Science Magazine Podcast Studying a shark-haunted island, and upgrading our microbiomes with engineered bacteria
27 snips
Jul 17, 2025 Join reporters Alexa Robles-Gil and Weston Whitaker as they dive into fascinating research. Alexa discusses the aftermath of the shark attack crisis on Réunion Island and how scientists are studying shark populations and developing measures to prevent future attacks. Weston then explores his innovative work on engineered bacteria designed to break down kidney stone precursors, revealing the complexities of cultivating these microbes in the gut. It's a thrilling blend of marine biology and cutting-edge microbiome engineering!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reunion's Shark Attack Crisis
- Shark attacks on Reunion Island increased suddenly from 2011 to 2019, causing a crisis with over 30 attacks and 11 deaths.
- The population and behaviors of bull and tiger sharks there are poorly understood but crucial to address the risk.
Bull Sharks Stay Near Shore
- Bull sharks stay year-round close to shore and prefer murky water, making them the primary threat near beaches.
- Tiger sharks migrate offshore and are less likely to come close to shore frequently.
Smart Drum Lines for Shark Control
- Deploy smart drum lines that alert fishermen via satellite when sharks are caught, allowing selective tagging, releasing, or culling.
- This technique reduces bycatch deaths and helps manage shark populations responsibly.