Science Magazine Podcast

How dogs’ health reflects our own, and what ancient DNA can reveal about human sacrifice

Jun 13, 2024

Ancient DNA unravels Maya child sacrifices and global malaria history. Dogs mirror human health impacts due to shared environment. Evolution of immunology in healthcare discussed by experts. Dogs serve as valuable health indicators and disease study models.

41:49

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Quick takeaways

Ancient DNA reveals unique insights into Maya child sacrifices, emphasizing genetic continuity and ancient rituals.

Dogs' health mirrors human health risks, highlighting shared environmental exposures and potential preventive health measures.

Deep dives

The Immune System's Key Role in Human Diseases

Researchers discuss how the immune system, while vital for protection, can also contribute to human diseases by highlighting inflammation as a major component. The balance between benefits and harm is crucial, aiming to retain benefits while reducing detrimental effects.

Preservation of Ancient DNA in Petros Bones

01:21

Malaria History in the Americas

01:10

Insights on Comparing Dog Aging to Human Aging

01:11

Intro

2min

Ancient DNA Reveals Insights into Maya Sacrificial Rituals and Global Malaria History

14min

Exploring Disease Studies through Ancient DNA and Dogs as Health Sentinels

4min

The Interconnected Health of Dogs and Humans

11min

Exploring the Role of Dogs in Health Studies and Introduction to Immunology Advancements

4min

Evolution of the immune system and breakthroughs in immunotherapy for age-related diseases and cancer treatment

2min

Importance of Collaboration and Ethical Considerations in Immunotherapy Research

6min

On this week’s show: Companion animals such as dogs occupy the same environment we do, which can make them good sentinels for human health, and DNA gives clues to ancient Maya rituals and malaria’s global spread

Contributing Correspondent Andrew Curry joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss two very different studies that used DNA to dig into our past. One study reveals details of child sacrifices in an ancient Maya city. The other story is on the surprising historical reach of malaria, from Belgium to the Himalayas to South America.

Next on the show, using our canine companions to track human health. Courtney Sexton, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about what we can learn from these furry friends that tend to be exposed to many of the same things we are such as pesticides and cleaning chemicals.

Finally, in a sponsored segment from the Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office, Jackie Oberst, associate editor of custom publishing, interviews professors Miriam Merad and Brian Brown about the evolution of immunology in health care. This segment is sponsored by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.

About the Science Podcast

Authors: Sarah Crespi; Andrew Curry

Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.zxgwbqo

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