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Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
It’s Time To Clean The Junk Up There
Earth’s low orbit is crowded—too crowded. Read how this happened, and why it’s important to clean it up.
The Science News That Defined The Decade
As we head into 2020, we asked you to help us roundup the biggest science news over the past 10 years.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2019
Join us for a roundup of the favorite stories we produced this year, from the complicated sex lives of Venus flytraps to the origin of the five-second rule.
Trying To Preserve Your Hearing In Noisy World
With an estimated thirty-seven million Americans who have lost some hearing, it is easier than ever to cause hearing loss with normal activities.
Human Art By Artificial Intelligence
When art is made by artificial intelligence, it can still be considered human art. Learn why in this excerpt from Janelle Shane’s new book.
The Eclipse That Proved Einstein’s Theory Correct
In 1919, a team of astronomers presented their findings about warped starlight to the Royal Astronomical Society in London, proving Einstein’s theories.
The Rise And Fall Of Earthquake Prediction
How a ‘successfully predicted’ earthquake in China was not so successfully predicted after all.
The Farmer Who Took On One Of The World’s Biggest Chemical Corporations
When the cattle on Wilbur Earl Tennant’s farm began to mysteriously fall ill and die, he suspected it wasn’t what the animals were eating—it was what they were drinking.
The Rare, Native Species Haunting The Appalachian Mountains
While you dressed up as a witch or zombie this Halloween, these North Carolinians took the form of something much scarier: local species at risk.
Making Space For Black Software
From playing with computers to building networks: How the space for Black Software was made.
Why Should We Trust Science?
Harvard professor Naomi Oreskes argues why the public should trust scientists—but not for the reason most of us think.
Botanists Explain The Chemical Roots Behind Your Favorite Bitters
You told us your favorite drinkable plant flavors. Three botanists tell the backstories of bitters, tinctures, and teas from around the world.
The Basics Of Bitters
Sure, bitters make cocktails taste great. But that’s just the start.
Is That Really Your Sister Calling?
How hackers and technology will evolve together.
How Linear Perspective Made Florence’s Famed Dome Possible
Learn how a mirror and a painting helped design Brunelleschi’s Dome in this excerpt from “Proof!” by Amir Alexander.
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
How Serena Williams Destroyed A Drone With A Tennis Ball
Tennis legend Serena Williams hits the court to face off with a drone in this excerpt from Randall Munroe’s “How To.”
Questions About Crows? We’ve Got You Covered
Corvid researcher Kaeli Swift answers your questions about funeral practices, grudges, and other feats of intellect.
How To See Like A Bird
This lab is developing new methods to visualize the unseen spectrum of bird plumage.