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Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
The Many Emotions Of Animals
In this excerpt of “Mama’s Last Hug” by Frans de Waal, learn about the animals that express gratitude, seek revenge, and are even hopeful.
Celebrating 150 Years Of The Periodic Table Of Elements
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, Ira opens up the Science Friday vaults to share tales of chemical discovery and creation.
The Secrets Of The Extraordinary Human Skeleton
From shoulders to skulls, learn how our bones made humans unique in this excerpt from “Skeleton Keys” by Riley Black.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Humor’
From pseudoscience to Shakespeare, it’s no laughing matter.
The Moments After Chernobyl Blew
First responders arrive at the crippled nuclear power station in this excerpt from ‘Midnight in Chernobyl’ by Adam Higginbotham.
The Origin Of ‘The Five-Second Rule’
It has to do with Genghis Khan and Julia Child.
The Art And History Shaped By Volcanic Winters
Volcanoes have a long and storied history of altering the course of human culture.
Why You Can’t Bring A Jar Of Peanut Butter On A Plane—And Other Illusive Liquids
Peanut butter’s thick, sticky spread is not a solid, but a liquid. Explore the many curious properties of fluid materials that can be tricky to grasp.
How Should You Prepare For Disaster?
Two disaster preparedness experts share tips on what to put in your “runny-sack.”
Make A Donation On #WorldRadioDay
This #worldradioday, become a Science Friday sustaining donor and receive a special pin so you can wear your commitment to science, quality journalism, and public media!
The Origin Of The Word ‘Chocolate’
Every day, people around the word are speaking a tiny bit of the native language Nahuat.
Put Saturn’s Ring On It With Science Valentines
There’s only one way to say ‘I love you’ in 2019: with science.
Unfolding Stories In Maps Of The Grand Canyon
View historic maps of the Grand Canyon that tell tales of exploration of the national park.
‘You Press The Button.’ The Rest Is History.
You thought the hand-wringing around cell phone cameras was bad? Learn how controversial even adding a button to cameras was in this excerpt from Rachel Plotnick’s “Power Button.”
Trekking Around The World With Ira
Wish you were here! Ira gives us a little taste of local science as he travels the world.
The Geologists Who Control Lava
The molten material can be a menace of destruction in nature, but a geologist and an artist are investigating how it maneuvers.
SciFri Extra: Charly Evon Simpson On ‘Behind The Sheet’
In this extended interview, playwright Charly Evon Simpson discusses the enslaved women whose bodies paved the way for modern gynecology.
