Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
What’s The Most Important Science Issue To You In Your State?
Tell us what local science issue you care most about!
The Problem With The Plasma
In this excerpt from “Nine Pints,” Rose George explains how issues with the 1970s American plasma led to a contaminated supply.
Welcome To The Bone Room
Biologist and functional morphologist Steve Huskey has nothing to hide, despite the hundreds of skeletons in his closet.
The Logic Of Blame
When it comes to blame and logic, it may be more useful to understand the system rather than the individual.
The Pursuit Of ‘Pure’ Food
Nineteenth century milk sellers used formaldehyde to preserve their product. Just how far have food regulations come?
Science Friday Live In The Sunshine State
On Saturday November 17, we’re heading to Tampa, Florida to soak up the local science.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Alcohol’
“The cause of (and solution to) all life’s problems” is derived from Arabic. But the word ‘alcohol’ originally referred to a method of manufacturing makeup, among other things.
Pakistan Faces A Water War On The Horizon
In his new book, Jeff Nesbit unpacks the rising political tensions between India and Pakistan as a critical water source begins to shrivel up. Will it trigger a nuclear war?
The Origin Of The Word ‘Meme’
What does LOLcats have to do with evolutionary biology?
Deep Dive: An Expedition With Skype A Scientist And Professor Pete
On October 20th in NYC, join Skype a Scientist and Science Friday on an expedition into Earth’s deepest oceans.
Science Friday Live In Thousand Oaks
On Saturday, October 13, Science Friday heads to Thousand Oaks, California to learn about local science.
A Day With Fossil Hunters
Science Friday treks with paleontologists on the fossil hunt in Utah’s dusty canyons.
How Did A Computer Beat A Chess Grandmaster?
Some say Garry Kasparov was more than capable of defeating Deep Blue—but he underestimated the ability of the algorithm.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Quarantine’
‘Trentino’ just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
The Biology Behind Our Emotions
In his new book “The Disordered Mind,” neuroscientist Eric Kandel explores how we control our emotions.
Celebrating ‘A Brief History Of Time’ With Cocktails, Physics, And Poetry
For the 30th anniversary of ‘A Brief History of Time,’ SciFri threw a party.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Cocaine’
It’s a tale of a leaf, a graduate student, and alkaloid science.
Presenting The ‘Brief History Of Time’ Artist Challenge Winners
We challenged artists to interpret Hawking’s classic book. They did not disappoint.