783: Your ‘Biological Age’ Could Be Different Than How Old You Are
Metabolic markers could eventually result in a test for “biological age,” which considers how things other than time age the body.
18m May 30, 2024
18m
782: High-Speed Rail Gets A Boost In The U.S.
After decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor.
17m May 29, 2024
17m
781: Using A Lab On Wheels To Study Weed From Dispensaries
A van outfitted as a mobile laboratory helps scientists study how legal cannabis products affect users—without breaking the law.
19m May 28, 2024
19m
780: Jelly Creatures That Swim In Corkscrews | Keeping Wind Turbines Safe For Birds
For the first time, scientists have recorded how salps form chains and swim in corkscrews to reach the ocean’s surface each night. Also, a wind utility company in Wyoming is trying to make wind turbines more visible to birds by painting just one blade black. The Small Jelly Creatures That Link Up And Swim in Corkscrews Salps are small, transparent barrel-shaped jelly creatures (https://www.sc...
22m May 27, 2024
22m
779: Zapping Nerves Into Regrowth | Celebrating the Maya Calendar In Guatemala’s Highlands
An early study found that electrical stimulation could improve hand and arm function in people with spinal cord injuries. Also, for thousands of years, Indigenous communities in Guatemala have used observations and mathematics to track astronomical events. Zapping Nerves Into Regrowth Results of an early trial published this week in the journal Nature Medicine found that people with cervical ...
23m May 24, 2024
23m
778: Fine-Tuning Grapes For Iowa’s Wine Industry
Scientists are breeding wine grapes that will grow in Iowa’s climate in hopes of expanding the state’s wine industry.
18m May 23, 2024
18m
777: How To Recycle Rare Earth Elements
Scientists have developed a way to recycle rare earth elements found in discarded electronics without using acid or harsh chemicals.
19m May 22, 2024
19m
776: New Evidence Questions Dark Energy’s ‘Constant’ Nature
Early data from the DESI collaboration suggests that dark energy, which powers the universe’s accelerating expansion, may evolve over time.
20m May 21, 2024
20m
775: New Guidelines Recommend Earlier Breast Cancer Screening
The latest update moves the recommended age to start mammograms from 50 down to 40. How are these decisions made?
18m May 20, 2024
18m
773: New Rule Sets Stage For Electric Grid Update | Harnessing Nanoparticles For Vaccines
Upgrades to the power grid under a new rule could help accommodate an increasing renewable energy supply and meet data center demands. Also, extremely small particles might help scientists develop vaccines that are stable at room temperature and easier to administer. New Rule Sets Stage For Electric Grid Update The US electric grid is straining (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/us-elect...
28m May 17, 2024
28m
772: How Climate Change Is Changing Sports
Sports ecologist and author Dr. Madeline Orr discusses how climate change is affecting sports, from ski conditions to athletes’ health.
19m May 16, 2024
19m
771: Why Is Tinnitus So Hard To Understand And Treat?
Medical researchers are working to better understand—and hopefully mute—tinnitus, a persistent “ringing in the ears.”
19m May 15, 2024
19m
770: Finding Purpose In A ‘Wild Life’
In her new book, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant shares how her lifelong love for the natural world led her to become a nature TV show host.
19m May 14, 2024
19m
769: Archeopteryx Specimen Unveiled | Trees And Shrubs Burying Great Plains' Prairies
The Field Museum has unveiled a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, a species that may hold the key to how ancient dinosaurs became modern birds. Also, a “green glacier” of trees and shrubs is sliding across the Great Plains, burying some of the most threatened habitat on the planet. Remarkably Well-Preserved Archeopteryx Specimen Unveiled The Field Museum in Chicago just unveiled a new specimen o...
26m May 13, 2024
26m
768: JWST Detects An Atmosphere Around A Rocky Exoplanet | Boeing Plans To Fly Humans To The ISS Next Week
Astronomers have confirmed they found an atmosphere around an Earth-like rocky exoplanet for the first time. Also, Boeing’s Starliner craft was scheduled to carry humans to the International Space Station in 2017. Its launch is now set for no earlier than May 17, 2024.
19m May 10, 2024
19m
767: Challenging The Gender Gap In Sports Science
In a conversation from 2023, SciFri producer Kathleen Davis talks to journalist Christine Yu about how most participants in sports research are still men, even as girls, women, and those outside the gender binary take to the field.
17m May 09, 2024
17m
766: What Martian Geology Can Teach Us About Earth
The geology of Mars could provide a snapshot of what our planet was like as the crust was forming and plate tectonics began.
19m May 08, 2024
19m
765: How Louisiana Is Coping With Flooding In Cemeteries
As climate change intensifies storms, Louisiana is dealing with catastrophic flooding of cemeteries. Now other states face similar problems.
