Science Friday

Eels have fascinated humans for thousands of years, even captivating big thinkers like Aristotle and Freud. Despite having been around for some 200 million years, eels are still rather mysterious creatures. For example, scientists still aren’t sure exactly how they spawn.But those unanswered questions haven’t stopped humans from wanting to eat them. So much so that they’re now endangered in some areas—and a lucrative criminal enterprise has risen up to poach baby eels from the wild.Guest host Rachel Feltman talks with Ellen Ruppel Shell, author of Slippery Beast: A True Crime History, with Eels about her journey into the wild world of eels.Read an excerpt of Slippery Beast: A True Crime History, with Eels. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Discover the wonders of rogue worlds—planet-like objects drifting through space without a star. Recent findings from the James Webb Space Telescope identified six such worlds in our Milky Way. Learn how these discoveries challenge existing views on planet formation and reveal the potential for billions more rogue entities. Delve into the colorful images captured by the telescope and explore the exciting relationships between these rogue worlds and traditional celestial classifications.

In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Michael Varnum, an associate professor of social psychology at Arizona State University, explores the effects of 'season creep'—the shifting patterns of seasons due to climate change—on human behavior. He highlights how these changes may worsen conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder and examine their impact on mood and social interactions. Varnum also delves into historical sleep patterns and suggests strategies for coping with seasonal mood fluctuations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate and psychology.

Rising temperatures are intensifying the spread of rare mosquito-borne diseases, including eastern equine encephalitis, prompting urgent public health efforts. Discussions highlight the connection between climate change and surging diseases like dengue and Oropouche fever. Meanwhile, a new sci-fi film raises important questions about astronaut mental health during long missions and the psychological challenges of isolation in space. Experts address how these themes impact future space exploration and the necessity of mental health support for astronauts.

Teeth are ancient relics, existing 250 million years before dinosaurs. From narwhal tusks to snake fangs, their diversity is fascinating. Explore how teeth evolved beyond just eating, playing roles in social interactions and survival strategies. Discover the connection between human dental evolution and dietary changes over time. Finally, delve into exciting innovations in dentistry, like regenerative fillings and alligators' tooth regrowth, pointing to a bright future for dental care.

The discussion highlights alarming inaccuracies in death certificates and their impact on the U.S. maternal mortality rate, suggesting it may be significantly inflated. Experts dive into the complex processes that different officials follow for recording deaths and how these practices vary across the country. The show raises important questions about the implications of this misreporting, especially regarding public health policies and statistics, including challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and with heat-related deaths.

Retired astronaut Cady Coleman, who spent 159 days on the International Space Station, discusses the transformative 'overview effect' experienced by astronauts. She highlights the profound sense of connection to Earth gained from space and stresses the importance of diverse representation in space exploration. Coleman also shares innovative solutions in astronaut training, including adapting equipment for women. Additionally, she addresses the challenges of boredom in space and offers guidance for aspiring explorers, emphasizing curiosity and mentorship.

In Sequoia National Park, a heated debate brews over how to protect its ancient trees from fires exacerbated by climate change. Should we intervene by planting new sequoias, or respect the concept of wilderness? Meanwhile, archaeologists have uncovered some of the oldest cave art in Indonesia, challenging previous notions about human creativity and our connection to Neanderthals. Insights arise about how modern technology can help us engage with these ancient masterpieces and what they reveal about our ancestors.

A shocking study reveals that human brains contain high levels of microplastics, even more than other organs. This raises urgent health concerns and highlights the ongoing issue of plastic pollution. Meanwhile, the CDC updates guidelines for managing pain during IUD insertions, recommending local anesthetics to improve patient comfort. Additionally, fascinating discussions explore alien radio signals, how spiders use fireflies for hunting, and the surprising mental health benefits of video gaming.

Dive into the sensory wonders of the forest! Co-authors of a new book discuss enhancing outdoor experiences using all five senses. Discover the intricate ecosystems of woodlands and the fascinating role of sound and subtle signs of nature. There’s also a focus on engaging children with interactive activities that spark discovery and creativity in the outdoors. Reflect on your environmental impact and find joy in nature, even when the weather poses challenges. It’s a journey that encourages thoughtful exploration and appreciation of the natural world.