Holden Thorp

Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of Science, discusses the alarming cuts to funding at NIH and NSF that are crippling American science. Bhaven Sampat, a historian at Arizona State University, sheds light on the historical context of these reductions. Pierre Azoulay from MIT emphasizes the urgent need for reform to revitalize the American scientific ecosystem. The trio delves into the impact of political decisions on research productivity, the importance of federal support, and innovative funding models that could drive America back to the forefront of global research.

Holden Thorp, Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals, discusses overseeing six journals, the revolution in science reporting towards medicalization, navigating politics in academia, AI in science publishing, the broad definition of a scientist, and challenges faced by academia with citizen science and misinformation.

Holden Thorp, former chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, shares his alarming views on the Trump administration's impact on higher education. He discusses the challenges faced by universities under new policies. Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News' senior White House reporter, adds insights on President Trump's tariff threats against Apple and the EU, and their effects on markets. The conversation touches on crucial legal battles affecting international student enrollment, reflecting the intersection of education and political turbulence.

Christine Wu Nordahl, a UC Davis professor and autism expert, joins Mary HK Choi, an author who was diagnosed with autism in her 40s, and Holden Thorp, an editor who discovered his diagnosis at 53. They discuss the rising autism diagnosis rates and the often overlooked experiences of women and adults on the spectrum. The guests share insights on the complexity of neurodiversity, the impact of late diagnoses, and the importance of supportive environments. They also address societal narratives that often paint autism negatively, emphasizing thriving within the spectrum.

Former MythBuster Adam Savage discusses science communication and his current projects. They also explore the science of blueberries and how wax causes their blue color. The podcast includes a discussion on organoid therapies for digestive diseases.