February 3, 2023
The U.S. just approved its first small modular nuclear power plant design. What does it mean for the future of nuclear power? Plus, the science of fungi in the new ‘The Last Of Us’ TV show. And how a musician used the sounds of climate change on his new album.
12:15
Scientists Reach Breakthrough In Nuclear Fusion
After decades of research, scientists announced they created a reaction that made more energy than they put in.
13:12
A Promising New Treatment Emerges For Multiple Myeloma
The experimental new therapy, which showed more than 70% success in trials, could change lives for patients with the incurable blood cancer.
4:00
Growing Christmas Trees In A Warming World
Oregon is responsible for a quarter of the country’s Christmas trees. It’s also dealing with increased heat waves that are threatening its tree industry.
33:27
Ready, Set, Play: 2022’s Best Science Fiction Games
Nerd out with the newest science fiction and science-inspired video and board games of the year (and the slightly recent past).
12:17
To Stop Whale Strikes, Ships Were Asked To Slow Down. It Worked
NOAA found that when ships decreased their speed during migration times, whale fatalities were cut in half.
16:32
How The Transistor Transformed The World
The invention of the transistor 75 years ago made the modern age possible, thanks to its ability to amplify or switch electrical signals.
17:31
Medicine Is Failing Disabled Patients. Meet The Doctors Pushing For Change
A series of studies reveals a majority of doctors don’t feel confident they can give disabled patients the same level of care as their non-disabled patients. Our guests aim to change that.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2022
In a year of unpredictable news, science or otherwise, these are the stories that moved, inspired & fascinated Science Friday’s staff.
11:40
Wish A Happy 190th Birthday To Jonathan The Tortoise
Plus, scientists have found the oldest known fragments of DNA.
33:15
The Joy And Sadness Of Bird Counting
From grasslands to beaches, bird species are losing numbers in droves. Plus, celebrating the birds that are with us here and now.
16:32
How Will AI Image Generators Affect Artists?
AI text-to-image generators, like DALL-E 2 and Midjourney, produce impressive and trippy images. But how will they change art and our society?
28:31
The Science Behind The Psychedelics Boom
As therapeutic psychedelics become more readily available, scientists are continuing to answer fundamental questions about the drugs’ medicinal benefits.
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12:05
Hawai’i’s Mauna Loa Volcanic Eruption Sparing Homes For Now
So far no one is at imminent risk from the flow of lava from the famed volcano. But an important climate research station is without power.
10:33
Scientists Discover What Makes Jazz Music Swing
Research mixing math and music finds what gives jazz that funky feeling.
11:48
Consider Empathy For The Yeti Crab (And Other Sea Creatures, Too)
Science writer Sabrina Imbler’s wide-ranging essays mix memoir and marine biology in “How Far The Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures.”
17:23
Advances In Pig-To-Human Organ Transplantation Hold Promise
Scientists hope that pig-to-human organ transplantation could someday save the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people waiting for organ donations.
11:13
Teaching Your Smart Devices To Get Along
A new standard for Internet of Things devices may smooth some of the headaches of a device-heavy smart home.
6:12
Putting Tap Water To The Test
Reporter Alex Hager reports on what happens when sommelier standards are applied to Colorado’s tap water.
23:55
A Nobel Prize For Chemistry Work ‘Totally Separate From Biology’
Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi talks about her groundbreaking research and how it might be applied to advanced drug delivery.