Rasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.
While studying wildlife conservation at Virginia Tech, Rasha realized that she had way more fun talking about science than actually doing it. She then pivoted into journalism and has since written for outlets like Science, Smithsonian, and The Guardian. Before coming to SciFri, she worked for NPR’s Short Wave and Science Vs from Gimlet Media.
When Rasha isn’t nerding out about science, you can find her on an outdoorsy adventure, reading, or trying (and failing) to leash train her cat. Rasha is the inaugural Outrider/Burroughs Wellcome Fund Fellow.
We’re All Being Played By Metrics
A new book explores what we lose when we’re always keeping score—at work, in life, even within ourselves. Can games help set us free?
Stressed About The World? Take A Cue From Cyanobacteria
In turbulent times, it helps to hear stories of resilience. What can we learn from 3.5 billion-year-old bacteria that eat light?
Untangling The History Of Dog Domestication
A new study suggests dogs began to diversify about 11,000 years earlier than we thought. Plus, a long-running experiment to domesticate foxes.
Tracking The Toxic Fallout Of The LA Fires
Urban fires can release all kinds of chemicals. One year after fires hit Los Angeles, scientists are trying to understand the toxic fallout.
What Greenland Sharks Are Teaching Us About Aging Eyes
Greenland sharks’ eyes never seem to get old. Plus, exactly how flawless is the greatest eye in the sky, the James Webb Space Telescope?
‘The Kissing Bug’ And The Story Of A Neglected Disease
Journalist Daisy Hernández chronicles the history of Chagas disease, also known as kissing bug disease, and how it changed her family’s story.
Your Cells Are Always Building A Whole New You
Over the past year, most of your body has replaced itself cell by cell. What can we learn from other animals’ dramatic feats of regeneration?
Why Astronomers Are Excited About Comet 3I/ATLAS’ Close Approach
Comet 3I/Atlas is just the third known object to visit us from outside our solar system. So yes… we’ll be talking about aliens.
How A Fringe Idea Led To Lifesaving Cancer Treatments
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead.
Can A Microbe Conservation Movement Take Off?
Microbes make up about 99% of all species, but they’re not part of any global conservation plans. One group is trying to change that.