August 9, 2024
After a stegosaurus skeleton sold for $44.6 million, paleontologists are concerned about how selling dinosaur fossils affects research. Plus, as the climate changes, we need vegetables resilient to drought, pests, and heat. An expert explains how to breed plants for harsh conditions. And, a specific type of solar cell is more efficient than what’s currently on the market. But what is it, and can it be scaled up?
11:58
Boeing’s Starliner Leaves Astronauts Stuck On The Space Station
The Boeing capsule is having issues with its thrusters and cannot bring astronauts back to Earth, leaving NASA scrambling for alternatives.
17:04
An Expert Vegetable Breeder On Innovating Crops For The Future
As the climate changes, we need vegetables resilient to drought, pests, and heat. An expert explains how to breed plants for harsh conditions.
12:09
Could We Get Weather Forecasts Years—Or A Decade—In Advance?
Move over, Farmer’s Almanac. A more accurate long-term weather forecast could be on the horizon.
16:42
The Promise Of Perovskite Solar Panels
This specific type of solar cell is more efficient than what’s currently on the market. But what is it, and can it be scaled up?
16:34
Dinosaurs’ Secrets Might Be In Their Fossilized Poop
Analyzing fossilized feces, called coprolites, is key to better understanding ancient ecosystems and dinosaur diets.
17:22
What The Private Sale Of Fossils Means For Paleontology
After a stegosaurus skeleton sold for $44.6 million, paleontologists are concerned about how selling dinosaur fossils affects research.
Si fueras un científico, ¿qué evento olímpico estudiarías?
¿Te obsesiona la precisión? ¿Te intrigan las diferentes dinámicas sociales? Descubra qué deporte está sincronizado con tu cerebro científico.
If You Were A Scientist, Which Olympic Event Would You Study?
Are you obsessed with precision? Captivated by speed? Intrigued by social dynamics? Find out what sport satisfies your scientific brain.
To Stop Spotted Lanternflies, These Dogs Are Sniffing Them Out
A citizen science project is turning canines into crop protectors, and challenging what researchers know about dogs’ powerful noses.
Explore The Outdoors With SciFri Outside This Fall
On September 28 and October 12, join us outdoors to learn all about a well-loved species of the northeast: American beech trees!
How Science Fiction Influenced American Psychological Warfare
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics.
12:05
Hawaiʻi Wildfire Survivors To Join Long-Term Health Study
The University of Hawaiʻi study will be the largest of its kind to investigate the health and social impacts of the Maui wildfires.
17:05
PLATO’s Mission To Discover Exoplanets Like Earth
The European Space Agency mission aims to discover new exoplanets in habitable zones. It is scheduled for launch in late 2026.
12:12
Deep-Sea ‘Nodules’ May Produce Oxygen, Study Finds
New research suggests that polymetallic nodules found 13,000 feet deep produce “dark oxygen” by electrolyzing water.
17:22
Why Does COVID-19 Spike In Summer?
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.
7:23
Damaged Wind Turbine Blade Sinks Off Massachusetts Coast
Fiberglass is washing up on Nantucket’s shores, and residents are concerned about the long-term environmental impact of this debris.
9:50
One Bird’s Physics Trick For Flying At High Altitudes
At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, which makes it harder for birds in flight to generate lift. The turkey vulture has a solution.
17:14
Why Cancer Death Rates Have Decreased Over The Last 30 Years
Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges persist.
Take A Walk On The Lichen Side With SciFri In Portland, OR
On October 30, join Ira Flatow for a day full of the symbiotic fuzzy growths on trees, roofs and gravestones—lichen!
Putting Humboldt Back In The Spotlight With Andrea Wulf
On August 29, we’ll revisit Andrea Wulf’s book about globe-trekking explorer, scientist, and environmentalist Alexander von Humboldt.