One hundred fifty-some years ago, the London cholera epidemic changed how we fight infectious disease and gave birth to the field of epidemiology. Can the lessons learned from the epidemic help us with modern bioterrorism? Join Ira Flatow in this hour of Science Friday for a look back at the epidemic with author Steven Johnson. His new book 'The Ghost Map' looks at the work of pioneering epidemiologist John Snow and the medical detective work that helped stop London's cholera outbreak.

Plus, an anthropologist searches for Sasquatch. We'll look at the evidence for (and against) the existence of Bigfoot with author and scientist Jeff Meldrum. Are there animals hiding in the woods that we know nothing about?

Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Steven Johnson
Author "The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic...." (Riverhead Books, 2006)
Brooklyn, New York

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D. Jeffrey Meldrum
Author "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science" (Forge Books, 2006)
Associate Professor, Anatomy and Anthropology
Idaho State University
Research Associate, Idaho Museum of Natural History
Pocatello, Idaho

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science" by D. Jeffrey Meldrum. Forge Books, 2006.

"The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic...." by Steven Johnson. Riverhead Books, 2006.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Annette Heist