Brain fun for curious people.
Two science writers and voracious readers have compiled their summer reading recommendations, just for Science Friday fans.
In a conversation from 2014, Ira talks marinade myths, charcoal chemistry, and the elusive “smoke ring”—the science behind barbecue and... more
In “Becoming Earth,” author Ferris Jabr reexamines our relationship to Earth, and makes the case that Earth itself is alive.
The age of first menstruation trended downward from 1950 to 2005, but more so among low-income kids and kids of... more
In an effort to learn from scientific failure, The Journal of Trial Error only publishes “negative” results.
China’s Chang’e 6 return capsule landed in Mongolia, carrying samples from the far side of the moon. Also, Paris has... more
The larger Pacific striped octopus is unusually social. But it wasn’t recognized by scientists until 2015, despite one man’s efforts.... more
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired on June 10, but supporters are still fighting to expand it.
Researchers analyzed photos, videos, and audio from crowdsource platforms to identify bird species that have not been spotted in over... more
When the federal government wavered in its commitment to climate action, cities stepped up. But goals, and success, are hard... more
Researchers say the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a better indicator of heat stress. Also, cancer is the leading cause... more
Two mannequins walk into a science lab, and one’s got a big tick problem. She can teach humans how to... more
Two decades after his book “The Singularity is Near,” Kurzweil is back with more predictions about the future of AI.
Squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish use ink to confuse predators and to communicate. But there’s still a lot we don’t understand... more
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make the film more scientifically accurate to how a teenager’s mind works.
A new study used machine learning to analyze elephant vocalizations and identified “contact rumbles” that appear to function as names.... more
In her new book, science journalist Amorina Kingdon explores the astonishing variety of sound in the ocean, and how it... more
Plants called “hyperaccumulators” have evolved to absorb high levels of metals. Scientists want to harness them for greener metal mining.... more
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted... more
The COVID vaccines proved that RNA could be extremely powerful. A new book explores even more medical applications for the... more
Boeing’s Starliner successfully launched and docked at the ISS, SpaceX’s Starship rocket launched and returned. Also, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo brings... more
Scientists are studying birds’ unique vocal organ, the syrinx, to better understand its evolutionary history. Also, the eerie calls of... more
Indigenous data sovereignty is the idea that Indigenous Peoples should decide how to collect, own, and use their own data.
Science journalist Zoë Schlanger discusses plants’ ability to communicate, store memories, and more in her new book, “The Light Eaters.”
A growing number of states are adopting laws that force companies to give consumers better options to repair their devices.
The much-delayed crewed test flight is back on the calendar, despite a helium leak. Also, researchers used data from the... more
Metabolic markers could eventually result in a test for “biological age,” which considers how things other than time age the... more
After decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor.
A van outfitted as a mobile laboratory helps scientists study how legal cannabis products affect users—without breaking the law.
For the first time, scientists have recorded how salps form chains and swim in corkscrews to reach the ocean’s surface... more