Quirks and Quarks Sleuthing out scientific fraud, and more...
Oct 31, 2025
Guest
Dr. Reese Richardson
Guest
Dr. David Wishart
Guest
Dr. David Melanson
Guest
Dr. Danielle Fraser
Guest
Dr. Samantha Lawler
Dr. Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina shares concerns about reflective satellites potentially harming astronomy and wildlife. Dr. Danielle Fraser reveals a fascinating 23-million-year-old rhino skeleton found in the Arctic, shedding light on ancient migration. Dr. David Melanson discusses innovative kirigami patterns for more accurate parachutes. Dr. David Wishart, this year's Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal winner, highlights advances in metabolomics. Meanwhile, Dr. Reese Richardson uncovers networks of scientific fraud facilitated by paper mills, pinpointing the systemic issues in publishing.
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Episode notes
Space Mirrors Threaten The Night Sky
- Reflect Orbital proposes space mirrors to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night from low Earth orbit.
- Dr. Samantha Lawler warns this could create bright moving spotlights, harming astronomy, wildlife, and safety.
Orbital Mirrors Face Durability And Safety Risks
- Mirrors in low Earth orbit would be hit by space debris and degrade quickly, reducing effectiveness.
- Dr. Samantha Lawler also highlights potential eye damage risk and aviation/driver safety concerns from bright glints.
Arctic Rhino Discovery On Devon Island
- Dr. Danielle Fraser describes finding a rhino skeleton on Devon Island about 23 million years old.
- The rhino was hornless, roughly one meter at the shoulder, and likely browsed tree leaves in a warmer Arctic.