June 2, 2023
Animals like tiger sharks, sea otters, and wildebeest play outsized roles in sequestering carbon. Plus, over a thousand people have participated in an international project to crossbreed smaller varieties of a backyard tomato plant. And, researchers find the saguaro cactus’ new growth is declining.
Design A Frog
Design a frog species of your own as you learn about the many ways frogs and toads adapt to their environment.
9:53
An Explosive End For A Massive Rocket
The uncrewed test flight of SpaceX’s Super Heavy rocket and Starship space vehicle ended suddenly minutes after liftoff.
2:13
Listen To Science Friday’s New Arts Podcast, ‘Universe Of Art’
On ‘Universe of Art,’ meet illustrators who draw invertebrate butts and astrophysicists who 3D-print galaxies they’re studying.
11:09
Dismantling Myths About Menstruation
Half the world menstruates. So why does it still feel taboo to discuss?
6:12
Fighting Climate Change With Genetically Modified Trees
Can trees be genetically engineered to store more carbon? A new strategy to do just that is being put to the test in a Georgia forest.
12:08
How We Arrived At Current Standards Of Care For Trans Medicine
Understanding the origins of trans medical guidelines as states move to ban gender-affirming care.
10:21
How The Cherokee Nation Is Saving Culturally Significant Seeds
The Cherokee Nation seed bank distributed nearly 10,000 heirloom seed packets to its citizens last year.
24:24
The Long Legacy Of The Alpha Wolf Myth
Despite being scientifically debunked almost 25 years ago, the idea of a “top dog” still shows up in our everyday lives.
17:09
All You Need To Know About Anesthesia
Anesthesiologists tell tales from the operating room—from the basic science of anesthesia to the specific drug combinations made for each patient.
This Book Wants You To Think About Periods
Much of what we know about menstruation is wrong is because of societal biases. Kate Clancy hopes that her book will shed light on the truth.
Illustrating The Anal Teeth And Deadly Farts Of Invertebrate Butts
In the latest episode of ‘Universe of Art,’ meet the illustrators and scientists spreading joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
11:26
EPA Proposal To Require 60% Of New Cars To Be EVs By 2030
A new emission standards proposal would ramp up electric vehicle production in the next decade.
33:23
Lactose Intolerance May Have A Lot To Do With Your Gut Microbiome
A third of the U.S. is lactose intolerant, and studying the microbiome might explain why.
8:38
Farm Fertilizers Can Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’ From Sewage
Dangerous chemicals called PFAS, are now ubiquitous, contaminating waste that ends up on farm fields.
8:19
In ‘Smart,’ AI And Dementia Intersect Onstage
”Smart,” a new play, explores the relationships between a woman, her aging mother, and a smart speaker named Jenny.
27:58
Is Anybody Out There? The Quest For Life In Space
Science journalist Jaime Green takes on the long history and challenges of searching for signs of alien life in her new book.
Imagining Life In The Cosmos: ‘The Possibility Of Life’ Author Q&A
On May 24, join our event with the author of ‘The Possibility of Life’ about how we imagine life on other planets tell us about ourselves.
How Artists Illustrate Exoplanets With Just A Few Data Points
We can’t visit exoplanets to take photos or videos, so artists take a few scant pieces of data to help us imagine new, otherworldly terrains.
These Drag Artists Are Making Science More Accessible
On the latest episode of ‘Universe of Art,’ learn about drag performers who’re using social media to bring science communication to a wider audience.
12:02
Your Plants Are Trying To Tell You They’re Thirsty
Plus, how cockroach sex is evolving with pest control.