Dr. Joy Reidenberg shares insights on fascinating anatomy topics like exploding whales, taxidermy, unique animal structures, and their significance for human health. She discusses her journey into functional morphology, challenges in blending science and art, and studying animal adaptations for medical advancements. The podcast also covers topics like whale evolution, olfactory fatigue, and the joy of pursuing a career aligned with passion.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Joy Reidenberg discusses unique adaptations in animal anatomy to benefit human health through comparative studies.
The immense size of whale voice boxes enables them to produce loud noises comparable to a jet engine's power.
Bio-mimicry from nature's designs inspires innovative solutions in automotive and engineering fields for increased efficiency and functionality.
Deep dives
Meeting Dr. Joy Ridenberg
Dr. Joy Ridenberg, a functional morphologist, and anatomist discusses her journey into studying animal anatomy, highlighting the importance of comparing species to uncover unique adaptations that can benefit human health. She shares her excitement for dissecting unique animals like the II lemur. At the medical center, she leverages her research to understand unusual adaptations in animals and translate them into potential treatments for human diseases.
Unveiling Whale Voice Boxes
Dr. Ridenberg explains the immense size of whale voice boxes, which can be as long as a human lung. Delving into a whale's neck area to find the voice box, she describes its significant size, resembling a saxophone that contributes to creating the extremely loud noises whales emit, reaching levels comparable to a jet engine's power.
First Whale Dissection Adventure
Dr. Ridenberg recounts her exhilarating first time dissecting a stranded pygmy sperm whale on a beach, involving a high-speed car rental chase and a comical encounter with a police officer mistaking her whale dissection tools for potential evidence of a crime. Her memorable debut in whale dissections set the stage for her remarkable career.
Exploring Animal Adaptations
Through her work as a researcher and anatomist, Dr. Ridenberg examines diverse animals' adaptations, emphasizing that even seemingly exotic species offer valuable insights into biological mechanisms. By studying peculiar structures and functions in animals, she aims to harness these unique adaptations to create innovative treatments for human ailments.
Whales' Physiology and Evolutionary Connections to Humans
Whales' physiology, their adaptation to deep sea diving and pressure changes, provides insights for potential human applications, such as improving soldiers' flak jackets. The similarities between whale and human anatomy, including bones in flippers resembling human upper extremity bones, hint at shared ancestry and evolutionary adaptations. Dolphins, similar to whales, possess unique abilities like sonar for object detection and communication, inspiring potential technological advancements for human use.
Bio-Inspired Design and Scientific Outreach
Bio-mimicry plays a crucial role in automotive and engineering design, showcasing nature's efficient solutions for stability and functionality. The podcast guest, Dr. Joy Reidenberg, emphasizes the importance of public outreach in science to convey accurate information to the public who fund research. By exploring nature's designs, scientists draw inspiration for various innovations, highlighting the significance of sharing scientific knowledge through diverse platforms like podcasts, public lectures, and documentaries.
Ever poked at roadkill? Watched videos of whales exploding? Drooled over a curio cabinet full of claws & bones? Peered into a jar with a pickled toad? Then this one is for you. Arguably the world's most famous comparative anatomist (and pretty-much-also functional morphologist) Dr. Joy Reidenberg pulls up a chair at Mt. Sinai Hospital to talk about her fascinating backstory, exploding whales, taxidermied chipmunks, dead toadfish, animal's weird anatomy and its function and how it might help human health. She is absolutely amazing and you will become obsessed with her work.