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.
Celebrating The Human Side Of Sea Creatures
Sabrina Imbler’s book traces their life through the stories of ten sea creatures.
17:02
Indigenous Knowledge Is Central To Climate Solutions
Indigenous scientist and author Jessica Hernandez on what it might mean to heal—rather than conserve—endangered landscapes.
16:39
Prizes For Science That Makes You Laugh, Then Think
From the engineering of doorknobs to an algorithm that tells you when to lie, an annual salute to unusual science.
12:16
Building The World’s Largest Animal Crossing Outside of LA
An engineering feat will soon reconnect habitats cut off from each other by Highway 101 for 75 years.
17:02
Scientists Release The First Fully Complete Human Genome
After two decades and years of international collaboration, scientists have filled in the final missing pieces of the human genome.
16:46
Update: Over 5,200 Exoplanets Discovered
Since we last spoke about it, the NASA Exoplanet Archive has logged over 200 more exoplanets, bringing the number up to 5,206. We’re re-airing the segment where the count hit 5,000.
12:14
From Tiny Krill To Concrete Jungles: 2022’s Best Science Books For Kids
Go with a classic for holiday gifts this year: Books! Check out our favorite science books for the young scientists on your list.
11:31
There Are Now Eight Billion People On Earth. What’s Next?
Projections show that population growth will slow down in the coming decades.
7:17
Groundwater Contamination In Missouri Kept Secret From Residents
Department of Natural Resources employees knew the contamination had “undoubtedly occurred” in 1993. The broader public didn’t learn it was in their drinking water until 2018.
26:10
Can A New Surge Of Tech Interest Make The Metaverse A Thing?
Virtual social worlds used to be the realm of science fiction. Can a wave of new enthusiasm finally make them catch on?
19:46
NASA’s Massive Rocket Finally Launches To The Moon
This week’s uncrewed Artemis mission took a decade to develop. It’s the first step toward a new potential lunar space station.
24:09
The Science Behind Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Should you brine your turkey? Why do mashed potatoes get glue-y? Cookbook author Kenji López-Alt tackles the science behind thanksgiving.
12:10
Science Was Big On The Ballot This Week. Here’s What Went Down
Across the U.S., people voted on topics like healthcare, climate change infrastructure, and abortion.
9:28
New Documentary Is Endearing Tribute To NASA’s Rover Program
Director Ryan White shares behind-the-scenes insights into the recent film, “Good Night Oppy.”
12:11
How Past Extinctions At The La Brea Tar Pit Can Teach Us About Our Climate Future
The director of the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History discusses how Ice Age megafauna can teach practical lessons on climate, extinction, and survival.
8:49
Across The Country, RSV Is Overwhelming Medical Systems
Though they face different challenges, doctors from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic are wrestling with skyrocketing cases and overflowing medical centers.
8:50
What You Should Know About This RSV Surge
A pediatrician answers questions about the common but surprisingly dangerous infection and how it’s treated.
17:12
Mapping Brain Connections Reinforces Theories On Human Cognition
For human cognition, understanding connections between brain regions may be even more important than the functions of the regions themselves.
24:47
As Anthony Fauci Steps Down, A Look Back At His Storied Career
Science Friday has been interviewing Dr. Fauci since 1994, on topics ranging from COVID, to HIV/AIDS, to allergy research.
Use Engineering To Design A Solar Space Probe
Get hands-on as you use the engineering design process to build a solar space probe to investigate the Sun.