864: Earth May Once Have Had A Ring Like Saturn | An AI For Sand
The ring would have gradually fallen to Earth as meteorites, correlating to a spike of impacts seen in the geological record. Also, a new AI tool can judge whether sand came from a beach, a river, a glacial deposit, or a wind-blown dune. Earth May Once Have Had A Ring Like Saturn Hundreds of millions of years ago, Earth may have looked quite different when viewed from space: Scientists propos...
23m Sep 20, 2024
23m
863: Physicists Create Heaviest Antimatter Nucleus | Bird Species May Team Up For Migration
The heaviest antimatter nucleus to date was spotted in a particle accelerator. It could provide new insights into the nature of matter. And, research indicates different songbird species might intentionally travel together during migration, giving each other a possible boost in survival. Physicists Create Heaviest Antimatter Nucleus Yet Antimatter is one of science’s great mysteries. It is pr...
19m Sep 19, 2024
19m
862: Your Questions About The Updated COVID Vaccines, Answered
Immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire answers audience questions about when to get the latest COVID shot, rapid test efficacy, and more.
19m Sep 18, 2024
19m
861: To Confront Climate Change, Imagine Getting It Right
In her new book, climate policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores what ideal climate solutions look like to a lineup of experts.
18m Sep 17, 2024
18m
860: What Research Shows About Smartphone Bans In Schools
Researchers, educators, and parents discuss smartphones in school. Plus, why research on how social media affects teens defies easy answers.
18m Sep 16, 2024
18m
859: First Citizen Spacewalk | First Successful Whole-Eye Transplant, Over A Year Later
Two citizen astronauts on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission left their capsule and returned safely. Also, while Aaron James can’t see out of his new eye, it remains viable after more than a year. His surgeons say it’s a massive success.
25m Sep 13, 2024
25m
858: ‘Time Capsule’ Rocks And Earth’s Mantle | Genetically Engineering Stronger Wood
Samples of 2.5 billion-year-old mantle rocks found at spreading ocean ridges could put bounds on models of how the planet formed. And, researchers decreased the amount of lignin in poplar tree wood, making it stronger and slower to deteriorate. ‘Time Capsule’ Rocks Provide Clues About Earth’s Mantle If you’re looking to really learn about the history of our planet, look to geology. Ancient ro...
18m Sep 12, 2024
18m
857: To This Neuroscientist, Cows Are Like Puppies
In a new book called “Cowpuppy,” neuroscientist and farmer Gregory Berns investigates cow intelligence.
18m Sep 11, 2024
18m
856: Fishing For—And Saving—Sharks | Scientists Identify ‘ManhattAnt’ Spreading Across NYC
Shark fishing is alive and well, but the fishermen who do it are increasingly prioritizing conservation. And, an unknown ant was spotted in Manhattan in 2011, and it quickly spread through New York City. We now know what it is. Fishing For—And Saving—Sharks off the Jersey Shore At an undisclosed beach at 5:30 p.m. in New Jersey, shark fisherman AJ Rotondella and two clients wait for beachgoer...
19m Sep 10, 2024
19m
855: Using DNA To Boost Digital Data Storage And Processing
Researchers are harnessing DNA’s incredible capacity for information storage by turning genetic code into binary code.
18m Sep 09, 2024
18m
854: An Asteroid Impact, Spotted In Advance | Extreme Heat Is Making Learning More Difficult
ESA officials said it was only the ninth time an asteroid was spotted before reaching Earth’s atmosphere. And, as the climate changes and summer temperatures linger, educators are increasingly worried about keeping kids safe from heat exhaustion. An Asteroid Impact, Spotted In Advance On Wednesday, an asteroid named 2024 RW1 burned up in the atmosphere above the Philippines. As asteroids go, ...
25m Sep 06, 2024
25m
853: Dino-Killing Asteroid Was Rich In Carbon | The Dogs Sniffing Out Spotted Lanternflies
A new study suggests that the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs may have originated from the outer parts of the solar system. And, invasive spotted lanternflies often lay eggs on vehicles and shipped goods. Now researchers are training dogs to sniff them out before they hatch. Asteroid That Killed The Dinosaurs Was A Carbon-Rich Rock Around 66 million years ago, an asteroid slammed into the ...
20m Sep 05, 2024
20m
852: Why Eels Are So Mysterious—And In Demand
In her new book, Ellen Ruppel Shell covers the natural history of eels and the crime ring that has sprung up from illegally trafficking them.
18m Sep 04, 2024
18m
851: Webb Telescope Data Point To Six ‘Rogue Worlds’
Rogue worlds float around in the cosmos, untethered to a specific star. They could help scientists understand the formation of the Milky Way.
18m Sep 03, 2024
18m
850: Could ‘Season Creep’ Affect Human Behavior?
