25, 2023, Part 1
As Alaska begins looking beyond fossil fuels, mining companies are quietly preparing to take over its highways. Plus, an expert from the Monterey Bay Aquarium talks all things sea otter.
48m Aug 25, 2023
48m
609: Women Athletes, Stem Cell Cornea Repair, Sand. August 18, 2023, Part 2
A conversation about the gap in womens’ sports science, and why it's so important to better understand female athletic performance. Plus, how researchers looked at taking stem cells from a patient’s healthy eye and using them to help regrow tissue in a damaged eye. And a look at the wonders of sand.
48m Aug 18, 2023
48m
608: Covid Update, Brain Fog Research, Toilet to Tap. Aug 18, 2023, Part 1
As COVID-related hospitalizations once again surge, virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen answers listener queries about the latest variant. Plus, research into the ‘brain fog’ symptom. And a trip to Reno, NV to check in on a wastewater recycling program.
48m Aug 18, 2023
48m
Pod Pregnancy Movie, Increase In Deep-Sea Mining, Upcoming Astronomical Delights. August 11, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Aug 11, 2023
48m
Hawai’i Wildfires, Blue-Fin Tuna Science, Maine’s New Lithium Deposit. August 11, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Aug 11, 2023
48m
Answering Evolution Questions, Planetary Protection. Aug 4, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Aug 04, 2023
48m
Artificial Sweetener Safety, Nuclear Weapons Tech. Aug 4, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Aug 04, 2023
48m
The Cat’s Meow, Chumash Marine Sanctuary, EV Tires. July 28, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 28, 2023
48m
Kākāpō Conservation, NYC Parrots, One Year After the Dobbs Decision. July 28, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 28, 2023
48m
How Does The Brain Control Your Every Move? July 21, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 21, 2023
48m
What To Know Before You Go See ‘Oppenheimer’. July 21, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 21, 2023
48m
Lab-Grown Meat Approval, Underground Climate Change, Utahraptor. July 14, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 14, 2023
48m
Youth Mental Health Crisis, Repairing Sharks’ Bad Reputation. July 14, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_med...
48m Jul 14, 2023
48m
Accessible Birding, Space Sounds, Wasps. July 7, 2023. Part 2
Meet The Blind Birder Reimagining Accessibility In The Outdoors (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/blind-birder-accessible-colombia/) For many blind and low vision people, accessing outdoor spaces like parks can be challenging. Trails are often unsafe or difficult to navigate, signs don’t usually have Braille, guides generally aren’t trained to help disabled visitors, and so on. But natur...
48m Jul 07, 2023
48m
Beavers, Pando Tree, $7 Violin. July 7, 2023. Part 1
How The Humble Beaver Shaped A Continent (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/beaverland-book-club/) The American beaver, Castor canadensis, nearly didn’t survive European colonialism in the United States. Prized for its dense, lustrous fur, and also sought after for the oil from its tail glands, the species was killed by the tens of thousands, year after year, until conservation efforts in ...
48m Jul 07, 2023
48m
Cloning for Conservation, Cubesats, Queer Ecology, Henry Petroski. June 30, 2023, Part 2
How Fungi Are Breaking The Binary: A Queer Approach To Ecology (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/patty-kaishian-fungi-queer-ecology/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) As Pride month comes to a close, many people are reflecting on the past, present, and future of the LGBTQIA+ community. An interdisciplinary group of scientists, researchers, and artists are using quee...
49m Jun 30, 2023
49m
Hum Of The Universe, Cephalopod Event In Miami. June 30, 2023, Part 1
Scientists Can Now Hear The Background Hum Of The Universe (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/gravitational-waves-space-news/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) For the first time ever, scientists have heard the “low pitch hum” of gravitational waves rippling through the cosmos. It’s this ever-present background noise set off by the movement of massive objects—like col...
48m Jun 30, 2023
48m
Social Media Chaos, Remembering Whale Song Scientist Roger Payne. June 23, 2023, Part 2
We have a new podcast! It's called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/) , and it features conversations with artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6CVk9662jkEUYBjGrsqjM...
48m Jun 23, 2023
48m
Cephalopod Week Salutes See-Thru Squid, Hyperbole In Science Publishing, Art and the Brain, Rover Competition. June 23, 2023, Part 1
We have a new podcast! It's called Universe Of Art (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/new-science-friday-podcast-universe-of-art/) , and it features conversations with artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/universe-of-art/id1680530900) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6CVk9662jkEUYBjGrsqjM...
48m Jun 23, 2023
48m
Avian Flu, Curly Hair. June 16, 2023, Part 2
Curly Hair Keeps Your Scalp Cooler (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/curly-hair-scalp-cool/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) According to a fascinating new study (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/curly-hair-scalp-cool/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , curly locks are better than straight hair at keeping your scalp cool. Researchers sho...
49m Jun 16, 2023
49m
Science Books For Summer Reading. June 16, 2023, Part 1
Why Have Ocean Temperatures Spiked? (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ocean-temperature-rise/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) Sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic have risen dramatically (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ocean-temperature-rise/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) in recent weeks, to as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius...
49m Jun 16, 2023
49m
Living Underwater For 100 Days, Refineries’ Excess Emissions, Owl Facts. June 9, 2023, Part 2
Exposing Texas’ Excess Emissions Problems In the early hours of August 22, 2020, Hurricane Laura was still just a tropical storm off the coast of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. But effects from the monstrous storm, which would ultimately take at least 81 lives (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/excess-emissions-rise-texas/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , we...
