December 3, 2021
Scientists are rushing to understand the latest Omicron COVID variant. We talk what’s known about it and what isn’t. Plus, a breakdown of quantum computing. And a reflection from Ralph Nader on his auto safety campaign after 55 years.
26:05
SciFri Reflects On Three Decades Of Covering Science News
A lot has changed since the first broadcast in 1991. The show’s commitment to science hasn’t.
What Causes Some Aurora To Appear In Discrete Lines?
Why do some auroras appear in discrete lines, while others fill the sky with diffuse light? Explore how electrons surf on Alfvén waves.
How Do You Search For Life In The Universe? Use Clues From Microbes!
How do scientists figure out where life can exist in the universe (places like Venus)? Use the microbes on Earth to piece together clues about the limits of life.
Jargon: We Love To Hate It
Most people despise it. So why do we use it? And is all jargon bad?
12:16
Younger Kids Next In Line For COVID-19 Vaccines
How will making vaccines available for children as young as 5 change the course of the pandemic in the U.S.?
22:36
Could Ordinary Household Objects Be Used To Spy On You?
Researchers have been able to coax a wide range of ordinary objects into information-gathering devices, known as a side-channel attack.
11:14
A Maggot Revolution In Modern Medicine
Fly larvae have been used to cure wounds for thousands of years. Researchers say they’re still more useful than you might think.
25:03
The Science Behind Cryptid Sightings
The existence of sea serpents and Bigfoot might never be proved. But a cryptozoologist explains why understanding their appeal is still important.
2:28
Listen To The Haunting Howls That Once Permeated Europe
Iberian wolves were once common in Europe. Now they’re in danger of extinction. A field recordist captured a soundscape of their howls.
19:35
Stories From Those On The Frontlines Of Sea Level Rise
As seas rise, what do frontline communities want and need? Trust, agency—and money.
11:58
Biden’s Administration Preps For A Crucial Climate Conference
Can the U.S. make a difference in climate change without passing Biden’s clean energy rules?
17:20
Francis Collins, Longest-Running NIH Director, To Step Down
An acclaimed geneticist who helped map the human genome, Francis Collins reflects on his long tenure at the NIH.
11:58
The Ancient Neanderthal Traces Hidden In Your Genome
Traces of Denisovans and Neanderthals can be found scattered throughout the human genome, suggesting a shared inheritance.
17:21
Beavers Build Ecosystems Of Resilience
In a Colorado burn scar, wetland oases created by beavers are surviving the West’s new megafires.
9:14
DIY Halloween Hacks
We resurrect a 2013 interview with the co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist, who shares tips for a festive fright fest.
7:54
The Burn Of Volcanic Beauty
In both the Atlantic and the Pacific, erupting volcanoes are bringing destruction and disruption.
15:47
Seeing The History Of Filipinos In Nursing
A deep history of healthcare work in the U.S. has put Filipinos at risk during the pandemic.
Algebra: From Broken Bones To Twitter Feuds
When a high school student asked a question about algebra on TikTok, she unknowingly awoke an age-old debate in mathematics history.
12:08
More Boosters, For More People
An FDA advisory panel met this week to debate the role of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and mixing and matching different vaccines.
17:03
Indigenous Activists Helped Save Almost A Billion Tons Of Carbon Per Year
Native American protesters and their allies have helped keep substantial amounts of fossil fuels in the ground.