Itai Yanai
@itaiyanai.bsky.social
Professor at the NYU School of Medicine (https://yanailab.org/). Co-founder and Director of the Night Science Institute (https://night-science.org/). Co-host of the 'Night Science Podcast' https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-science/id1563415749
Pinned
How does a caterpillar completely dissolve inside its chrysalis, before reconstructing itself in the shape of a butterfly?
“Metamorphosis is wild,” marvels historian Oren Harman in his beautiful new book, which I reviewed for this week's @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Metamorphosis is wild,” marvels historian Oren Harman in his beautiful new book, which I reviewed for this week's @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
December 2, 2025 at 3:55 PM
How does a caterpillar completely dissolve inside its chrysalis, before reconstructing itself in the shape of a butterfly?
“Metamorphosis is wild,” marvels historian Oren Harman in his beautiful new book, which I reviewed for this week's @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Metamorphosis is wild,” marvels historian Oren Harman in his beautiful new book, which I reviewed for this week's @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Itai Yanai
Breakthroughs happen many times when you're able to re-imagine your project as a different form of puzzle.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us for our next Postdoc Night Science session to practice how to get new ideas using "puzzle-switching"! This time we're in Columbia U. on Dec 3 at 5pm.
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Breakthroughs happen many times when you're able to re-imagine your project as a different form of puzzle.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
These are the 10 art classroom rules of Corita Kent (artist, teacher, social justice advocate and nun). They are true for any creative process, especially Rule 8: DON’T TRY TO CREATE AND ANALYZE AT THE SAME TIME. THEY’RE DIFFERENT PROCESSES. (i.e. night science / day science).
December 2, 2025 at 1:50 AM
These are the 10 art classroom rules of Corita Kent (artist, teacher, social justice advocate and nun). They are true for any creative process, especially Rule 8: DON’T TRY TO CREATE AND ANALYZE AT THE SAME TIME. THEY’RE DIFFERENT PROCESSES. (i.e. night science / day science).
Breakthroughs happen many times when you're able to re-imagine your project as a different form of puzzle.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us for our next Postdoc Night Science session to practice how to get new ideas using "puzzle-switching"! This time we're in Columbia U. on Dec 3 at 5pm.
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Breakthroughs happen many times when you're able to re-imagine your project as a different form of puzzle.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
NYC Postdocs: Join us on Wednesday at Columbia University for this exciting Night Science session on puzzle switching! Registration is free and we have a few spots left.
I don't think scientists should work for anyone else. They should work for discovery and for their own curiosity.
– Maria Leptin, ERC President @marialep.bsky.social
(From the episode of the Night Science Podcast coming out next week @nightsciencepod.bsky.social )
– Maria Leptin, ERC President @marialep.bsky.social
(From the episode of the Night Science Podcast coming out next week @nightsciencepod.bsky.social )
December 1, 2025 at 2:21 AM
I don't think scientists should work for anyone else. They should work for discovery and for their own curiosity.
– Maria Leptin, ERC President @marialep.bsky.social
(From the episode of the Night Science Podcast coming out next week @nightsciencepod.bsky.social )
– Maria Leptin, ERC President @marialep.bsky.social
(From the episode of the Night Science Podcast coming out next week @nightsciencepod.bsky.social )
NYC Postdocs: Join us for our next Postdoc Night Science session to practice how to get new ideas using "puzzle-switching"! This time we're in Columbia U. on Dec 3 at 5pm.
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM
NYC Postdocs: Join us for our next Postdoc Night Science session to practice how to get new ideas using "puzzle-switching"! This time we're in Columbia U. on Dec 3 at 5pm.
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
Free registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/1onf... @stearnslab.bsky.social @kelseymonson.bsky.social @jaeseunghahn.bsky.social
Reposted by Itai Yanai
Are you a postdoc in NYC? Come hang out with us at Postdoc Night Science! We are hosting the event at Columbia on Dec 3 at 5PM. Meet other NYC postdocs as well as @itaiyanai.bsky.social & @stearnslab.bsky.social to talk science & creativity! 🧬🧪
Make sure to use the QR code on the poster to sign up!
Make sure to use the QR code on the poster to sign up!
November 23, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Are you a postdoc in NYC? Come hang out with us at Postdoc Night Science! We are hosting the event at Columbia on Dec 3 at 5PM. Meet other NYC postdocs as well as @itaiyanai.bsky.social & @stearnslab.bsky.social to talk science & creativity! 🧬🧪
Make sure to use the QR code on the poster to sign up!
Make sure to use the QR code on the poster to sign up!
