With breaking news this week around the earliest ancestor of humans, Lucy, we talk to a writer about how fossils can become household names. Next, we talk to an expert to find out how well Americans understand science compared to other countries, and look at drug use among high and middle-school students in Wisconsin in the light of a new survey.
Featured in this Show
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Seven Skeletons: The Evolution Of The World's Most Famous Human Fossils
Some fossils of early human ancestors have become household names — think of Lucy, a female hominid fossil found in the 1970s, or Peking Man, a fossil from roughly 750,000 years ago. We talk to a historian who explored all the controversies, exhibitions and rumors that made fossils famous.
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Science Literacy: How Do Americans Measure Up?
Amid concerns that Americans are falling behind other nations in their understanding of science, a national report shows surprisingly positive results. We talk to one of the researchers of that report, who tells us how Americans are doing in science compared to the rest of the world, and why science literacy matters.
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New Report Quantifies Drug Use Among School Kids
A new survey of drug use among Wisconsin school students found that a significant number have tried intoxicants ranging from alcohol to heroin–and more than half of kids who try such substances, keep using them. A look at the extent of drug use among school students and possible solutions.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Haleema Shah Producer
- Aarushi Agni Producer
- Marika Suval Producer
- Lydia Pyne Guest
- Dominique Brossard Guest
- Anthony Alvarado Guest
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