July 23, 2021
Biden’s Surgeon General talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond. Plus, whistleblowers allege “atmosphere of fear” at the EPA. And how the humpback whale says hello.
12:05
Americans’ Online Security Needs An Update
Ransomware attacks, like the one that shut down an American gas pipeline last week, are on the rise.
9:16
In West Virginia, Opioid Distributors Are Finally On Trial
The county with the worst drug overdose rate in the country is attempting to prosecute the massive companies that fueled its crisis.
8:06
Video Game Skills May Make Better Surgeons
Gaming may help boost skills needed for robotic surgery and laparoscopy.
14:10
What A Rare Baseball Collision Tells Us About The Physics Of The Game
After two balls collided, physicists explain how the event occurred—and how science is changing the way America’s pastime is played.
3:33
The Resonating Room Tones Of Composer Alvin Lucier
Known for his experimental and electro-acoustic music, Alvin Lucier composes with the sounds that surround us.
17:08
How Do You Solve a Problem Like World Vaccination?
If you thought vaccinating the whole U.S. was hard, the challenges only grow on a worldwide scale.
Reflecting On The Wild With Jane Goodall, Winner Of The 2021 Templeton Prize
A look back on the groundbreaking chimpanzee research and humanitarian career of Jane Goodall.
Saving The American West’s Sagebrush Sea
Once considered a rangeland weed, this cornerstone of America’s desert ecosystems is under threat.
11:45
Fully Vaccinated Can Unmask Often, CDC Says
Plus the WHO details a “lost month” in the pandemic, an update on the Colonial pipeline hack, and research on why cats love sitting in boxes.
14:06
Ever Wonder Why Big Cereal Chunks Are Always On Top?
The science of the “brazil nut effect” has implications from drug manufacturing to avalanche planning.
02:22
This Alaskan Glacier Is Moving 100 Times Faster Than Usual
The Muldrow Glacier is moving 10-100 times faster than usual. Why is it moving so quickly?
12:12
How Novel Is Neuralink?
Experts explain how Elon Musk’s Neuralink fits into the wider field of neurotechnology research.
17:14
What’s Behind The Blockchain-Based Art Boom?
Digital tokens, like NFTs, are opening new opportunities for writers, musicians, and artists.
17:11
Decolonizing And Diversifying The Future Of Food
The Science Friday Book Club explores what a sustainable culinary future might look like.
17:23
Can An Algorithm Explain Your Knee Pain?
Researchers suggest an algorithm can be used as a tool for justice in healthcare.
12:01
Weighing COVID-19 Vaccinations For Teens
Pfizer’s vaccine may soon be available to Americans 12 to 15 years old. Plus, climate change models predict faster sea level rise.
9:48
This Computer Won The 2021 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
A computer program, Dr. Fill, beat the human competition in the 2021 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in just 49 seconds.
12:08
A Beetle’s Chemical (And Plastic) Romance
3D-printed beetles and some pheromones are helping scientists understand where new insect species come from.
9:41
Nature’s Early Warning Signs For A Bad Wildfire Season
California wildfire researcher Craig Clements explains how landscape and moisture content in plants can give early clues to how smoky a summer might be.