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.
17:13
Your Guide To Conquering History’s Greatest Catastrophes
Author Cody Cassidy’s new book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
10:00
What’s The Human Cost Of Alaska’s Mineral Boom?
As the state begins looking beyond fossil fuels, mining companies are quietly preparing to take over its highways.
Could You Outrun A T. Rex? Try An Experiment To Check.
“How to Survive History” is a guide to surviving history’s most dangerous events. Some solutions are surprisingly attainable.
“The Pod Generation” Explores High-Tech Alternatives To Pregnancy
In the film “The Pod Generation,” a couple finds out what it’s like to grow their baby inside a pod. But how will the technology affect society?
12:15
Youth Climate Activists Score A Win In Montana
A state court decision would allow regulators to consider climate impacts when approving energy projects.
8:55
New Research Suggests Neurological Culprit For COVID Brain Fog
A study in mice finds that COVID brain fog—causing patients to wrestle with poor concentration, fuzzy thinking, and memory issues—might be caused by fused neurons.
7:47
Reno Is Preparing To Turn Its Wastewater Into Drinking Water
Reno, Nevada looks to turn its wastewater into clean drinking water as the region prepares for a dryer future. But can it get the public on board?
16:24
Challenging The Gender Gap In Sports Science
Most participants in sports research are still men, even as girls, women, and those outside the gender binary take to the field.
12:16
Using Stem Cells For Cornea Repair Is Worth A Look
Stem cell grafts may open up new treatment avenues for severe eye injuries.
16:53
From Skyscrapers to Sand Thieves—Digging Into The World Of Sand
Each year, we use nearly 50 billion tons of sand and gravel worldwide. Is that sustainable?
17:11
COVID-19’s Summer Wave Raises New Questions
As hospitalizations surge once again, virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen answers listener queries about the latest variant and new booster.
Sports Research Inequality Impacts Female Athletes
What does it look like to train sustainability, fuel well, pursue longevity, and stay healthy, happy, and strong as a female athlete? Right now, we don’t have the answers.
Tracking Tuna: How Do Behavior And Environment Interact?
Researchers track tuna fish across the ocean. What do they hope to learn and how can you use the same science to make your day better?
Envisioning A Radically Different Climate Future
On September 18, join us for an evening of literature, imagination, science, and hope as part of Climate Week NYC.
9:18
Devastating Fires Might Become More Common In Hawai’i
Why were the fires in Maui so destructive and how could climate change make fires there more frequent? Plus, more stories from this week in science news.
11:39
World’s Richest Lithium Deposit Faces Opposition To Mining
The deposit lies deep in the woods of western Maine, but its discovery has sparked debate over environmental concerns.
4:58
Preserving Acadia National Park’s Vanishing Birdsong
Climate change is affecting the ranges of the park’s 300 bird species.
11:47
In ‘The Pod Generation,’ Pregnancy Goes High-Tech
In the film “The Pod Generation,” a couple finds out what it’s like to grow their baby inside a pod. But how will the technology affect society?
17:22
The Rising Tide Against Deep Sea Mining
A recent global meeting of the International Seabed Authority to develop a treaty for the world’s oceans floors adjourned without a decision.
16:53
August Skies Set To Dazzle
Get ready stargazers: The Perseid meteor shower and a super blue moon are highly anticipated sights this August.