Ira Flatow

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, Ira opens up the Science Friday vaults to share tales of chemical discovery and creation.

A new book tells the story of how our skeletons evolved to look they way they do. Plus, why gene therapy—not bone marrow transplants—could be a step in neutralizing HIV worldwide.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine talks about agency ambitions beyond planet Earth. Plus, using the types of lichens living in a patch of forest as an indicator of ecological health.

A new book tells the story of the missteps that led to the Chernobyl disaster. Plus, scientists take a closer look at the secrets of the strange, white-blooded Antarctic icefish.

Scientists are synthesizing genomes to better understand DNA—and create new medicines and fuels. Plus China won’t take our sub-par plastics anymore. What’s next for your recycling plant?

Do black holes emit a sort of cosmic wind? Plus, the worst flood in California history was once thought to be incredibly rare. But new data—and climate change—are changing the equations.

Four telescope projects have been nominated to be NASA’s next great observatory. But who will win? Plus, a privately funded lander from Israel, and the physics of grapes in a microwave.

What are the consequences of dramatic declines of insect populations? Plus, a materials scientist takes a look at the science behind many of the liquids we encounter every day.

We wrap up a winter of exploring 'The Fifth Season,' learning how volcanologists research lava flows and crater tremors, and even diving into the center of the earth.

A new play introduces us to the enslaved women whose bodies paved the way for modern gynecology. Plus, the moon may have gotten its pockmarked appearance more recently than you think.

The SciFri Book Club tackles ‘The Fifth Season.’ Plus, the idea of a Green New Deal has existed for more than a decade. But what would it actually look like in practice?

We take a look at the effect of the partial government shutdown on scientists. Plus, a smartphone app that can detect body changes that might indicate a potential opioid overdose.

Did you know a runner’s heart is different from a weightlifter’s? How does exercise shape and condition your heart? Plus, new studies shed light on the inner workings of black holes.

How do moving crowds change when they behave predictably, and when they don’t? Plus, how do low-carb, high-protein, and calorie-counting guidelines affect your metabolism?

Science Friday celebrates winter birds and the people who love them.

We recap the year in science news, from wildfires to space probes to CRISPR, and check back in with a few of the State of Science stories from this year.

Learn about the physician at the Hamilton-Burr duel, who also founded the first botanical garden in the U.S. Plus, we'll discuss the next target of the New Horizons space probe.

What the crack down on fetal cell research means for the field. Plus, taking pleasure from someone else’s pain may make you feel like a jerk, but it’s a very natural emotion.