December 2, 2022
We dive into the science behind the 2022 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Plus, the latest advancements in pig-to-human organ transplants. And what’s the science behind “swing” in jazz music?
12:13
Why Is It So Hard To Agree On When Human Life Starts?
For decades, the U.S. medical establishment has adhered to a legally recognized standard for death. Why not for the inception of life?
The SciFri Book Club Is Going To Talk About The Vagina
A celebration of the science knowledge and storytelling talent behind the new book, Vagina Obscura—plus a whole lotta joy.
11:52
California Accelerates Its Push For Electric Cars
The state’s decision to end sales of new gasoline cars by 2025 may have a big impact on the automobile industry.
7:45
Ecological Data From Deep In The Pantry
A trove of decades-old canned salmon gave ecological researchers a chance to study changes in the marine ecosystem.
9:16
Medieval Friars’ Farming May Have Caused Tummy Troubles
A study finds friars in medieval Cambridge may have had more intestinal parasites than common residents.
4:17
Attracting Birds To Prime Habitat By Playing Recordings Of Their Calls
Researchers are broadcasting recorded bird calls to try to bring secretive rails to prime habitat where they can feed and mate.
7:51
Collars, Cameras, And Carcasses: Studying Urban Wildlife
Urban wildlife is much cooler and more diverse than they get credit for.
16:17
A New Lyme Disease Test In Development May Help Improve Treatment
Current diagnostic tests only determine if patients had the disease, not current infections. Microbiologist Pete Gwynne wants to change that.
16:51
‘I Will Not Be Vole Girl’—A Biologist Warms To Rodents
From land-mine sniffing rats to to the mice in your backyard, biologist Danielle Lee is asking big questions about how ecology shapes behavior.
17:20
Meet Two Autistic Researchers Changing How Autism Research Is Done
A growing body of openly autistic scientists are using their expertise and their own experiences to help shape the future of autism research.
Wildlife Selfies Beneath The Bird Feeder
When the COVID-19 pandemic confines a wildlife conservation photographer to her backyard, she masters the art of bird feeder photography.
Read ‘Vagina Obscura’ With The SciFri Book Club
‘Vagina Obscura’ tells readers the history of neglected research into the vagina and its companion organs. Read it with us this September.
12:09
Will A Colorado River Drought Dry Up Energy Supplies?
Mandatory cuts to water use along the Colorado River could lead to cuts in power generation.
27:36
How Viruses Have Shaped Our World
Microbiologist Joseph Osmundson’s new book examines the many ways we interact with the tiny pathogens that shape our world.
7:00
Seagrass Oasis In Gulf Of Mexico Signals Good News For Manatees
Seagrass is the bedrock of the marine food chain. That makes it an important habitat to protect.
7:16
Teen Innovator’s New AI Tool Helps Create Affordable Drugs
Rishab Jain combines his passions for artificial intelligence and biotech to build a more efficient model for producing prescription drugs.
4:54
When Trapping Invasive Bugs Is Science Homework
STEM educators are helping students tackle a real-world challenge—trapping the invasive spotted lanternfly.
17:12
The Countdown Begins For Humanity’s Return To The Moon
NASA’s lunar rocket will see its first launch opportunity on August 29th, officially starting the Artemis program’s era of space exploration.
16:58
Should Kids Get Vaccinated If They’ve Already Had COVID-19?
A new school year brings new challenges for parents and pediatricians, as viruses continue to complicate back-to-school planning.
What It Means To Examine Illness As A Quantum State
Microbiologist Joseph Osmundson takes a deeper look at what it means to be ill—and what it means to live with illness.