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Why Astronomers Are Excited About Comet 3I/Atlas’ Close Approach
Episode 1192
This year, comet 3I/Atlas broke into our solar system, but also the zeitgeist. This dirty snowball is a visitor from another solar system, and it’s o…
8 months, 3 weeks ago
‘Fire Amoeba’ Likes It Hot, And A Faraway Lava Planet
Episode 1191
While on a sampling trip in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, researchers stopped to sample a rather boring stream on their hike to Boiling…
8 months, 3 weeks ago
What’s The Reality Behind The Humanoid Robot Hype?
Episode 1190
Videos of humanoid robots dancing, doing cartwheels, putting clothes in a washing machine, and serving drinks are all over social media. And tech CEO…
8 months, 3 weeks ago
'Just' A Blue Jay? Don't Overlook These Magnificent Common Birds
Episode 1189
It’s that time of year: the Christmas Bird Count, when birders go out in flocks to record all the birds they see in a single day. The data collected …
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Can We Just Throw Our Plastic Garbage Into A Volcano?
Episode 1188
It’s winter, and the SciFri team is already dreaming of warmer weather. How about a mind vacation to one of the hottest places on earth, an erupting …
8 months, 3 weeks ago
How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
Episode 1187
The sound of a choir performing in a cathedral is iconic for a reason. It’s this beautiful human experience: being side-by-side with other people, fe…
8 months, 4 weeks ago
What The Sounds Of Melting Glaciers Can Tell Us
Episode 1186
As the planet warms, the world’s glaciers are melting faster than snow can replenish the ice. That has implications for sea level rise, ocean current…
9 months ago
How A Fringe Idea Led To Lifesaving Cancer Treatments
Episode 1185
In cancer research, the “seed and soil” hypothesis posits that the tumor is like a seed of misbehaving cells taking root in the body. Whether it grow…
9 months ago
Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?
Episode 1184
For many people, bubonic plague is an illness that seems squarely situated in medieval times. But each year, a handful of human cases pop up in the w…
9 months ago
Don’t Let Their Name Fool You—Sea Slugs Are Awesome
Episode 1183
Today we’re spotlighting an underappreciated group of marine creatures: sea slugs. Don’t let their humble name fool you. They come in vivid neon colo…
9 months ago