49m Jun 09, 2023
49m
Wildfire Smoke, Jurassic Park Reflection, Mosquito DNA Editing. June 9, 2023, Part 1
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Drifts Across The United States This week, smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south, enveloping the Northeastern United States, casting an ominous orange glow. The smoke continued spreading outwards to the Southeast and to the Midwest. While climate change is extending and worsening the Canadian wildfire season (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/canadian-wildfir...
48m Jun 09, 2023
48m
Dwarf Tomatoes, Saguaro Cactus, Sonoran Desert. June 2, 2023, Part 2
Tomato Breeding Project Fueled By Over 1,000 Backyard Gardeners In 2005, gardeners Craig LeHouiller and Patrina Nuske-Small created the Dwarf Tomato Project (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/dwarf-tomato-project-volunteer/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) . They wanted to preserve the flavor and beauty of heirloom tomatoes, without taking up too much space. They sta...
49m Jun 02, 2023
49m
Rewilding, Allergy Season, Sharing Science Rejections. June 2, 2023, Part 1
Could Restoring Animal Populations Store More Carbon? Did you know that land and ocean ecosystems absorb about half of the carbon dioxide we emit each year? But what if the earth had the capacity to absorb even more? With the help of some furry, scaly, and leathery critters, maybe it can. A recent study in the journal Nature Climate Change claims that by restoring the populations of just a han...
48m Jun 02, 2023
48m
Zoonomia Genetics Project, Telomeres, Mutter Museum. May 26, 2023, Part 1
Orcas Are Attacking Boats Near Spain. Scientists Don’t Know Why This Thursday, the Supreme Court restricted the scope of the Clean Water Act pertaining to wetlands, in a 5-4 vote. This could affect the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to protect certain kinds of wetlands, which help reduce the impacts of flooding by absorbing water, and also act as natural filters that make drinking wate...
48m May 26, 2023
48m
Experiencing Pain, Grief and the Cosmos, Ivory-Billed Controversy. May 26, 2023, Part 2
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Debate Keeps Pecking Away Every so often, there’s a claim that the ivory-billed woodpecker is back from the dead. Pixelated videos go viral, blurry photos make the front page (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ivory-billed-woodpecker-extinction-debate/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) , and birders flock to the woods to get a glimpse of th...
48m May 26, 2023
48m
Weight and Health Myths, A Corvid Invasion. May 19, 2023, Part 1
Can Science Find An Antidote to Americium? (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/finding-americium-antidote/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) With some poisons, there’s an antidote — something you can take to block the effects of the poison, or to help remove it from your body. But when the harmful chemical is a radioactive element, options are limited. Iodine pills can...
49m May 19, 2023
49m
The B Broadcast: Bees, Beans, Bears, and Butterflies. May 19, 2023, Part 2
Science Says Eat More Beans (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/science-eat-beans-recipe/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) Beans are delicious, high in protein, inexpensive, efficient to grow, and an absolute staple in so many cuisines. So why don’t Americans eat more of them? The average American eats 7.5 pounds of beans annually, which is only a few cans of beans ev...
49m May 19, 2023
49m
Star Trek Science, Listening to Pando. May 12, 2023, Part 2
Star Trek’s Science Advisor Reveals The Real Astrophysics On Screen Few pop culture properties have lasted quite as long as Star Trek. A dozen Star Trek television shows have aired over the last sixty years—not to mention countless movies, novels, and comic books. Science concepts have always been integral to the Star Trek franchise: from warp speed travel to dilithium (https://www.sciencefrid...
48m May 12, 2023
48m
US COVID Health Emergency Ends. May 12, 2023, Part 1
FDA Advisory Board Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/otc-birth-control-pill/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri) This week an FDA advisory board paved the way for the first over the counter birth control pill (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/otc-birth-control-pill/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign...
48m May 12, 2023
48m
Antibiotic Resistance, Space Launches and the Environment, Phage Therapy. May 5, 2023, Part 2
SpaceX Explosion Damages Environment Around Launch Site Last Thursday, SpaceX’s South Texas facility was awash in noise and fire, as crowds gathered in South Padre Island and Port Isabel to watch Starship’s first orbital launch. It was the largest and most powerful rocket ever made, standing at around 400 feet tall. Four minutes into the launch, SpaceX detonated the rocket after the SuperHeavy...
48m May 05, 2023
48m
Why Rats Love Cities, Science Of Saliva And Taste. May 5, 2023, Part 1
A Dying Planet Offers A Peek Into The Future This week, astronomers reported in the journal Nature that they had spotted a planet approximately the size of Jupiter being swallowed by a star over the course of ten days (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/dying-planet-engulfed-star/) . The star, called ZTF SLRN-2020, is about 15,000 light-years away from our solar system, but still in our own...
48m May 05, 2023
48m
Personifying AI, The Reading Brain, Environmental Sampling Via Bees. April 28, 2023, Part 2
Why Do Humans Anthropomorphize AI? Artificial intelligence has become more sophisticated in a short period of time. Even though we may understand that when ChatGPT spits out a response, there’s no human behind the screen, we can’t help but anthropomorphize—imagining that the AI has a personality, thoughts, or feelings. How exactly should we understand the bond between humans and artificial int...
48m Apr 28, 2023
48m