Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
How The Puget Sound Region Is Reckoning With Disappearing Salmon
Journalist Lynda Mapes speaks with local tribe leaders and conservation groups as they grapple with the loss of symbolic aquatic life.
The Rise Of The Myers-Briggs, Chapter 1: Katharine
A mother sets out to raise the perfect child.
12:05
This Fish Is The Master Of The Poignant Pause
Much like your favorite public radio host, electric fish use pauses in speech, too.
10:42
Lighting Design For Your Paleolithic Cave
Researchers modeled lighting options—from torches to oil lamps—used by ancient cave artists.
11:52
A Stomp, A Roar, An Elephantquake?
Elephants’ movements and vocalizations can travel through the ground—and scientists look to what earthquake-detection technology might teach us.
34:04
Margaret Atwood On The Science Behind ‘Oryx And Crake’
In this archival interview, the award-winning author calls the novel a form of “speculative fiction.”
23:40
Science Crimes: From Grave Robbers To An Icepick Surgeon
A new book documents the biggest scientific crimes in history and pulls no punches.
12:03
President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Sees The End Of The Road
The nearly 2,000 page bill covers infrastructure improvements that include funding for projects that would build up the country’s climate change resilience.
16:39
Local Communities Spar Over Minnesota Oil Pipeline
A plan to replace aging oil infrastructure is nearly complete. Here’s why tribal nations and other Minnesota residents are still divided over its risks and benefits.
12:00
How Imperfect Data Leads Us Astray
If we make decisions based on data, what happens when the data is wrong?
17:22
CRISPR Stops Rare Genetic Disease In New Human Trial
Gene-editing technique CRISPR may deliver new treatments for genetic diseases—and it’s already being tested on patients.
4:06
Latinos In The West Are Twice As Likely To Be Affected By Wildfires
“Climate does not discriminate, but our housing crisis has.”
13:14
Consider The Nocturnal, Whiskered Oilbird
A deep dive into a bird that’s “wrong in every way,” according to a researcher who loves them.
17:17
Wait, Am I Going To Need A Booster Shot?
Epidemiologist Dr. Céline Gounder untangles rapidly changing pandemic updates.
What Puzzle-Solving Crows Can Teach Us About Animal Intelligence
Why are crows considered intelligent? Use animal behavior and the design process to design a problem-solving test for chosen species.
Reports Of Mysterious Bird Disease Decreasing In Pennsylvania
Notices of an alarming illness causing swollen eyes and death among songbirds in the mid-Atlantic to Indiana are on the decline.
Honeymoon: A Bittersweet Beginning
After the neurochemical bonanza of the honeymoon period fades, are we doomed to inferior love?
12:06
With Delta Rising, New Rules On Masks And Vaccines
The CDC has issued new guidance on mask-wearing as COVID-19 infection rates increase around the country.
17:12
A Disasterologist On Coming Together To Weather The Climate Crisis
Emergency management researcher and author Samantha Montano on how our disaster response systems need to scale up for climate change.
12:06
Getting To Know The Fungus Among Us (In Our Guts)
Our gut microbiome is home to fungi, too. How our immune system targets a shapeshifting yeast—to our benefit and its.