Shane Campbell-Staton

Shane Campbell-Staton, an evolutionary biologist, discusses how life is adapting rapidly to human-induced changes. He reveals fascinating examples, like tuskless elephants evading poachers and resilient wolves in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Campbell-Staton emphasizes the urgent need to rethink our conservation efforts, highlighting that evolution is happening faster than we realize. He invites listeners to consider the profound impact of human actions on biodiversity and the potential lessons from nature's resilience to protect our planet for future generations.

This episode, and Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton, are a true joy. The UCLA professor, host of the Biology of Superheroes Podcast and Thermophysiologist talks about big animals vs. little ones, lizard storms, dinosaur blood, hibernating bears, why you sweat in your sleep, antifreeze frogs, miracle hamsters, why different people run at very different temperatures, how comic books influence the way he sees science, learning how his brain works and some time management hacks that he uses as a professor and host of an amazing podcast. Get ready to have a new science buddy.Listen to The Biology of Super HeroesFollow Dr. Campbell-Staton on Twitter, as well as his podcastSponsor links: TheGreatCourses.com/ologies, Kiwico.com/ologies, and podsurvey.com/ologiesThis week's donation was made to the Environmental Defense Fund More links at alieward.com/ologiesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter or InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter or InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Experts discuss reviving abandoned places - from genetic adaptations in Chernobyl wolves to creating green jobs in circular cities and innovative conservation practices for polar bears. Learn how communities are reclaiming spaces in Detroit and supporting small businesses with tailored insurance solutions.

Evolutionary biologist, entrepreneur, urban renewal expert, and conservationist share stories about bringing new life to abandoned places. Topics include genetic adaptation of wolves in Chernobyl, rapid evolution in African elephants, benefits of circular cities, rebuilding Detroit one lot at a time, and tracking bears for coexistence.

In this discussion, Shane Campbell-Staton, an evolutionary biologist, unpacks the fascinating resurgence of gray wolves in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. He reveals how their population density has skyrocketed, exceeding that of even protected areas, and explores the intriguing possibility that these wolves may be genetically resilient to cancer due to their unique environment. Their thriving existence raises important questions about wildlife adaptability and the potential benefits of studying these animals for insights into human health.