12m May 07, 2024
12m
764: Inside Iowa State’s Herbarium | Science-Inspired Art From ‘Universe of Art’ Listeners
The Ada Hayden Herbarium preserves hundreds of thousands of specimens, including some collected by George Washington Carver. And, as the “Universe of Art” podcast turns one, listeners discuss solar music boxes and what it’s like making art with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Inside Iowa State’s Herbarium With 700,000 Plant Specimens Herbariums are plant libraries (https://www.sciencefriday.com/seg...
24m May 06, 2024
24m
763: Science From Iowa’s Prairies | Planning To Go See Cicadas? Here’s What To Know
Science Friday is in Ames, Iowa, home to prairies, greater prairie chickens, and an array of wildlife. Also, the co-emergence of two periodical cicada broods is underway. Scientists have tips for how to experience the event. Science From Iowa’s Prairies This week, SciFri is coming to you from Ames, Iowa. We’re kicking off the sciencey Iowa celebrations by spotlighting some of the plants, anim...
26m May 03, 2024
26m
762: Maybe Bonobos Aren't Gentler Than Chimps | Art Meets Ecology In A Mile-Long Poem
A study found aggression between male bonobos to be more frequent than aggression between male chimpanzees. Also, visual artist Todd Gilens created a walkable poem along Reno’s Truckee River that draws parallels between urbanism and stream ecology. Bonobos Are Gentler Than Chimps? Maybe Not. Bonobos are a species of great ape, along with gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees. Over the years, ...
19m May 02, 2024
19m
761: When Products Collect Data From Your Brain, Where Does It Go?
An array of new products monitors users’ brain waves using caps or headbands. That neural data has few privacy protections.
19m May 01, 2024
19m
760: Visualizing A Black Hole’s Flares In 3D
Researchers are trying to develop a better picture of what’s happening in the regions closest to a black hole’s event horizon.
19m Apr 30, 2024
19m
759: The 4,000-Year History of Humans and Silk
For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms.
18m Apr 29, 2024
18m
758: Flint’s Water Crisis, 10 Years Later | Underwater Cables Could Help Detect Tsunamis
While progress has been made in replacing water pipes in Flint, Michigan, many residents say they still don’t know if their tap water is clean or not. Also, scientists are adding sensors to an underwater cable network to monitor changes in the ocean and quickly detect earthquakes and tsunamis.
27m Apr 26, 2024
27m
757: Fighting Banana Blight | Do Birds Sing In Their Dreams?
America’s most-consumed fruit is at risk from a fungal disease. Researchers in North Carolina are on a mission to save Cavendish bananas. Also, birds move their vocal organs while they sleep, mimicking how they sing. Scientists have translated those movements into synthetic birdsong. Fighting Banana Blight In A North Carolina Greenhouse Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit. Americans ea...
20m Apr 25, 2024
20m
756: Why Is Solving The Plastic Problem So Hard?
Plastics are everywhere, in packaging, clothing, and even our bodies. Could they be made less integral to manufacturing and more recyclable?
19m Apr 24, 2024
19m
755: What Worsening Floods Mean For Superfund Sites
Superfund sites contain extreme pollution. Flooding—made worse by climate change—could carry their toxic contaminants into surrounding areas.
19m Apr 23, 2024
19m
754: The Global Mental Health Toll Of Climate Change | Capturing DNA From 800 Lakes In One Day
An explosion of research is painting a clearer picture of how climate change is affecting mental health across the globe. Also, a citizen science project aims to find species that have gone unnoticed by sampling the waters of hundreds of lakes worldwide for environmental DNA. Assessing The Global Mental Health Toll Of Climate Change As the effects of climate change become more visible and wid...
19m Apr 22, 2024
19m
753: Clean Energy Transition Progress | Avian Flu In Cattle And Humans Has Scientists Concerned
Global temperature increases are slowing, electric vehicle sales are growing, and renewable energy is now cheaper than some fossil fuels. Also, in a recent outbreak of avian flu, the virus has jumped from birds to cows, and to one dairy worker. A disease ecologist provides context. Progress Toward A Clean Energy Transition In honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting a few positive trends and so...
26m Apr 19, 2024
26m
752: A Cheer For The Physics Of Baseball
When you watch a baseball game, you’re also enjoying a spectacular display of science—from physics to biomechanics.
19m Apr 18, 2024
19m
752: Carbon Cost Of Urban Gardens And Commercial Farms | Why There's No Superbloom This Year
Some food has a larger carbon footprint when grown in urban settings than on commercial farms, while for other foods the reverse is true. Also, what’s the difference between wildflowers blooming in the desert each spring, and the rare phenomenon of a “superbloom”? The Carbon Cost Of Urban Gardens And Commercial Farms If you have a home garden, you may be expecting that the food you grow has l...
20m Apr 17, 2024
20m
751: Inside The Race To Save Honeybees From Parasitic Mites
Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.
19m Apr 16, 2024
19m
750: The Brain’s Glial Cells Might Be As Important As Neurons
These lesser-known nervous system cells were long thought to be the “glue” holding neurons together. They’re much more.
