June 9, 2023
Paleontologists explain how their work was inspired by the classic film, ‘Jurassic Park.’ Plus, a collaborative investigation finds companies are issuing over a billion pounds of pollution more than their permits allow. And, scientists use CRISPR to engineer a reduction in disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
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.
17:07
Make It Easier To Be Green. Show Frogs Some Love
Make your spaces safer for frogs or contribute to citizen science projects to help study them.
12:11
An Open Letter Asks AI Researchers To Reconsider Responsibilities
Some big names in tech are calling for a pause to developments on a powerful large language model until safety protocols can be implemented.
10:20
NASA Announces Artemis II Crew For Next Moon Mission
Astronauts for the next lunar mission have been chosen, including the first woman and first person of color.
6:35
Will Rising Temperatures Help Batters Swing for the Bleachers?
Warmer temperatures allows a hit ball to fly slightly further—accounting for about 500 additional home runs in the Major Leagues since 2010.
12:31
This Video Game Prioritizes Restoring An Ecosystem Over Profits
In Terra Nil, a “reverse city-builder,” your goal is to restore a barren wasteland into a thriving ecosystem.
5:20
Workout Worms May Reveal New Parkinson’s Treatments
Scientists built an exercise pool for tiny worms in an effort to better understand the role of exercise on neurodegeneration.
16:45
Your Future COVID-19 Vaccine May Come Through Your Nose
An immunobiologist answers listeners’ ongoing pandemic questions.
Introducing Universe of Art
On Science Friday’s new podcast, join us for conversations with artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level.
12:08
A Supermassive Black Hole The Mass Of 30 Billion Suns
How researchers detected the space giant using gravitational lensing, plus the approval of over-the-counter Narcan, EV charging, and a mammoth meatball you can eat.
11:11
What’s Driving A Rise In Mumps Cases In The United States?
Researchers now think that a third of people lose their vaccine-derived immunity to mumps by age 18.
5:52
Foundational Food Sources In The Gulf Of Maine Are Failing
Decades of research suggest that warming temperatures are collapsing the gulf’s productivity.
12:08
Sewage Is A Biological Necessity, And A Methane Minefield
Wastewater treatment facilities may release a surprising amount greenhouse gas.
9:41
Meet The Activist Reimagining Climate Education
Young people like Sage Lenier are very worried about climate change. So she took ownership over her education.