Articles
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
From Atop an Ecuadorian Peak, an Epiphany About Nature
An excerpt from “The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World.”
A Vaginal Ecologist’s Crusade Against HIV in Women
Sharon Hillier is using her expertise in women’s nether regions to bring an HIV-prevention drug—targeting females—to market.
An Origami Bunny, Made From DNA
Researchers have developed a method to build tiny structures out of DNA based on 3-D polygonal shapes created with a computer.
A Corpse Flower Blooms in Denver
The putrid odor of a large tropical plant has begun wafting through the Denver Botanic Gardens—and visitors are lining up to inhale deeply.
Does Sound Affect the Way We Taste?
Research suggests that sound is the “forgotten sense” when it comes to how we perceive flavors.
SciFri Book Club Meetup
Meet the author of “The Soul of a New Machine” at Google’s New York City headquarters.
Quiz: Is This Panda Pregnant?
Take our Panda Pregnancy Test to see how much you know about panda reproduction.
A Drone’s-Eye View Of An Algae Bloom
This picture, shot by a drone, reveals the verdant fingers of a blue-green algae bloom.
The Origin Of The Word ‘Thermometer’
The term first appeared in an early “puzzle book” full of scientific brainteasers.
Join the SciFri Book Club This Summer
This August, the SciFri Book Club reads Tracy Kidder’s love letter to computer engineers, “The Soul of a New Machine.” Here’s how to participate.
The Curious Case Of The Blue Morpho Butterflies
Biologists are using the medley of blues and browns in these wings to help them understand butterfly wing development.
A Wave Break In The Clouds
These picturesque clouds reveal a particular kind of turbulence in the atmosphere.
How Silver-Haired Ants Beat The Desert Heat
Ant-Man’s cool. But this ant is cooler, thanks to metallic-looking hairs that help it beat the African desert heat.
Looks Fishy, Tastes Fishy. But Where’s the Fish?
For vegetarians, allergy sufferers, and the epicurious among us, chefs are getting creative with seafood substitutes.
What Do You Know About Science?
Unleash the geek, and let us know how familiar you are with a variety of scientific concepts.
Well, Hello, Pluto!
Our most up-close-and-personal shot of the (dwarf) planet yet.