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This story is part of The State of Science, a series featuring science stories from public media journalists across the United States. It features reporting by Joe Hong from Gothamist and WNYC.
Every winter, pristine, downy snowflakes transform into a ragout of black, yellow, and brown streaks. And there are probably no dirty snowbanks as disgusting as those that line the streets of New York City.
Investigative reporter Joe Hong dug into some NYC snowbanks to find out just what is lurking in these piles of snow. He speaks to host Flora Lichtman about his findings.
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Segment Guests
Joe Hong
Joe Hong is the investigative data reporter for Gothamist and WNYC based in New York.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.
About Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis is a producer and fill-in host at Science Friday, which means she spends her weeks researching, writing, editing, and sometimes talking into a microphone. She’s always eager to talk about freshwater lakes and Coney Island diners.