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. Rasha is the inaugural Outrider/Burroughs Wellcome Fund Fellow.
12:09
UFOs? Balloons? Spy Cams? Here’s What’s Going On
And no, they’re not aliens. Yet. Plus, how AI is being used in drug development, and the startups trying to remove methane from the air.
12:13
Eyes In The Sky: The Science Behind Modern Balloons
Balloons can be used to study the weather, explore near space, and spy on other countries.
44:11
Rethinking The Future Of Dementia Care
The number of people with dementia will triple in the next 30 years, prompting conversations about how healthcare systems can cope.
16:59
’The Last Of Us’ Hands Fungi The Spotlight
After watching the new TV series, a mycologist answers your questions about what fungi can really do, and how they shape our lives.
12:18
Meet The Blind Birder Reimagining Accessibility In The Outdoors
In the Colombian Andes, a professional birder has developed trails to help visually disabled people take part in hiking and birding.
17:03
In ‘The Terraformers,’ Science Fiction Reveals Real-World Challenges
In “The Terraformers,” author Annalee Newitz takes readers on a multigenerational adventure to transform a planet.
12:18
Conozca al observador de aves ciego que reimagina la accesibilidad al aire libre
En los Andes colombianos, un observador de aves profesional ha creado senderos para ayudar a los discapacitados visuales a practicar el senderismo y la observación de aves.
11:49
Scientists Deflect A Lightning Strike… With A Laser?
Beaming a high-powered laser into the sky might be a more effective way to control lightning strikes.
17:02
The Sweet Song Of The $7 Violin
The 3D-printed violins are affordable and still sound beautiful, making them great instruments for young learners.
33:15
Are Animal ‘Pests’ Really The Villains We Make Them Out To Be?
Science writer Bethany Brookshire’s new book tries to untangle why we call some animals “pests.”