PhD students and Postdocs: The Night Science Podcast (@nightsciencepod.bsky.social) is producing an episode highlighting young scientists talking about their creative process. DM me if you'd like us to consider you for this, & read below what PhD student Davis Garner will contribute! ⬇️
November 23, 2025 at 12:27 AM
PhD students and Postdocs: The Night Science Podcast (@nightsciencepod.bsky.social) is producing an episode highlighting young scientists talking about their creative process. DM me if you'd like us to consider you for this, & read below what PhD student Davis Garner will contribute! ⬇️
Reposted by Itai Yanai
One of the most inspiring pods out there 👇🏻
Have you heard about the Night Science Podcast, where we talk about the actual creative process of doing science? We explore this with discussions with brilliant scientists & also philosophers and artists, to figure out the tricks of the creative scientific trade.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
One of the most inspiring pods out there 👇🏻
This was a lot of fun and I'm inspired now to host more night science events in the pub, and even not just with scientists!
We had a fantastic time at the @nightscience.bsky.social workshop yesterday! Postdocs and PhD students explored the creative scientific process. A huge thank you to @itaiyanai.bsky.social for hosting a fantastic workshop and @natgabrielli.bsky.social for organising a great event.
November 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
This was a lot of fun and I'm inspired now to host more night science events in the pub, and even not just with scientists!
Reposted by Itai Yanai
Have you heard about the Night Science Podcast, where we talk about the actual creative process of doing science? We explore this with discussions with brilliant scientists & also philosophers and artists, to figure out the tricks of the creative scientific trade.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
August 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Have you heard about the Night Science Podcast, where we talk about the actual creative process of doing science? We explore this with discussions with brilliant scientists & also philosophers and artists, to figure out the tricks of the creative scientific trade.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
Reposted by Itai Yanai
🌘 Night Science – Postdoc Creativity Evening
Tomorrow, 17:30–19:30 with @itaiyanai.bsky.social & Single Cell Center Heidelberg. Hands-on creativity in science. Few spots left!
🔗 Register: www.eventbrite.de/e/1964994357...
Supported by @heidelbergpostdoc.bsky.social
Tomorrow, 17:30–19:30 with @itaiyanai.bsky.social & Single Cell Center Heidelberg. Hands-on creativity in science. Few spots left!
🔗 Register: www.eventbrite.de/e/1964994357...
Supported by @heidelbergpostdoc.bsky.social
Night Science Workshop: Postdoc creativity Evening
Join us for a fun and creative evening where postdocs showcase their innovative projects at our Night Science Workshop!
www.eventbrite.de
November 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
🌘 Night Science – Postdoc Creativity Evening
Tomorrow, 17:30–19:30 with @itaiyanai.bsky.social & Single Cell Center Heidelberg. Hands-on creativity in science. Few spots left!
🔗 Register: www.eventbrite.de/e/1964994357...
Supported by @heidelbergpostdoc.bsky.social
Tomorrow, 17:30–19:30 with @itaiyanai.bsky.social & Single Cell Center Heidelberg. Hands-on creativity in science. Few spots left!
🔗 Register: www.eventbrite.de/e/1964994357...
Supported by @heidelbergpostdoc.bsky.social
Can't wait to talk about Night Science tonight! Join us if you're in the area!
🧬 Why don’t humans have tails? Find out tonight at 8 PM with @itaiyanai.bsky.social
The Gorilla 🦍 in the Genome explores curiosity-driven science & breakthroughs in genetics.
📍 Geist Heidelberg | 🎟️ Tickets: dai-heidelberg.de/en/events/it...
#NightScience #Discovery #ScienceFestival
The Gorilla 🦍 in the Genome explores curiosity-driven science & breakthroughs in genetics.
📍 Geist Heidelberg | 🎟️ Tickets: dai-heidelberg.de/en/events/it...
#NightScience #Discovery #ScienceFestival
Itai Yanai - Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut. Haus der Kultur.
Why do we humans no longer have a tail? An analysis of the human genome came to the conclusion that …
dai-heidelberg.de
November 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Can't wait to talk about Night Science tonight! Join us if you're in the area!
Friends in Germany! I want to tell you about the process of discovery, the creativity that it requires and the sense of awe that it inspires. Come check out my "The Gorilla in the Genome" lecture on Monday at the International Science Festival in Heidelberg.
www.geist-heidelberg.de/de/programm/...
www.geist-heidelberg.de/de/programm/...
November 15, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Friends in Germany! I want to tell you about the process of discovery, the creativity that it requires and the sense of awe that it inspires. Come check out my "The Gorilla in the Genome" lecture on Monday at the International Science Festival in Heidelberg.
www.geist-heidelberg.de/de/programm/...
www.geist-heidelberg.de/de/programm/...
