Ira Flatow

Host and executive producer of Science Friday

Ira Flatow appears in the following:

How Grief Rewires The Brain, New Cancer Therapy, Olympic Heated Skiing Shorts

Friday, February 11, 2022

A neuroscientist explores the science behind heartache. Plus, an immunotherapy has given two patients a decade of remission. And heated shorts keep Olympians’ skiers muscles warm.

Science Advisor Resigns, COVID Drug Treatments, Science Drag Artists

Friday, February 11, 2022

Two new drugs have emerged as treatments for people with COVID-19. Here’s how they work. Plus, meet drag performers who use social media to bring science to a wider audience.

Phasing Out “Problematic” Plastics, Sticky Surface Science, Monarch Boom

Friday, February 04, 2022

Companies pledge to stop making hard-to-recycle materials. Plus, western monarch populations have rebounded exponentially from a terrifyingly low. But will the good times last?

Brain Donation, Meat And Human Evolution, Bird Song, Space Station Retirement

Friday, February 04, 2022

Brain donations are still the gold standard in neuroscience research. Plus, meat-eating might not have been responsible for a pivotal moment in human evolution two million years ago. 

Epstein-Barr Virus and MS, Agrivoltaics, Ag School Influence, Social Cues From S

Friday, January 21, 2022

A new study suggests Epstein-Barr virus triggers MS. Plus, a farming method combines solar, plants, and water. And small children use subtle cues to determine those closest to them. 

Airborne eDNA, Beetle Jumps, Wordle Psychology, City Pigeons

Friday, January 21, 2022

Scientists discover new jumping behavior in some beetles. Plus, researchers use air samples to identify the species of animals. And why pigeons are more than just rats with wings.

Science Friday 2022-01-21

Friday, January 21, 2022

TEASE

Historic Big Bang Debate, Black Hole Sounds, Plant DNA Mutations

Friday, January 14, 2022

The origins of the Big Bang Theory. Plus, some parts of plant genomes mutate more often—suggesting it may be time to rethink evolution. And every black hole has a unique sonic signature.

Omicron And Kids, Ivermectin Origins, Icefish Nests

Friday, January 14, 2022

What's behind the rise in omicron cases in kids? Plus, scientists mapping the waters near Antarctica discovered a new—and massive— colony of the unusual icefish. 

Science Friday 2022-01-14

Friday, January 14, 2022

TEASE

Omicron News, COVID Severity Questions, Bird Count

Friday, January 07, 2022

What you need to know about tests and quarantine guidelines in the face of Omicron. Plus, as the Christmas Bird Count wraps up, what can the data tell us about the future of the species?

Pizza Science, Remembering E.O. Wilson And Richard Leakey

Friday, January 07, 2022

A former Microsoft exec made over 12,000 pies to investigate the science of the perfect slice. Plus, remembering the legacies of E. O. Wilson and Richard Leakey. 

Celebration Of Weird Ice, Non-Melting,Former NIH Director Reflects On His Tenure

Friday, December 31, 2021

What can studying the unusual forms of ice found at the Earth’s poles teach us about distant worlds? Plus, former NIH director Francis Collins reflects on his long tenure.

Best Science Books Of 2021, Glitter Bad For Environment

Friday, December 31, 2021

We review the best science books of 2021. Plus, chemists have developed a new way to make eco-friendly glitter from plant fibers.

American Chestnut, ‘Don’t Look Down’ Movie, Aurora Electrons

Friday, December 24, 2021

The American chestnut towered in forests, then disappeared. Now, it’s staging a comeback. Plus, how disaster movies play in understanding the challenges facing humanity.

Looking Back On A Century Of Science, Holiday Math

Friday, December 24, 2021

A look back on 100 years of scientific discoveries and missteps, through the archives of the magazine Science News. Plus, some tips on adding math to your holiday merriment.

Vocal Fry, Indigenous Tribes And The Colorado River, Year In Space

Friday, December 10, 2021

Vocal fry has been around for ages. Why are people suddenly so bothered by it? Plus, as the Colorado River gets drier, tribal concerns grow. And, the year in space.

Michael Pollan On Mind-Altering Plants, A Second Pandemic Winter

Friday, December 10, 2021

Author Michael Pollan examines opium, caffeine, and mescaline in his new book on the mind-altering powers of plants. Plus, how America is preparing for another pandemic winter.

Omicron Variant, Quantum Computing, Xenobots, SciFri Trivia

Friday, December 03, 2021

Scientists rush to understand the latest COVID-19 variant of concern. Plus, a primer on the disruptive technology of quantum computing. And a new generation of ‘xenobots.'

Ralph Nader On 55 Years Of Car Safety, Spinal Cord Research, Omicron And Travel

Friday, December 03, 2021

Auto safety has drastically advanced in the past 50 years, thanks in part to Ralph Nader’s work and advocacy. Plus, new drug reverses paralysis in mice with spinal cord injuries.