Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
World War I’s Operation Face Lift
Medical historian and author Lindsey Fitzharris explores the history of facial reconstruction surgery, starting with a ballerina’s rump.
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12:13
Scientists Found The Biggest Known Plant On Earth
Scientists discovered that a 49,000 acre seagrass meadow off the coast of Australia is actually one giant plant.
11:26
Building A Better Battery… Using Plastic?
A startup is trying to launch new battery technology that could help store renewable energy. But don’t expect one in your cell phone.
6:11
Bug Off: Why Mosquitoes Have An Annoyingly Amazing Sense Of Smell
When scientists tried to mess with mosquitoes’ sense of smell, these pesky insects found another way to sniff out their next meal.
12:48
So You Think You Know About Sex
A new book, “Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex,” will make you question what you thought you knew about sex.
4:43
Processing Postpartum With AI And Synthetic Breast Milk Art
Using synthetic breast milk and a 3D-printed pig uterus, artist Ani Liu processes her postpartum period—and the people that helped her through it.
12:06
20,000 Viruses Under The Sea: Mapping The Ocean’s Viral Ecosystem
A motherlode of RNA viruses collected from the ocean contains thousands of new species and vast genetic diversity.
6:24
How Recreational Weed Transformed A Small California Town
Woodlake, CA has no stoplights, one fast-food restaurant, and seven cannabis businesses.
25:55
Meet The Doctor Trying To Bring Medical Marijuana Into The Mainstream
Dr. Kogan is trying to inform doctors about cannabis’ potential as a medical treatment for illnesses ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s.
1:52
The World According to Sound: Listening to WiFi
Audio art that makes us consider the invisible streams of data that permeate our world.
How Sexual Intercourse Was Invented, 385 Million Years Ago
Okay, but how exactly did sex come about? Science journalist Rachel Feltman dives into the saucy science of doing it.
5:13
Gun Violence Is A Public Health Issue
Research on gun violence was frozen for years. Now that funding is available, a look at what scientists are studying.
6:54
Don’t Panic About Monkeypox Yet, Says Expert
Dr. Anne Rimoin has studied monkeypox for decades. Here’s what she had to say about this latest surge.
11:01
Baby Formula 101: Feeding During A Shortage
Exasperated parents are trying everything to feed their babies during the formula shortage, but not all options are safe.
17:06
Diving Into The Deep World Of Sharks
Many sharks are apex predators, but they aren’t the fearsome threat often depicted. A marine researcher shares his favorite shark facts.
11:53
‘Breakthrough’ In Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Research Is Misleading
A leading expert in the field says few research samples makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause of sudden infant death syndrome.
17:06
Period Tracking Apps And Digital Privacy In A Post-Roe World
Personal health data, like the kind shared on period tracking apps, may be used in court if abortion protections are overturned.
17:02
How Can We Inspire The Next Generation Of Female Scientists?
Co-author and conservation biologist Clare Fiesler on her new children’s book about female researchers and the obstacles they have overcome.
6:23
Breast Milk Banks Are Struggling To Meet Demand
Breast milk banks are seeing a spike in requests as desperate parents try to feed their little ones during the formula shortage.