December 8, 2023
Birders across the world band together to record the number of birds in their communities. Plus, a new theory pins the throbbing pain of a red wine headache on quercetin, an antioxidant in grape skins. And, astronaut Mike Massimino reflects on his time in space, and what it taught him about succeeding on Earth.
Bluefin Tuna Help Tell The Story Of Our Oceans
For 3,000 years, demand for bluefin tuna has existed in uneasy balance with its natural ability to reproduce and thrive.
Can Your Cat Talk To You? Use Science To Find Out!
What does meow really mean? Investigate how your favorite pet communicates in this fun, family-friendly STEM activity.
Stinky And Delicious: Why Fermentation Makes Great Food
Discover the world of fermentation with a world-renowned chef as you use kitchen chemistry to transform raw veggies into delicious dishes.
How NASA Translates Space Data Into Sparkly And Haunting Songs
NASA’s Sonification Project aims to turn astrophysics data into sound, enabling visually impaired people to engage with outer space.
How Hawaiian Voices Add To The Conversation On Deep Sea Mining
A Hawaiian elder discusses what’s at stake for Indigenous Hawaiians when we disturb the ocean floor.
11:19
A Possible Breakthrough Superconductor Has Scientists Split
Researchers provoked skepticism when they shared their study about a working superconductor at room temperature. Plus, NASA detects a ‘heartbeat’ from purported lost Voyager 2.
8:32
How Oppenheimer’s Bombs Compare To Today’s Nukes
Science Friday dives into how nuclear weapons technology has evolved since the Manhattan Project.
11:30
Protecting Other Planets From Earth’s Germs
As missions venture forth to places such as Mars or Jupiter’s moon, Europa, the need to protect worlds that could support life becomes more critical.
33:13
Ask An Expert: An Evolution Education
Talking about the science behind evolution, in light of laws allowing schools to teach creationism.
24:25
From Splenda to Aspartame: Are the Artificial Sweeteners We Use Hurting Us?
The science behind the WHO’s declaration of aspartame as a “possible carcinogen,” and the effects of artificial sweeteners on human health.
Evolution: The Roots Of Our ‘Tree Of Life’
Author Prosanta Chakrabarty leads us through the basics of evolutionary change, and explains how evolution doesn’t mean “perfection.”
11:45
No, The Gulf Stream Is Not Collapsing
A separate set of currents, called the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), is weakening.
12:52
The Kākāpō Parrot Returns To New Zealand
The critically endangered kākāpō haven’t lived on the mainland for nearly 40 years—until now.
4:14
Far Beyond Their Native Habitat, Parrots Rule The Roost
Brooklyn’s parrots are just one example of how the ingenious bird has learned to thrive in strange places.
12:03
What Is Your Cat’s Meow Trying To Tell You?
A biologist’s new book explores the evolution of our bond with our favorite four-legged felines.
5:23
Researchers Quantify The Navajo Nation’s Water Crisis
Two researchers are conducting a household water study to illuminate how many people lack access to clean water on the reservation.
11:56
Chumash Tribe Champions National Marine Sanctuary
After decades of advocacy, a 7,000 square mile area off the central coast of California may soon be protected.
8:17
Where The Rubber Meets The Road For Electric Cars
Compared to traditional combustion vehicles, some EV owners report their tires wearing quickly.
8:52
Is The Plastic In Your Old Barbie Toxic?
The Barbie movie updated Barbie’s image for today’s world. But if your Barbie doll was made before 2007, her plastic body might not be safe for kids.
17:17
The State Of Reproductive Health, One Year After Dobbs
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, state abortion bans are impacting access to reproductive health care nationwide.