Rasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.
While studying wildlife conservation at Virginia Tech, Rasha realized that she had way more fun talking about science than actually doing it. She then pivoted into journalism and has since written for outlets like Science, Smithsonian, and The Guardian. Before coming to SciFri, she worked for NPR’s Short Wave and Science Vs from Gimlet Media.
When Rasha isn’t nerding out about science, you can find her on an outdoorsy adventure, reading, or trying (and failing) to leash train her cat.
17:01
The Sweet Song Of The Largest Tree On Earth
The ancient Pando tree inspired a sound artist to record the leviathan’s many movements.
7:33
Saliva: The Unsung Hero Of Taste
Scientists are beginning to unravel saliva’s role in taste perception. Plus, a few fun experiments at home to put your saliva to the test.
26:21
Who Will Win The Rat Race?
Ridding cities of the rats that love them is an age-old problem.
12:17
Dirty Diapers Reveal How Germy Babies’ Microbiomes Are
A new study found 10,000 virus species in baby poo.
11:14
Why Climate Activists Are Turning To Drastic Measures
To express their urgency, climate activists are increasingly turning to more disruptive acts of civil disobedience.
10:21
How The Cherokee Nation Is Saving Culturally Significant Seeds
The Cherokee Nation seed bank distributed nearly 10,000 heirloom seed packets to its citizens last year.
24:24
The Long Legacy Of The Alpha Wolf Myth
Despite being scientifically debunked almost 25 years ago, the idea of a “top dog” still shows up in our everyday lives.
8:38
Farm Fertilizers Can Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’ From Sewage
Dangerous chemicals called PFAS, are now ubiquitous, contaminating waste that ends up on farm fields.
17:07
Make It Easier To Be Green. Show Frogs Some Love
Make your spaces safer for frogs or contribute to citizen science projects to help study them.
5:20
Workout Worms May Reveal New Parkinson’s Treatments
Scientists built an exercise pool for tiny worms in an effort to better understand the role of exercise on neurodegeneration.