December 15, 2023
Powerful cosmic rays like the “Amaterasu” particle are typically caused by celestial events, but this one’s source is unknown. Plus, while they’re nesting, chinstrap penguins take thousands of seconds-long naps a day. And, Dr. Carlotta Berry writes romance novels about Black women in the sciences to encourage more people to go into the field.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2023
This year science reached new frontiers, and our coverage followed suit. Our staff—and audience—share their favorite SciFri creations of 2023.
Crafting Inclusive Narratives: The Role Of Sensitivity Consultation In Media Design
We share what we learned about how to design accessible media when telling stories about the deaf community.
11:57
Climate Conference Ends, With Few Immediate Results
COP28 ended with an agreement calling for a transition away from fossil fuels, but critics say it’s too little, too late.
17:01
The Military’s Carbon Footprint Is A Hidden Cost Of Defense
A recent report estimates that climate reparations of the US and UK militaries would reach $111 billion.
8:58
Why Are Some People Affected By Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people are more prone to develop seasonal depression. A researcher discusses the most effective treatments.
7:00
These Penguins Are Masters Of Microsleeping
While they’re nesting, chinstrap penguins take thousands of seconds-long naps a day. It adds up.
7:49
Flame Retardant Could Be Made From Discarded Cocoa Husks
Scientists are using leftover cocoa husks to extract lignin, an organic polymer that can become flame retardant, foam, or a straw.
9:02
The Oozy Physics Of Oobleck
Non-Newtonian fluids challenge our ideas of what’s liquid and what’s solid. We now have a better understanding of how they work.
7:52
Pennsylvania Drug Laws May Limit Syringe Services
Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.6 billion in opioid settlement funds. But state laws may prevent that money from going to syringe services.
9:28
These Romance Novels Represent Black Women In Science
Dr. Carlotta Berry writes romance novels about Black women in the sciences to encourage more people to go into the field.
12:16
Scientists Report Second Highest-Energy Cosmic Ray Ever Detected
Powerful cosmic rays like the “Amaterasu” particle are typically caused by celestial events. This one’s source is unknown.
Talking Science Over Tiramisu
In ‘Elevated Inferno,’ Monet opens up about balancing her engineering dreams and her parents’ expectations.
Experiment With Fluid Physics In Your Kitchen
Experiment with non-Newtonian fluids, like ketchup and Oobleck, to determine how they react to shear stress.
SciFri Picks: 2023 Science Books
Science Friday featured 35 books on the program this year. Here’s a recap of some of this year’s most exciting science titles.
The Science Of Sweaters: Chemistry In Your Closet
What is your favorite sweater made from? Investigate textiles and discover the different characteristics of common materials.
Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks On Wednesday And Thursday
You could see more than 100 meteors per hour during the moonless night of December 13-14.
Helpful Or Harmful? How AI Shaped Education In 2023
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the classroom. Students and educators weigh in on the way forward.
En Colombia, cientos de árboles endémicos están amenazados
Dos científicas documentaron el estatus de 860 especies de árboles. Ahora comunidades locales ayudan a repoblar las que están en riesgo.
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.
Exploring ‘An Immense World’ With Ed Yong
On January 23, Ed Yong will be in conversation with Arielle Duhaime-Ross on the ways life uniquely perceives their environment.