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.
How Agatha Christie Used Chemistry To Kill (In Books)
A new book explores the poisonous concoctions in Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries and the science behind how they kill.
12:12
How PFAS From A Military Base Has Sickened Nearby Residents
Newburgh, New York, is one of 10 communities involved in a CDC-led study to understand the effects of PFAS—forever chemicals—on health.
After Her Grants Got Cut, This Researcher Is Suing The NIH
Katie Edwards has lost millions of dollars in grant money, bringing her research to a standstill. She’s taking the fight to court.
New Telescope Captures The Cosmos In Groundbreaking Detail
The telescope has the largest digital camera ever made. It’s so precise that one image alone contains 10 million galaxies.
RFK Jr. Reshuffles CDC Vaccine Panel With Vaccine Skeptics
The health secretary fired the entire panel that recommends vaccines. Plus, the EPA moves to expedite cleanup of Superfund sites.
17:30
A Dino’s Last Dinner And Eavesdropping Birds
Scientists look inside the fossilized stomach contents of a massive dinosaur. And, why some birds listen for prairie dogs’ alarm calls.
Meet A Pioneer Of Modern Weather Prediction
In a new memoir, a climate scientist reflects on his journey from a rural village in India to the cutting edge of weather forecasting.
Cuts To NASA And A Fast-Track For Deep Sea Mining
Proposed budget cuts for NASA would jeopardize space research. And an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
8:33
Ancient Iguanas Floated 5,000 Miles Across The Pacific
Millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
9:03
Meet Fiona, The Pregnant Ichthyosaur Fossil
The marine reptile’s fossilized fetus is cluing paleontologists into the lives of ancient sea creatures.