Articles
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
Celebrate Spring At The Orchid Social
On April 9 in New York City, join Ira Flatow for a Science Friday garden party.
The History Of Ice Skates
From bones to blades, they just don’t make ice skates like they used to.
The ‘Murderous’ Medical Practice Of The 18th Century
For centuries, people thought mercury was a safe, easy remedy for everything from melancholy to syphilis.
The Mystery Of The Namibian Fairy Circles
The strange circles that dot the desert in Southern Africa have stumped scientists for decades. But math and ecology might have an answer.
Meet The Father Of Modern Skyscrapers
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world—but the design techniques that make it possible are more than a century old.
Get In The Love-y, Dove-y, Science-y Valentines Spirit
Share these punny science valentines with the special scientist in your life.
The Real Scientific Revolution Behind ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s classic novel was written in a world where the dead twitched.
What You Said: How Does ‘Frankenstein’ Fit Into Your Modern Life?
Mary Shelley’s novel turns 200 this year, but its lessons are far from old.
Science Facts: GMOs
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t believe GMOs can be safe.
What You Said: Was Dr. Victor Frankenstein A Good Scientist?
And what makes a “good” scientist, anyway? SciFri listeners weigh in.
Uber, But For Scientists
The gig economy isn’t just for graphic designers and Uber drivers. Some scientists are forsaking academia—and not always by choice.
How Jellyfish Helped A Marine Biologist Find Her Calling
Juli Berwald recounts not the not-so-straight path that led to her work as a marine biologist.
Science Facts: Vaccines
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t “believe” in vaccinating their children.
What You Said: Frankenstein, Today
SciFri listeners weigh in on Frankenstein, Silicon Valley’s tech monsters, and the ethics of modern inventions.
Introducing ‘Science Facts’
We’re teaming up with the Reynolds Journalism Institute to help you have conversations about climate change and more.
Science Facts: Climate Change
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t “believe” in climate change.
The Scientist And His Monster
Atop icy Mont Blanc, Victor Frankenstein is confronted by his creation.
The Unexpected Pollinator Of The Cocoa Tree
From South Africa to the Arctic, flies play a role in the pollination of flowering plants—including the crop the provides one of our favorite candies.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2017
The Science Friday staff share some of their favorite stories they made this year.
Have Yourself A Mathy Little Christmas
Tips for a geometrically superior holiday season.