633: Diving Into Elon Musk’s Mind
Walter Isaacson’s latest biography peers into the life and mind of entrepreneur Elon Musk.
31m Oct 30, 2023
31m
636: RSV Drug Shortage & Beech Leaf Disease
RSV has reached epidemic levels in the southern US. Also, beech leaf disease is spreading rapidly in Massachusetts. RSV Drug For Infants In Short Supply Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common illness that—for most—looks like a common cold. But for infants, it can be an intense illness, leading to hospitalization. That’s why it was a relief for parents and physicians when an immuniza...
19m Oct 27, 2023
19m
632: When Studying Ecology Means Celebrating Its Gifts
In a conversation from 2019, bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses the role of ceremony in our lives, and how to celebrate reciprocal relationships with the natural world. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/braiding-sweetgrass-land-book/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_...
18m Oct 26, 2023
18m
632: Unlocking The Mysteries Of A Metal-Rich Asteroid
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is on a six-year voyage to an asteroid largely made of metal. It may help us understand how planets form.
21m Oct 25, 2023
21m
631: Rapidly Evolving Trout & Ancient Hyper-Apex Predators
Research shows some stocked trout are evolving rapidly and altering Wyoming's aquatic ecosystems. Plus, paleontologists pieced together a level of apex predators with no modern equivalent.
19m Oct 24, 2023
19m
630: Finding Meaning In The Cosmos
In her new memoir, astrobiologist Dr. Aomawa Shields describes how a quest for life in the cosmos helped her find meaning on Earth. One of the biggest, most intriguing questions in the world is quite simple: Are we alone in this universe? Astronomer and astrobiologist Dr. Aomawa Shields (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/life-on-other-planets-book/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_c...
18m Oct 23, 2023
18m
630: ‘Clean Hydrogen Hub’ Awardees & Formula One Car Paint
Seven “clean energy hubs” will receive a total of $7B to develop forms of hydrogen production with minimal carbon emissions. And, ahead of the US Grand Prix, an aerodynamicist breaks down the recent engineering changes to F1 cars. Department Of Energy Announces ‘Clean Hydrogen Hub’ Awardees The Department of Energy announced seven “clean hydrogen hubs,” which will receive a cumulative $7 bill...
25m Oct 20, 2023
25m
628: What Is Your Cat Doing When You're Not Watching?
In a conversation from 2019, Ira and the researchers behind a “catcam” study discuss the secret lives of your feline friends. If you want the real scoop on what your cat is doing while you’re away, researchers are studying that very question, using cat cameras. (https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/now-playing-the-real-secret-life-of-pets/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scif...
18m Oct 19, 2023
18m
629: The Stories Of The First Six Women Astronauts
You know Sally Ride. But what about the other first women astronauts? A new book from space reporter Loren Grush illuminates their stories.
25m Oct 18, 2023
25m
627: A Mathematician Asks ‘Is Math Real?’
When math is based on abstract concepts, how do we know it’s correct? Dr. Eugenia Cheng takes on that question in a new book. The concept of math has been around for a long time, developing independently in many different cultures. In 1650 BC, the Egyptians were creating math textbooks on papyrus, with multiplication and division tables. Geometry, like the Pythagorean theorem, was used in an...
34m Oct 17, 2023
34m
628: The mRNA Vaccine Revolution
The mRNA innovations used to fight COVID-19 could be harnessed for nasal spray vaccines and even protection against other diseases.
14m Oct 16, 2023
14m
626: Ancient Human Footprints & 'Ring Of Fire' Eclipse
A new analysis of ancient footprints in New Mexico adds to the debate about when humans arrived in North America. Plus, astronomer Dean Regas offers tips for safe viewing of Saturday’s eclipse. New Data Support Human Arrival In North America 22,000 Years Ago In 2021, scientists uncovered ancient human footprints in White Sands, New Mexico. Dating of the footprints suggested that people arri...
19m Oct 13, 2023
19m
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...
49m Jul 07, 2023
49m
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