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May 9, 2025
Some car designers are turning from touchscreen controls back to physical buttons. Two researchers explain why that could be better. Plus, geneticists used CRISPR gene editing to grow bigger fruits without sacrificing flavor. And, an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
12:08
Fossil Jaw Turns Back Clock on Human Evolution
A newly discovered fossil jaw pushes the date of Homo’s evolution back to 2.8 million years ago.
17:27
The Interstellar Tourist’s Guide to Exoplanets
Exoplanet hunter Sara Seager explains how biosignature gases could help identify life on exoplanets, and The Takeaway’s John Hockenberry takes Ira on a futuristic tour of exoplanet vacation destinations.
14:31
Avoid the Doctor—For Your Health
How much medical care is too much medical care?
9:03
Dawn Arrives at Ceres
Mission director and chief engineer Marc Rayman gives an update on the Dawn mission, scheduled to arrive in orbit around dwarf planet Ceres this week.
22:06
One Hundred Years of General Relativity
Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity on December 2, 1915.
16:46
After Decades of Dietary Warnings, Eggs Make a Comeback
After decades of warnings, the advisory committee behind the U.S. government’s dietary guidelines drops its prohibition on cholesterol.
17:20
Future Crimes: The Next Generation of Security Threats
In “Future Crimes,” author Marc Goodman looks at how criminals are using emergent technology for their own benefit.
12:17
NASA and Integration During the Civil Rights Movement
As part of Black History Month, Science Friday looks at the role of African-American scientists at NASA during the Civil Rights era.
7:34
Dawn of the Cyborg Bacteria
In a basement laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, two roboticists have harnessed the sensing, swimming, and swarming abilities of bacteria to power microscopic robots.
8:53
Apps That Judge What’s on Your Plate
A new class of food-coaching apps connects you to pros and peers who offer tips on healthy eating, based on descriptions and photos of what you eat.