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Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
The Story of Saliva
Why do newborns drool excessively? How many pints of saliva does a person generate daily? (Hint, it’s more than one.) And more spit mysteries excerpted from “Gulp: Adventures Down the Alimentary Canal.”
Will There Be Another Ice Age?
If carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, we likely have a long thaw ahead of us.
Milkweed for Monarchs
People can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed, a plant the insects rely on for breeding and feeding.
What Scared the Fearless Woman?
Patients once considered insensitive to fear can experience the sensation in response to internal triggers, a new study shows.
What’s in a Label?
A new book looks at how the way we think and behave can be shaped by forces we aren’t aware of.
Mama’s Boys, Black Sheep, and Peacekeepers
An excerpt from “The Bonobo and the Atheist.”
Would Usain Bolt Run More Slowly With the Name Usain Plod?
This excerpt from “Drunk Tank Pink” explores whether names affect major life outcomes.
Building the Future of SciFri
A number of listeners have asked us what the end of “Talk of the Nation” means for us.
How to Get 6,000 People to Talk Science
Bill Nye and I were on a panel discussing how to tell stories about science.
Scene in the Sonoran
Science Friday hits the desert trail to take in some springtime sights.
11 Things You Didn’t Know About Saguaro Cacti
Were you aware that saguaros are black market commodities? Here’re some other cool cactus facts.
Black Bear for the Win
Jim Stroner’s shot of a bear emerging from its den wins our 2013 Winter Nature Photo Contest.
Pi Day Mashup
It’s Pi Day (and Einstein’s birthday). Celebrate with this mix of tributes to the telltale Greek letter that symbolizes that endless number.
Wildlife Portraits by Our Photo Contest Judge
Clay Bolt, co-founder of the Meet Your Neighbours photo project, shares some of his shots.
Painting by Insects
For a unique artistic style, there’s nothing like an insect’s feet to get the job done.
Vote for the Winner of the Winter Nature Photo Contest
Pick your favorite photo from the 11 finalists.
Meet the Judge of Our Winter Nature Photo Contest
Photographer Clay Bolt helps choose finalists out of hundreds of submissions.
What Are the Drivers of Global Change?
An excerpt from “The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change.”