Stories
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science.
The Tornado Science Of ‘Twisters’ And A Real Life ‘Dune’ Stillsuit
A meteorologist decodes the tornado science in the new ‘Twisters’ sequel, and researchers made a spacesuit inspired by the one from ‘Dune.’
‘Twisters’ Highlights The Turbulent Language Of Twin Tornadoes
Comparing clusters of tornadoes is a tricky task for researchers and could affect their ability to predict these superstorms.
Finding Community As A Black Woman In Shark Science
In her book “Sharks Don’t Sink,” Jasmin Graham describes what it was like to find other shark scientists like herself on Twitter.
Breaking Down The U.S. Drug Shortage Problem
There are hundreds of ongoing drug shortages in the U.S. Generic drugs, particularly injectables, are most affected.
A Note From Ira About Science Friday’s New Co-Host Role
SciFri is hiring a co-host to help shape the next chapter of the show.
Journey Down The Colorado River With Melissa L. Sevigny: Author Q&A
On July 18, we’ll discuss Melissa L. Sevigny’s book on Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter’s botany surveying trip down the Colorado in 1938.
The Best Summer Science Books Of 2024
Discover new science reads for this summer with two authors familiar with the best books on the shelf.
Two Last Names: Reflections From A Colombian Astronomer
Countries across Latin America have very different struggles, and successes, in producing and retaining astronomy talent.
Climbing High To See A Rainforest’s Connection To Rain
Through his visit to the Amazon tall tower observatory in Brazil, author Ferris Jabr explains how microbes change the weather.
The Feat Of Building The World’s Largest Telescope
The Extremely Large Telescope is under construction on a mountaintop in Chile’s Atacama Desert. It could revolutionize astronomy.
‘Inside Out 2’ And The Psychology Behind Teenage Angst
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make the film more scientifically accurate to how a teenager’s mind works.
He Found A Bizarre Octopus, But No One Believed Him
In 1990, diver Arcadio Rodaniche’s findings about a highly social octopus were dismissed. Decades later, his work was validated.
Latina Space Scientists Want To Stop Being The Exception
Three leaders in space science from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina on battling sexism and innovating in their fields.
What Cephalopod Are You? Take The Quiz!
Are you an old soul? A giant genius? Answer these 8 questions to find out which cephalopod is most like you.
How AI Supercharges Drug Research
Machine learning can quickly analyze millions of compounds, helping researchers bring drugs to clinical trials sooner.
What Will Emerge From The Wreckage Of The Arecibo Telescope?
In 2020, Puerto Rico’s massive Arecibo radio telescope collapsed. The research facility may now be on the cusp of a new chapter.
The Bird Call That Music Producers Love To Use In Pop Songs
The eerie calls of the common loons have been heard in songs by Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and more.
How Messenger RNA Made The COVID Vaccines Possible
In his new book, “The Catalyst,” Dr. Thomas Cech describes how mRNA in the COVID vaccines encodes the virus’s spike protein.
What Listening To The Ocean’s Sounds Can Teach Us
For many marine creatures, sound may be the best way to communicate and learn about the world. Humans have just started listening in.
A History Of Turning Minds Into Battlegrounds
Author Annalee Newitz shows how stories can be weapons if they can change human behavior—whether in the street or in the voting booth.