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May 3, 2024
This week, Science Friday is in Ames, Iowa, home to prairies, greater prairie chickens, and an array of wildlife. Plus, the co-emergence of two periodical cicada broods is underway. Scientists have tips for how to experience the event. And, as the “Universe of Art” podcast turns one, listeners discuss solar music boxes and what it’s like making art with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Dean Kamen
He’s invented everything from an insulin pump to the Segway Transporter. He started the FIRST Robotics competitions for students. And now, he has his own television show.
The Once and Future Car
This week, news emerged of a self-driving car being researched by Google. We’ll look back at other ‘cars of the future’ and what happened—or didn’t happen—to them.
Happy Birthday, Buckyballs!
Twenty-five years ago this month, researchers first identified buckminsterfullerenes — chemical structures shaped like tiny carbon soccer balls.
New Views of the Moon
New images of the moon’s surface taken from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera show fault lines with a surprising explanation: The moon may be shrinking.
Bad Days For Bats
The white nose syndrome disease affecting bat populations has put one species of bat at risk of “regional extinction” within the next 20 years.
How Jane Goodall Got Her Start
Ira talks with primatologist Jane Goodall, 50 years after her first encounters with the chimpanzees of the Gombe.
The Cheese Chronicles
Author and cheese expert Liz Thorpe explains the science of cheesemaking.
The Modern Dog
In this hour of Science Friday, we’re going to the dogs, literally.
Ocean Priorities
Ira talks with Peter Seligmann, chairman of Conservation International, and with Philippe Cousteau Jr. about the connections between ocean policy, the environment, and the economy.
Turing Award Winner Barbara Liskov
Ira talks with Barbara Liskov, the winner of this year’s Turing Award, what’s been called the Nobel Prize of computing research.