17m Apr 15, 2024
17m
749: Limits On ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Drinking Water | An Important Winter Home For Bugs | Eclipse Drumroll
A long-awaited rule from the EPA limits the amounts of six PFAS chemicals allowed in public drinking water supplies. Also, some spiders, beetles, and centipedes spend winter under snow in a layer called the subnivium. Plus, a drumroll for the total solar eclipse. EPA Sets Limits On ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Drinking Water This week, the EPA finalized the first-ever national limits for the level ...
27m Apr 12, 2024
27m
748: Investigating Animal Deaths At The National Zoo
When an animal dies at Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo, a pathologist gathers clues about its health and death from a necropsy.
19m Apr 11, 2024
19m
745: Eating More Oysters Helps Us—And The Chesapeake Bay
In the ever-changing and biodiverse Chesapeake Bay, conservation and food production go hand in hand.
20m Apr 10, 2024
20m
747: How Trees Keep D.C. And Baltimore Cool
Satellite technology—and community outreach—can help harness trees’ cooling power for city residents.
13m Apr 09, 2024
13m
744: Predicting Heart Disease From Chest X-Rays With AI | Storing New Memories During Sleep
Dr. Eric Topol discusses the promise of “opportunistic” AI, using medical scans for unintended diagnostic purposes. Also, a study in mice found that the brain tags new memories through a “sharp wave ripple” mechanism that then repeats during sleep. How AI Could Predict Heart Disease From Chest X-Rays Research on medical uses for artificial intelligence in medicine is exploding, with scientist...
19m Apr 08, 2024
19m
746: Recipient Of Pig Kidney Transplant Recovering | Answering Your Questions About April 8 Eclipse
A Massachusetts man who received a kidney from a genetically modified pig is recovering well. Also, on April 8, a total solar eclipse will plunge parts of North America into darkness. Scientists answer the questions you asked. Recipient Of Pig Kidney Transplant Leaves The Hospital Last month, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston announced that a team of doctors had transplanted a kidney f...
32m Apr 05, 2024
32m
743: Our Inevitable Cosmic Apocalypse
We revisit a 2020 interview with cosmologist Katie Mack about how the universe could end. Plus, remembering psychologist Daniel Kahneman.
19m Apr 04, 2024
19m
742: The Complicated Truths About Offshore Wind And Right Whales
Officials say offshore wind turbines aren’t killing North Atlantic right whales. So why do so many people think otherwise?
19m Apr 03, 2024
19m
741: The Bumpy Road To Approving New Alzheimer’s Drugs
After a controversial Alzheimer’s medication was discontinued, a new anti-amyloid drug receives extra scrutiny from the FDA.
19m Apr 02, 2024
19m
740: ‘3 Body Problem’ And The Laws Of Physics | In Defense Of ‘Out Of Place’ Plants
Particle accelerators, nanofibers, and solar physics: The science advisor for the Netflix adaptation breaks down the physics in the show. Also, in her new book, Jessica J. Lee looks at how humans have moved plants around the globe–and how our migrations are intertwined with theirs. How ‘3 Body Problem’ Explores The Laws Of Physics Last week, Netflix released its adaptation of the Hugo Award-w...
24m Apr 01, 2024
24m
739: Baltimore Bridge Collapse | Mapping How Viruses Jump Between Species
We look into the engineering reasons why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it. Also, a new analysis finds that more viruses spread from humans to animals than from animals to humans. The Engineering Behind Why The Bridge In Baltimore Collapsed On Tuesday, a large section of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ba...
21m Mar 29, 2024
21m
738: The Legacy Of Primatologist Frans de Waal
In a conversation from 2019, Dr. Frans de Waal tells the story of a female chimp who didn’t produce enough milk to feed her young. The prominent primatologist, who died this month, helped humans understand the emotional lives of our closest living animal relatives.
19m Mar 28, 2024
19m
737: The ‘Asteroid Hunter’ Leading The OSIRIS-REx Mission
In a new memoir, planetary scientist Dr. Dante Lauretta takes readers behind the scenes of a mission to secure a sample from the asteroid Bennu.
20m Mar 27, 2024
20m
736: Swimming Sea Lions Teach Engineers About Fluid Dynamics
Understanding how sea lions move through water could help engineers design better underwater vehicles.
19m Mar 26, 2024
19m
735: Botanical Rescue Centers Take In Illegally Trafficked Plants
The U.S. Botanic Garden is one of 62 locations across the United States that rescue endangered species poached in the wild.
18m Mar 25, 2024
18m
734: 2023 Was Hottest Year On Record | The NASA Satellite Studying Plankton
The World Meteorological Organization’s report confirms last year had the highest temperatures on record and predicts an even hotter 2024. Also, NASA’s new PACE satellite will study how these tiny creatures could affect Earth’s climate, and how aerosols influence air quality. UN Report Confirms 2023 Was Hottest Year On Record A new report from the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organiza...
26m Mar 22, 2024
26m