Science Magazine Podcast

The science of loneliness, making one of organic chemistry’s oldest reactions safer, and a new book series

Apr 25, 2024

Researchers delve into the science of loneliness, addressing its stigma and effective interventions. A graduate student revolutionizes organic chemistry's Sandmeyer reaction for safety. The podcast series previews future-themed books focusing on a hopeful outlook on finance, robotics, climate change, and digital medicine.

42:38

Creator website

Episode guests

Samia Akhter-Khan

Julianne Holt-Lunstad

Laura Coll-Planas

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Loneliness is a subjective feeling prompting individuals to seek connections, not just objective solitude.

Efforts to combat loneliness focus on community activities and evidence-based policies at societal levels.

Deep dives

Understanding Loneliness as a Public Health Issue

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health concern with links to various health problems. The distinction between loneliness and social isolation is key, with loneliness being a subjective feeling of being alone and distressed, not just objective solitude. Researchers emphasize that loneliness, although distressing, serves a purpose as a social pain prompting individuals to seek connections. The detrimental effects of chronic loneliness are well-documented, including increased risks of mortality and various health conditions.

Introduction

2min

Understanding Loneliness: Definitions, Impact, and Interventions

13min

Global Efforts Against Loneliness & Safer Organic Chemistry Reactions

2min

Innovative One-Step Protocol for Safe and Efficient Chemistry

13min

Embracing Hope in a Complex Future

8min

Exploring the Lack of Utopian Science Fiction and Dystopian Narratives

2min

Preview of 2024 Book Series and Release Schedule

2min

Researchers try to identify effective loneliness interventions, making the Sandmeyer safer, and books that look to the future and don’t see doom and gloom

First up on the show, Deputy News Editor Kelly Servick explores the science of loneliness. Is loneliness on the rise or just our awareness of it? How do we deal with the stigma of being lonely?

Also appearing in this segment:

● Laura Coll-Planas

● Julianne Holt-Lunstad

● Samia Akhter-Khan

Next, producer Ariana Remmel talks with Tim Schulte, a graduate student at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research and RWTH Aachen University, about making one of organic chemistry’s oldest reactions—the Sandmeyer reaction—both safer and more versatile.

Finally, we kick off this year’s book series with books editor Valerie Thompson and books host Angela Saini. They discuss this year’s theme: a future to look forward to.

Book segments come out the last episode of the month. Books in the series:

● Eve: The Disobedient Future of Birth by Claire Horn (May)

● Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the Platform by Rachel O’Dwyer (June)

● The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots by Daniela Rus and Gregory Mone (July)

● Climate Capitalism: Winning the Race to Zero Emissions and Solving the Crisis of Our Age by Akshat Rathi (August)

● Virtual You: How Building Your Digital Twin Will Revolutionize Medicine and Change Your Life by Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield (September)

● Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin (October)

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

About the Science Podcast

Authors: Sarah Crespi; Kelly Servick; Ariana Remmel; Valerie Thompson; Angela Saini