Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
How Big (Or Small) Is The Universe?
“One shouldn’t envy the universe just because it’s big. We’re big, too.” Theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek contemplates the idea of space.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2020
2020 has been a remarkable and difficult year. Science Friday staff and listeners reflect on the most inspirational and impactful science stories of the year.
David Attenborough: To Save The Earth, Rethink The Economy
In Attenborough’s new book, he imagines a world economy that resembles the Amazon rainforest rather than one that values growth at all costs.
Tapping Into The Slime Mind
From ant colonies to single-celled slime mold, biologist Audrey Dussutour explores the wonders of animal cognition.
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The Complicated Sex Lives Of Butterflies
It involves these large, elaborate mating plugs.
Oregon Voters Decriminalize Possessing Illegal Drugs
The ballot measure makes personally possessing small amounts of drugs a civil violation, while also providing addiction services funding.
South Dakota Voters Pass Marijuana Measures
The federal government may still prohibit the drug, but South Dakota joins the many states who have legalized or decriminalized it.
Exploring New Suns With The SciFri Book Club
Join Science Friday and Brooklyn Public Library for a new event series—we’re pairing authors with scientific experts for a speculative fiction deep dive.
These Amazing STEM Educators Are Going Above And Beyond
Here’s the quick and comforting cup of hope you’re looking for—inspiring educators share STEM lessons and tidbits of wisdom.
Must Read List Of Speculative Fiction By Writers Of Color
The SciFri Book Club team and writers of color recommend some of their favorite novels, podcasts, anthologies, and films by diverse creators.
Witnessing Environmental Change From Space
From deforestation to algal blooms, NASA earth scientist Africa Flores-Anderson monitors the planet through satellite images and data.
What The Brain Inherits
A neuroscientist shares her pursuit to understand the brain and how our parents’ experiences live on in us.
What It’s Like To Be A Science Teacher In A Pandemic
STEM educators across the country share their strategies, challenges, and experiences teaching during the COVID crisis.
The Legend Of Death Walking
In this excerpt of the short story ‘The Shadow We Cast Through Time,’ a mysterious entity on a far-off planet transforms human colonists into demonic creatures.
Read People’s Strange (And Similar) Pandemic Dreams
Dream researcher Dierdre Barrett has been collecting COVID dreams since March. Find out about the surprisingly common themes in dreams during the pandemic.
How This Astronomer Discovered A New Type Of Galaxy
Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil talks how she got into astronomy and the path that led her to getting a new type of galaxy named after her.
How Do You Solve A Problem Named Hydrox?
Before Oreo, there was a nearly identical cookie on the market. A much-loved cookie with a terrible name.
They Burned All Their Ships
In Alberto Yanez’s short story ‘Burn the Ships,’ the Aztec people of Mexico reanimate the dead to fight their conquerors.