Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
These Infographics Show ‘The Way to Go’
When it comes to explaining how modern transportation infrastructure works, Kate Ascher prefers to show, not tell.
Llareta, One of the Oldest Living Plants in the World
This hard-as-a-rock South American cushion plant can live thousands of years.
Behold the Buckeye Dragon Mite
A newly discovered mite from Ohio is reminiscent of the caterpillar-like dragons of Chinese New Year fame.
An Unexplored Island in Mozambique
An excerpt from “A Window on Eternity” by E.O. Wilson.
The Sounds of Space, in Indie Music
A new compilation of indie rock music includes sounds collected from the Voyager space missions.
Practice Eye of Yesteryear
The instrument is an early version of a training device popularized by optometrists.
Yogurt, Breakfast of Champions?
Research suggests that yogurt containing active bacterial cultures could have multiple health benefits.
Gecko-Inspired Adhesive
A reusable tape made of micro fibers has the remarkable ability to self-clean.
An Artist Memorializes Frogs’ Struggle for Survival
Artist Brandon Ballengée’s portraits of deformed frogs turn scientific specimens into “stained glass windows.”
Robot Roundup
From personal assisting, to search and rescue operations, to laparoscopic surgery, robots are becoming an ever-growing part of human life.
The ‘Breadcrumb Sponge’
This sea sponge challenges a popular idea of what triggered the evolution of animal life on earth.
10 Questions for Walter Robinson, Polar Vortex Pioneer
Don’t blame the polar vortex for this winter’s cold weather woes.
What’s the Cosmic Microwave Background?
The universe’s oldest light is one of the great pieces of evidence for the Big Bang.
Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have a Winner
Kai Sander’s photograph of a snowy cornfield was the audience favorite in SciFri’s Winter Nature Photo Contest.
Estimate Pi by Dropping Sticks
A simulator based on one of the oldest problems in geometrical probability approximates pi.
Dispatches from SXSW Interactive 2014
SciFri is in Austin to check out the latest in innovation.
How Scientists Are Learning to Read Our Minds
An excerpt from “The Future of the Mind.”