Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
11:34
Record Number Of People In Space At The Same Time
There is a record number of humans in orbit: 17. Plus, flies are more necessary than we give them credit for—and they’re in trouble.
8:19
Allergy Season Is Blooming With Climate Change
Climate change is triggering plants to produce pollen earlier and earlier, making allergy season longer and more intense.
8:33
Why This Scientist Shares Vulnerable Career Moments
After several rejections, a paleoclimatologist found support by sharing her story with other scientists.
11:56
Tomato Breeding Project Fueled By Over 1,000 Backyard Gardeners
The Dwarf Tomato Project has generated over 150 tomato new tomato varieties, crossbred between heirloom and dwarf species.
10:08
Southwestern States Break The Dam On Water Stalemate
California, Arizona, and Nevada finally reach a compromise to cut use water use from the Colorado River.
7:07
Tracking The Saguaro Cacti Decline
Researchers from the University of Arizona find the iconic species’ new growth is declining.
17:00
These Conservation Scientists Are Keeping The Sonoran Desert Diverse
The vast desert spanning southwestern U.S. and Mexico is home to thousands of plant and animal species—and scientists are trying to save it.
16:27
Could Restoring Animal Populations Store More Carbon?
Rewilding certain animal populations like wildebeests and sea otters could help absorb greenhouse gas emissions.
Create An Interactive Game Using AI
Combine a visual programming language, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to program an interactive game using hand gestures.
This Violinist Is Making Ultra-Affordable 3D-Printed Violins For Kids
A concert violinist is developing a 3D-printed violin that costs $7, in hopes of lowering the barrier to getting kids into music.
12:06
Orcas Are Attacking Boats Near Spain. Scientists Don’t Know Why
Orca attacks on boats in the region have increased, leading to three sinkings. Plus, how a Supreme Court decision could affect wetlands.
11:57
The Long And Short Of Telomere Activity
Short sequences of genetic code on the ends of chromosomes called telomeres may be more involved in the cell than previously understood.
5:02
Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum Takes Down Digital Resources
A patient with a rare condition donated his heart to the museum, only to have it caught up in the conversation over how to handle human remains.
11:58
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Debate Keeps Pecking Away
The last verified sighting was in 1944, but bill-ievers are still looking for the bird.
9:46
Tracking Pain In Your Brain
Scientists are decoding the brain signals linked to chronic pain.
7:27
What Can We Learn From A Woman Who Feels No Pain?
Understanding the gene mutations causing Jo Cameron’s inability to feel pain could lead to better pain medications for the rest of us.
16:53
Turning To Space While Processing Grief
After her husband’s death, astronomer Michelle Thaller turned to space’s mysteries to find solace in grief.
17:22
A Famous Sled Dog’s Genome Holds Evolutionary Surprises
By looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including the heroic sled dog Balto, a project called Zoonomia offers a new view of evolutionary history.
Design A One-Of-A-Kind Chatbot
Become a chatbot engineer as you design, create, and adapt your own one-of-a-kind chatbot using artificial intelligence.
AI For Kids: A Chatbox Exploration
Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) by experimenting directly with chatbots and machine learning technology.