The seasons are arriving at different times than they used to. A psychologist weighs in on whether these shifts could impact our behavior.
18m Sep 02, 2024
18m
849: Mosquito-Borne Diseases Are Spreading | ‘Slingshot’ And A Space Mission Gone Wrong
Several states have reported cases of the rare but serious mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis. And, the new sci-fi movie "Slingshot," about an astronaut’s mental breakdown, prompts questions about how to prepare humans for long-term space travel. Mosquito-Borne Diseases Are Spreading As Temperatures Rise This week, a New Hampshire man died of eastern equine encephalitis (https...
24m Aug 30, 2024
24m
848: The History Of Teeth, From Ancient Fish To Humans
In “Bite,” author Bill Schutt takes readers on a dental adventure spanning half a billion years and much of the animal kingdom.
18m Aug 29, 2024
18m
847: Errors On Death Certificates May Be Skewing Mortality Data
Misreporting on death certificates could lead to inaccurate mortality data, including for key statistics like maternal mortality rates.
21m Aug 28, 2024
21m
846: Astronaut Cady Coleman On ‘Sharing Space’
Cady Coleman discusses her reaction to seeing Earth from orbit, the challenges of her path into space, and her new book.
19m Aug 27, 2024
19m
845: Protecting Sequoias From Wildfire Gets Tricky | Ancient Cave Art And Human Creativity
Sequoia National Park is largely designated as wilderness. That complicates efforts to protect its iconic trees from worsening wildfires. Also, archaeologists keep finding older and older cave art. Here’s what it could tell us about how humans evolved over time. Protecting Sequoias From Wildfire Raises Tricky Questions Sequoia National Park in California is known for its towering, iconic sequ...
22m Aug 26, 2024
22m
844: Plastic In Human Brains | Local Anesthetics Recommended For IUD Insertion
A new study measuring microplastics in organs of the recently deceased found that about two dozen brain samples were 0.5% plastic by weight. Also, having an IUD inserted in the uterus is extremely painful for some people. The CDC now recommends that doctors use local anesthetics. Study Finds A Staggering Amount Of Plastic In Human Brains It only takes a quick look at our streets and waterways...
23m Aug 23, 2024
23m
843: Don’t Just Walk In The Woods—Touch, Smell, and Taste Them, Too
September’s SciFri Book Club pick, “Forest Walking,” teaches readers how to use all five senses to engage with forests in a deeper way.
18m Aug 22, 2024
18m
842: Are Space Elevators Really A Possibility?
The space elevator has long been a part of science fiction, but some experts believe it could soon be a reality.
18m Aug 21, 2024
18m
841: Could Light And Sound Therapy Treat Alzheimer’s?
Exposing mice to a specific frequency of light and sound decreases Alzheimer’s biomarkers and symptoms. Now it’s being tested on humans.
13m Aug 20, 2024
13m
840: Dr. Fauci On A Life Of Medical Research And Public Service
His new book “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service” chronicles his work on health crises from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19.
26m Aug 19, 2024
26m
839: Evidence For Liquid Water On Mars | Making Campsite Booking Fairer
Data from the Mars InSight lander points to the presence of liquid water underneath its crust. Also, some national and state parks are changing the way they open up campsite reservations online to make them more accessible to everyone. Scientists Find Strong Evidence For Liquid Water On Mars Scientists discovered that there could be oceans’ worth of liquid water hidden underneath Mars’ surfac...
22m Aug 16, 2024
22m
838: Dinosaurs’ Secrets Might Be In Their Fossilized Poop
Analyzing fossilized feces, called coprolites, is key to better understanding ancient ecosystems and dinosaur diets.
19m Aug 15, 2024
19m
837: The Promise Of Perovskite Solar Panels
This specific type of solar cell is more efficient than what’s currently on the market. But what is it, and can it be scaled up?
18m Aug 14, 2024
18m
836: An Expert Vegetable Breeder On Innovating Crops For The Future
As the climate changes, we need vegetables resilient to drought, pests, and heat. An expert explains how to breed plants for harsh conditions.
18m Aug 13, 2024
18m
835: What The Private Sale Of Fossils Means For Paleontology
After a stegosaurus skeleton sold for $44.6 million, paleontologists are concerned about how selling dinosaur fossils affects research.
18m Aug 12, 2024
18m
834: Starliner Leaves Astronauts Stuck | Could We Get Weather Forecasts Years In Advance?
The Boeing capsule is having issues with its thrusters and cannot bring astronauts back to Earth, leaving NASA scrambling for alternatives. Also, move over, Farmer’s Almanac. A more accurate long-term weather forecast could be on the horizon.
27m Aug 09, 2024
27m
833: Why Does COVID-19 Spike In Summer?
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.
