September 29, 2023
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. And, researchers are learning that placebos might be more effective when patients are told they’re receiving them.
12:11
Astronomers Find Exoplanet That May Be Covered In Water
Exciting news in the search for extraterrestrial life.
10:35
Waiting for the Bus in Houston is Hot. And Dangerous.
Reporters at Houston Public Media found just how dangerous heat can be for public transit riders.
5:44
The Psychology Behind Wide Receivers’ Jersey Numbers
A new study explains why wide receivers on professional football teams feel slimmer and faster when they wear smaller numbers.
12:19
New COVID Boosters Arrive Amid Rise In Infections
Three new vaccines will be available this fall to address COVID, the flu, and RSV. Here’s how you can stay safer in the coming months.
17:30
The Science Behind Devastating Earthquakes
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco left thousands of people dead, injured, or lost.
16:54
The Buzz On Native Bees In Your Neighborhood
Around 4,000 species of bee are native to the US, playing an unsung role as pollinators.
17:26
What Radioactive Animals Teach Us About Nuclear Fallout
Measuring cesium in wild boar and uranium in turtles sheds light on how radioactive materials travel through the environment.
Matt Covington On Facing Fears
Geoscientist Dr. Matt Covington has created a prolific caving career through facing his fears and following his passion in the field.
11:58
Scientists Develop Human Embryo Model Without Sperm Or Eggs
Their findings may allow scientists to study embryonic development more closely and better understand things like miscarriage and genetic diseases.
24:42
Sweating Is Our Biological Superpower
Sweat gives us so much more than a smell, thanks to the cool chemistry of this vital bodily fluid.
10:15
Vocal Fry Serves Up Treats For Toothed Whales
A new study shows the creaky voice effect some people love to hate is important for echolocation in the deep ocean.
12:09
Where Soil Grows Above The Trees
Canopy soil builds up over decades in the nooks and crannies of old trees. How does it get there?
16:27
‘I Will Not Be Vole Girl’—A Biologist Warms To Rodents
From land-mine sniffing rats to to the mice in your backyard, biologist Danielle Lee is asking big questions about how ecology shapes behavior.
17:14
This Soundscape Artist Has Been Listening To The Planet For Decades
Jim Metzner, a pioneer of science radio, looks back on his lifetime of recordings, now heading for the Library of Congress.
What ‘The Challenger’ Meant For Female Astronauts
In the moments before Sally Ride entered the cockpit of ‘The Challenger,’ the five other women in line for the task reflect on being pioneers.
Science Friday Live In Chicago
On Sunday, October 29, join Ira Flatow and the Science Friday team in Chicago, Illinois to hear local science stories.
Rachel Lupien On Talking It Out
Paleoclimatologist Dr. Rachel Lupien shares why making time for conversation and connection with other scientists helped her find her own path in science.
How Scientifically Accurate Are The Sharks In ‘Meg 2: The Trench’?
The new monster action flick plays fast and loose with ancient shark science, but this megalodon researcher doesn’t mind that much.
11:56
What To Expect From Hurricane Season
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida this week, but this year’s season is a little different from the past.
5:19
Keeping Tabs On Tick Bites
“The Tick App” lets you log information about your bite and helps scientists understand how ticks are spreading.