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December 6, 2024

You asked for science book recommendations for the kids in your life. Two bookworm experts respond—and share their own favorites. Plus, new research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a medical toxicologist discusses the most common household risks to kids during the holiday season.

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From sneak peeks of the show to educational resources to events, stay up to speed with all things SciFri.

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Ocean Priorities

Ira talks with Peter Seligmann, chairman of Conservation International, and with Philippe Cousteau Jr. about the connections between ocean policy, the environment, and the economy.

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Segment

Chile Peppers

In this segment, live from Tucson, Arizona, we’ll take a scientific look at the chile pepper, from the chemistry and biology of a pepper’s burn, to the psychology of why some people like it hot. Grab some salsa and listen in!

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Segment

Building Social Robots

Sure, robots can weld car parts or stack cartons on an assembly line. But can they develop friendships with people? In this hour, Ira talks with inventors developing robots with personalities. How soon will it be before social, lovable robots enter our homes?

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Segment

Sputnik Anniversary

Fifty years ago, a little beeping ball stunned the world. Join Ira Flatow in this hour of Science Friday for a look back at Sputnik and its effect on the way we look at the world.

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Article

Data Reawakening

As archivists struggle to store the mountain of data on the internet, researchers are trying to use atoms, diamonds, and DNA to let data live on forever.

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Article

Ghosts In The Reels

Even in this era of cloud storage, many data centers still use good, reliable magnetic tape. But as the technology develops at a faster rate, this backup is quickly becoming obsolete. What will become of the forgotten data preserved on the tape of the past?

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Spotlight

Ghosts In The Reels

Even in this era of cloud storage, many data centers still use good, reliable magnetic tape. But as the technology develops at a faster rate, this backup is quickly becoming obsolete. What will become of the forgotten data preserved on the tape of the past?

Read More