19m Aug 08, 2024
19m
832: Deep-Sea ‘Nodules’ May Produce Oxygen | A Bird’s Physics Trick For High-Altitude Flying
New research suggests that polymetallic nodules found 13,000 feet deep produce “dark oxygen” by electrolyzing water. Also, at higher altitudes, the air is less dense, which makes it harder for birds in flight to generate lift. The turkey vulture has a solution.
24m Aug 07, 2024
24m
831: PLATO’s Mission To Discover Exoplanets Like Earth
The European Space Agency mission aims to discover new exoplanets in habitable zones. It is scheduled for launch in late 2026.
19m Aug 06, 2024
19m
830: Why Cancer Death Rates Have Decreased Over The Last 30 Years
Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges persist.
19m Aug 05, 2024
19m
829: Hawaiʻi Wildfire Survivors Join Health Study | Wind Turbine Blade Sinks Off Massachusetts Coast
The University of Hawaiʻi study will be the largest of its kind to investigate the health and social impacts of the Maui wildfires. Also, fiberglass is washing up on Nantucket’s shores, and residents are concerned about the long-term environmental impact of this debris. Hawaiʻi Wildfire Survivors To Join Long-Term Health Study Nearly a year ago, Maui experienced a series of wildfires (https:/...
21m Aug 02, 2024
21m
828: The Science And History Of Refrigeration
In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.
20m Aug 01, 2024
20m
827: Sodium Replaces Lithium In A New Type Of Battery
Researchers developed the first anode-free solid-state battery that’s based on sodium, which is cheaper and more abundant than lithium.
19m Jul 31, 2024
19m
826: Inside The Race To Save Honeybees From Parasitic Mites
Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.
19m Jul 30, 2024
19m
825: What A Rodent Brain Shows Us About Love | If Colorado Was Flattened, How Big Would It Be?
Monogamous prairie voles may help us understand how our brains respond to love, and how they move on after heartbreak. Also, science suggests Colorado would be very, very, large if it were rolled out flat. And still, somehow, probably larger than you think.
20m Jul 29, 2024
20m
824: Curiosity Rover Discovers Pure Sulfur On Mars | A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In a first, NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered pure sulfur on Mars. And, we revisit a conversation from 2015 about Alexander von Humboldt and Andrea Wulf's “The Invention of Nature,” which is our August book club pick. Curiosity Rover Discovers Pure Sulfur On Mars NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover ran over a rock, which cracked open to reveal pure sulfur crystals (https://www.sciencefriday.com/s...
26m Jul 26, 2024
26m
823: What Are The Risks Of Drinking Raw Milk?
As public figures promote raw milk, and sales increase, experts warn about the risks from pathogens like salmonella and avian flu.
18m Jul 25, 2024
18m
822: A Space Suit To Turn Pee Into Water | A Bitcoin Mine Causing A Health Crisis In Texas
Researchers developed a prototype of a space suit that could replace the high-absorbency diapers that astronauts wear on space walks. And, a bitcoin mine's cooling fans are so loud they rattle windows. Residents of Granbury, Texas, are having migraines, panic attacks, and hearing loss. A ‘Dune’-Inspired Space Suit To Turn Astronaut Pee Into Water On the International Space Station, resources ...
20m Jul 24, 2024
20m
821: How A Shark Scientist Forged Her Own Path
In her book, marine biologist Jasmin Graham writes about uplifting young scientists of color and why she pursues research outside of academia.
19m Jul 23, 2024
19m
820: FDA Panel Rejects MDMA Therapy For PTSD
The panel raised concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.
20m Jul 22, 2024
20m
819: A Small Meteor Blazes Over New York City | Tornado Science From ‘Twisters’
The foot-long meteor passed through the Earth’s atmosphere near the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, it was fine. Also, the follow-up to the 1996 movie “Twister” is a whirlwind of tornado science. A weather expert decodes its lingo—and real-life tornado trends. A Small Meteor Blazes Over New York City Tuesday morning, some New York area residents heard a loud boom and saw a daytime fireball st...
26m Jul 19, 2024
26m
818: Why Are There So Many Drug Shortages In The U.S.?
It’s not just Ozempic. There are 323 ongoing drug shortages in the U.S., leaving patients scrambling for necessary medications.
35m Jul 18, 2024
35m
817: What The Small Intestine Can Tell Us About Gut Health
Most gut microbiome research focuses on the colon. But understanding the small intestine might unlock better treatments for GI disorders.
13m Jul 17, 2024
13m
816: Helping Queen Conchs Mate In The Florida Keys
Rising temperatures shut down some conchs’ impulse to reproduce. So scientists are ferrying them to colonies in deeper, cooler waters.
12m Jul 16, 2024
12m
815: How Congestion Pricing Can Impact Human Health
Congestion pricing increases commuting costs in cities, but it can also mean better air quality and a healthier population.
19m Jul 15, 2024
19m