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The Debate That Sparked The Big Bang
How a 1940s horror movie inspired maverick physicist Fred Hoyle’s now-panned alternative to the Big Bang.
American Chestnut: Resurrecting A Forest Giant
The American Chestnut towered in forests, then disappeared. Now, it’s staging a comeback.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2021
These are the science stories that moved and inspired us this year, made and selected by Science Friday’s staff.
Michael Pollan On Plants That Change Our Minds, From Tea To Peyote
In a new book, Michael Pollan explores why some psychoactive plants are socially acceptable, which aren’t, and how those norms are changing.
Vocal Fry: Why I’m Not Getting A Voice Coach
Vocal fry has been around for ages. So why are people suddenly so bothered by it?
Donate To Science Friday For #GivingTuesday!
Want to help support Science Friday for the next 30 years? Make a gift today, for #GivingTuesday. All donations are matched $1 to $1.
Juggernaut: Indian Temple Or Unstoppable Force?
Jagannath Temple in India gave rise to the word “juggernaut.” But the ancient story of Jagannath is rather delightful.
How Racism Shapes Our Perception Of Healthy Food
In her new book, Priya Fielding-Singh writes about how race, culture, and media complicate what we choose to eat.
More Erosion Is Happening Globally. Here’s What It Means For Farms.
Jo Handelsman, Obama’s former science advisor, explains why more farms are experiencing erosion, and how it reduces crop yields.
The Voices That Shaped 30 Years Of Science Friday
For three decades, Science Friday has connected scientists with the public. Listen to the voices that have shaped our show.
Jargon: We Love To Hate It
Most people despise it. So why do we use it? And is all jargon bad?
Algebra: From Broken Bones To Twitter Feuds
When a high school student asked a question about algebra on TikTok, she unknowingly awoke an age-old debate in mathematics history.
Peek Inside Dr. Fauci’s Picture Book Biography
View excerpts from the illustrated story of young Anthony Fauci’s journey: from ‘sewer baseball’ to ‘America’s doctor.’
Science Diction: Knock On Wood And Tsunami
The origin of a superstitious phrase, and a Japanese word that’s staked its place in English.
Preview: The Science Friday Book Club Reads ‘Rising’
Elizabeth Rush explores climate change, flooding, and its effects on vulnerable communities in ‘Rising.’ We’ll read it together this fall.
What Coastal Retreat Looks Like On Isle de Jean Charles
On an island shrinking from rising seas, Indigenous communities battle to save their historic land from coastal flooding.
How The Humble Asiatic Dayflower Revealed Clues To Blue Hues
This briefly-blooming plant gave Japanese artists a distinctive dye—and helped scientists answer a color chemistry mystery.
Your Vote Counts In The Charismatic Creature Carnival!
Are you ready to vote for this month’s most Charismatic Creature? After you hear from our experts, cast your ballot!
How Scientists Solved The Mystery Of Rising Bread
From bleeding polenta and a corrupt grain trade, author Eric Pallant traces how scientists figured out that sourdough’s fermentation comes from living microbes.