Reposted by Itai Yanai
Also, here’s an accessible video intro:
November 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Also, here’s an accessible video intro:
Reposted by Itai Yanai
This is a such an inspiring book about the art of improvisation and how it applies to our lives in general. I think it’s also very relevant also for what it’s like to do science. It was a pleasure to talk with Stephen about it on the Night Science podcast! open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
November 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This is a such an inspiring book about the art of improvisation and how it applies to our lives in general. I think it’s also very relevant also for what it’s like to do science. It was a pleasure to talk with Stephen about it on the Night Science podcast! open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
Reposted by Itai Yanai
Our NY area population genetics meeting is back and "upgraded", as Simons Foundation @simonsfoundation.org generously agreed to host. Please save the date: March 9, 2026. Look forward to seeing many of you from NY and beyond.
SAVE THE DATE: the yearly NY Population Genetics meeting will be back on March 9 2026, generously hosted by the
@simonsfoundation.org. Details to follow. Please RT.
@simonsfoundation.org. Details to follow. Please RT.
November 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Our NY area population genetics meeting is back and "upgraded", as Simons Foundation @simonsfoundation.org generously agreed to host. Please save the date: March 9, 2026. Look forward to seeing many of you from NY and beyond.
New Yorkers! Come to my talk at MSK on Thursday if you're interested in adaptive tumor-microenvironment interactions and cancer’s extended phenotype.
November 13, 2025 at 3:36 AM
New Yorkers! Come to my talk at MSK on Thursday if you're interested in adaptive tumor-microenvironment interactions and cancer’s extended phenotype.
International scientists constitute the engine of much of the most exciting US science. My friend Sonali Majumdar has written precisely the kind of guide that international scientists crave in order succeed as resilient and brilliant scientists. Check it out! @sonali-m-19.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 2:18 AM
International scientists constitute the engine of much of the most exciting US science. My friend Sonali Majumdar has written precisely the kind of guide that international scientists crave in order succeed as resilient and brilliant scientists. Check it out! @sonali-m-19.bsky.social
This is a such an inspiring book about the art of improvisation and how it applies to our lives in general. I think it’s also very relevant also for what it’s like to do science. It was a pleasure to talk with Stephen about it on the Night Science podcast! open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
November 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This is a such an inspiring book about the art of improvisation and how it applies to our lives in general. I think it’s also very relevant also for what it’s like to do science. It was a pleasure to talk with Stephen about it on the Night Science podcast! open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
🔥We released a new episode of the Night Science Podcast today, all about the power of improvisation in life, the arts and the sciences. We talked with Stephen Nachmanovitch who wrote the classic book "Free Play". Check it out and please me know what you think!
November 11, 2025 at 2:25 AM
🔥We released a new episode of the Night Science Podcast today, all about the power of improvisation in life, the arts and the sciences. We talked with Stephen Nachmanovitch who wrote the classic book "Free Play". Check it out and please me know what you think!
Starting in a few minutes!! Free registration here: cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Starting in a few minutes!! Free registration here: cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
Reposted by Itai Yanai
🔥A new episode of the Night Science podcast comes out today! Stephen Nachmanovitch is the author of the classic "Free Play" and the celebrated improvisational musician. We talk about chivalry in dialogue: the art of advancing (instead of blocking) each other’s ideas.
open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
November 10, 2025 at 2:13 PM
🔥A new episode of the Night Science podcast comes out today! Stephen Nachmanovitch is the author of the classic "Free Play" and the celebrated improvisational musician. We talk about chivalry in dialogue: the art of advancing (instead of blocking) each other’s ideas.
open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
open.spotify.com/episode/165i...
Join us tomorrow for a Night Science Seminar Series presentation! Jennifer Oyler-Yaniv from Harvard will talk about how a scientific journey can be viewed as a mythological Hero's Quest by sharing work from her lab on how epithelial tissues restrict the spread of viruses.
cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
November 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Join us tomorrow for a Night Science Seminar Series presentation! Jennifer Oyler-Yaniv from Harvard will talk about how a scientific journey can be viewed as a mythological Hero's Quest by sharing work from her lab on how epithelial tissues restrict the spread of viruses.
cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
cassyni.com/events/ZYQow...
New Yorkers! Come to my talk at Rockefeller University on Friday if you're interested in the mechanisms of adaptive genome regulation.
November 6, 2025 at 3:42 AM
New Yorkers! Come to my talk at Rockefeller University on Friday if you're interested in the mechanisms of adaptive genome regulation.