Ira Flatow

Host and executive producer of Science Friday

Ira Flatow appears in the following:

How The COVID-19 Vaccine Was Developed And Is Being Distributed

Friday, January 15, 2021

The science behind how the COVID-19 vaccine was developed, and what it means for future vaccination efforts.

COVID Fact Check, Aging Cells, News Roundup

Friday, January 08, 2021

What the latest coronavirus variants might mean to control the pandemic. Plus, a new study suggests it may be possible to reprogram cellular aging.

Fundamentals of Physics, Giant Ancient Birds, 2021 Space Outlook

Friday, January 08, 2021

Theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek explores the existence of new particles, and why they matter. Plus, new research sheds light on ancient giant, toothed birds. 

They Might Be Giants, Animal Sounds Quiz, Luxury Ostrich Eggs

Friday, January 01, 2021

A trip into the Science Friday archives for a visit from the band They Might Be Giants. Plus, deciphering the ornate status symbols of Bronze and Iron age elite. 

Christmas Bird Count, Black Birders Week, Science Diction: Vaccine

Friday, January 01, 2021

The annual Christmas Bird Count is still on—how the century-old community science project is guiding scientists. The origin of the word ‘vaccine’ stretches back to a disease and a cow.

2020 In Review, Charismatic Tubeworms, Dog Evolution. Dec 25, 2020

Friday, December 25, 2020

A look back at some of the top science stories of 2020. Plus, we dive into the weird and beautiful of tubeworms. And evolutionary biologists explain how dogs evolved to be pets.

Indigenous Astronomy, Auroras, Inclusive Science

Friday, December 25, 2020

Traditional knowledge can help connect young people to both science and indigenous culture. Plus, shifting magnetic field lines allow the aurora be seen far south of the Arctic.

Black Holes, Scallop Die-off, River Sound Map

Friday, December 18, 2020

Astronomer Janna Levin takes readers on a journey into black holes and their physics. Plus, researchers are scrambling to understand Long Island’s shellfish die-off.

Future Of Climate Change, Tongue Microbiome

Friday, December 18, 2020

Here’s why looking back at CO2 levels from millions of years ago can help us understand the next few hundred. Plus, a look at the microbiome of the tongue.

Virtual Worlds And Wildfire Health Effects

Friday, December 04, 2020

SciFri used to have a community in Second Life. What happened after we abandoned them? And, the long-term health effects of wildfires.

David Attenborough, China’s Moon Mission, COVID Approved In U.K.

Friday, December 04, 2020

David Attenborough joins Ira Flatow to call attention to wonder—and peril—in the natural world. Plus, China’s lunar sample return mission.

Ig Nobel Prizes and Koji Alchemy

Friday, November 27, 2020

While the Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony might seem different this year, its celebration of strange and silly science remains. Plus, fermenting with a fungus—koji.

Your Cheese’s Microbiome, COVID Reinfection Questions, Future Of Meat

Friday, November 27, 2020

Meet two scientists working to disrupt the meat industry. And what we know about COVID reinfection, and what that might mean for vaccine-based immunity.

Roman Mars, Disinformation, Ancient Female Big Game Hunters

Friday, November 20, 2020

Roman Mars talks about the often overlooked details built into our cities. And in Peru, a team of researchers uncovered a 9,000-year-old burial site of a possible female big game hunter.

Famous Arecibo Observatory Decommissioned, Biden’s Climate Change Plan. Nov 20, 2020, Part 1

Friday, November 20, 2020

The NSF decommissioned the radio observatory after major damage. Plus, Joe Biden has promised a lot, like investing $400 billion in clean energy in the next decade. But can he deliver?

Body Temperature, COVID Vaccines, Dog Genomics

Friday, November 13, 2020

Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine candidate passes an important test. But there are many questions left to answer. Plus, some studies show that average human body temperature may be getting cooler.

Biden’s COVID Transition Team, Election Drug Policy Reform

Friday, November 13, 2020

Joe Biden’s first action as president-elect is to announce a coronavirus task force. Plus, both red and blue states approved drug reform in last week’s election. 

Climate Policy And The Election, COVID Winter Forecast, Murder Hornets

Friday, November 06, 2020

Now that we’re a year into the pandemic, what have we learned and how can we plan for next year? Plus, a look at the outcome of some races in areas affected by climate change. 

Ancient Algae, COVID Holidays, Accessible Pregnancy Test

Friday, November 06, 2020

There’s no way to have a safe in-person gathering this holiday season, but here’s how to weigh the risks. Plus, designing an accessible pregnancy test for people with visual impairments.

Book Club Finale And Floating Nuclear Plants

Friday, October 30, 2020

Author Nisi Shawl leads a conversation about how science and science fiction can be re-imagined. And a decades-old idea for floating nuclear power plants in the U.S. comes around again.