Articles
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
The Very First Leftovers Were Made From Mammoth Meat
From this spring’s SciFri Book Club pick, learn how early humans developed concepts like dry-aging to make mammoth meat tastier and last longer.
Why Hawaii Is The Perfect Place For Rainbows
From sacred symbols to colorful displays of physics, local experts in Hawaii seek to understand the natural wonders of rainbows.
Introvert: The Invention Of A Type
It all started with a falling out between two famous psychologists.
El sexo no es binario, y deberíamos dejar de pretender que lo es
Es hora de que la legislación y la educación reflejen el sexo como un espectro con opciones ilimitadas.
Mercury: How It Made Cats Dance
Mercury has captivated humanity for ages. But what happens when it invades a town?
How You Can Become A Better Bystander
Researchers say that understanding the psychology behind the bystander effect can help increase the odds of stepping in during an emergency.
Alcohol: History’s Favorite Mind-Bending Substance
And the time the U.S. government went to unthinkable lengths to pry it away.
How The Age Of Mars Rovers Began
Perseverance is the fifth rover to land on the Red Planet. NASA scientists remember Mars Pathfinder’s Sojourner—the 90s experimental endeavor that started it all.
Sign Up For The Science Friday Rewind Newsletter
Hop into our audio time machine! Sign up for our newsletter to get never-before digitized stories from our archive.
Options Texas Lawmakers Are Considering To Prevent Future Blackouts
The recent winter storm and blackouts in Texas brought the state’s aging infrastructure into painful focus. Here’s what may change.
Robot: Making A Mechanical Mind
A mind we create isn’t necessarily a mind we can control.
Why The Word “Lunacy” Comes From The Moon
How an ancient belief in the mind-altering power of the moon gave us a word.
The 18th Century Health Craze Behind The Word “Mesmerize”
It all started when a doctor with some peculiar methods showed up in Paris.
Uncovering The Vibrant City Life Of Ancient Cahokia
From towering earthen pyramids to bustling ceremonial centers, this Native American city was once the largest urban center in North America.
Science Diction Returns For Season 3
Starting February 9, we’re back with more words and stories—all about mind control.
How Companies Denied Their Role In Climate Change
Michael Mann seeks to debunk the lies that have derailed attempts to curb climate change and arms readers with a real path forward to preserving the planet.
How Big (Or Small) Is The Universe?
“One shouldn’t envy the universe just because it’s big. We’re big, too.” Theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek contemplates the idea of space.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2020
2020 has been a remarkable and difficult year. Science Friday staff and listeners reflect on the most inspirational and impactful science stories of the year.
David Attenborough: To Save The Earth, Rethink The Economy
In Attenborough’s new book, he imagines a world economy that resembles the Amazon rainforest rather than one that values growth at all costs.
Tapping Into The Slime Mind
From ant colonies to single-celled slime mold, biologist Audrey Dussutour explores the wonders of animal cognition.