Science Friday Archives - browsing recent stories

International Space Station following most recent upgrade. Credit: STS-119 Shuttle Crew, NASA.

Ethanol Power to the People: Ira talks with ethanol biofuel advocate David Blume about common misconceptions about the use of ethanol for fuel, and about Blume's vision for decentralized, community supported ethanol production in the US. (first broadcast Friday, August 15, 2008)

What Put The Heat in Chili Peppers?: New research indicates that chili pepper plants may have developed their signature heat as a way to fight off fungal infections caused by insects. (first broadcast Friday, August 15, 2008)

Mass Extinction Event On the Horizon?: Scientists studying many different parts of the planet's ecosystems are warning that Earth may be on the verge of a 6th major mass extinction event. (first broadcast Friday, August 15, 2008)

Towards a Super Lens -- Or Invisibility?: Ira talks with one of the researchers behind a material that can make light bend in unusual ways -- potentially leading to more powerful optics, or even a cloak of invisibility. (first broadcast Friday, August 15, 2008)

Mars Update: Last week, water in the form of ice was found on Mars. This week, the lander dug up perchlorate, a salt used in fireworks and rocket fuel. What does this mean for possibility of life on the Red Planet? (first broadcast Friday, August 8, 2008)

Solar Systems and a Mysterious Cosmic Ghost: How does a disk of gas and dust turn into a solar system?A new study suggests conditions had to be just right to make our solar system. Plus, a mysterious cosmic object is stumping astronomers. (first broadcast Friday, August 8, 2008)

Drug Testing Examined: With the Olympics approaching, we take a look at the science of drug testing. (first broadcast Friday, August 8, 2008)

Kiss My Math: Ira talks with actress and math advocate Danica McKellar about her new book 'Kiss My Math:Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss.' (first broadcast Friday, August 8, 2008)

Traffic: Are you a late merger? You might be on to something. Ira speaks with Tom Vanderbilt, author of 'Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)' about the psychology and engineering found where the rubber meets the road. (first broadcast Friday, August 8, 2008)

Senators on Energy: What is Congress doing to help address our nation's energy problems? In this segment, Ira talks with senators John Warner and Jeff Bingaman about energy policy topics. (first broadcast Friday, August 1, 2008)

Alzheimer's Research: In this segment, we'll get the latest on research into Alzheimer's and the search for treatments for the disease. (first broadcast Friday, August 1, 2008)

Tracking Accidental Drug Deaths: Deaths due to mixing of prescription medications with alcohol or street drugs have increased by over thirty times in recent years, researchers find. (first broadcast Friday, August 1, 2008)

Exercise in a Pill?: Could popping a pill turn a couch potato into a long-distance runner? (first broadcast Friday, August 1, 2008)

Olympic Air: The summer Olympics are only a week away -- but will Beijing's air be in shape for the games? (first broadcast Friday, August 1, 2008)