Ira Flatow

A look at the pollinating ‘personalities’ of insects. Then, some tips for first-time beekeepers. And using crowdsourced data to examine the effects of pesticides on pollinators.

Intriguing results from the LHC have some theoretical physicists eyeing what might lie beyond the Standard Model. Then, what if a change in diet could cattle produce less methane? 

We look at effects of climate change on springtime—from allergy season to flower coloration. Plus, the intersection of housing law with the COVID pandemic.

Decades into the era of Big Data, researchers are calling for reforms in privacy, predictive algorithms, and more. Plus, a look at the science of rainbows.

Some scientists are using social media to tackle COVID-19 myths and answer your questions. Plus, our understanding of psychology has evolved since Jung coined the term “introvert.”

There’s huge variety in how sharks and rays make babies. Plus, problems with the outdated water infrastructure in Jackson, MS. And a look at how to build a giant telescope mirror.

Biological anthropologist Shara Bailey talks through your teeth questions. Plus, choosing when to end a conversation is a perplexing psychological problem.

Small amounts of all drugs are now legal in Oregon, but officials are debating if it’s a good idea. Plus, hunters in Wisconsin killed nearly twice the allowed quota of gray wolves.

While power has been mostly restored, journalists report Texans are water shortages, housing damage, and crop losses. Plus, a conversation with NASA’s first Senior Climate Advisor.

How an unfair vaccine rollout threatens global health—and could prolong the pandemic for everyone. And what role does sleep play in memory? Researchers look to lucid dreams for clues.

Anthony Fauci sheds light on vaccines, variants, and a return to normalcy. Plus, looking into an ancient mummy mystery, and a roundup of the week’s science news.

The Human Genome Project is 20 years old. What lessons have we learned from it? Plus, researchers are dissecting fish eyes to uncover what they’ve been eating. 

As coronavirus variants spread, the CDC is now recommending wearing two masks at once. Plus, the Perseverance rover is just a week away from its new home on Mars.

In December 2020, a COVID-19 relief package returned 18,800 acres of bison range to Indigenous management. Plus, ancient cities give a new perspective on the rise of urban centers.

Vaccines are being tested against new variants of the coronavirus. Plus, Biden's appointee for energy justice talks moving to clean energy without leaving the most vulnerable behind.

President Biden’s COVID-19 relief plan aims to give 100 million vaccinations in 100 days. Plus, scientists are uncovering clues about medieval life from the bones of ordinary people. 

SciFri listeners called with questions ranging from how antibodies work to who should get jabbed. A microbiologist provides the answers. Plus, the difficulties of studying the placenta.

Astrophysicist Avi Loeb says evidence of aliens has been closer than we think. Plus, a look at how coronavirus researchers are faring. And a newly-described orange bat from Africa.

A farming technique could make soils better at capturing carbon. Plus, seven years after Flint’s water crisis, many cities are realizing they too have a lead plumbing problem.

Climate scientist Michael Mann explains corporate change is needed to prevent a climate crisis. Plus, how folklore analysis can help us identify—and defang—conspiracy theories.