Science Vs

Rosamund Adu-Kissi-Debrah, a fierce clean air advocate and mother of Ella Kissi-Debrah, shares her heart-wrenching journey to uncover the mystery behind her daughter's death. She battles against systemic issues of air pollution and highlights its devastating effects on vulnerable communities. Listeners learn about Ella's rare condition and the shocking truths revealed during Rosamund's investigation. This powerful story not only personalizes the impacts of pollution but also ignites a call for urgent reforms to protect public health.

ASMR is taking the internet by storm, bringing unique sensations of relaxation and tingles to millions. Experts dive into the science behind these whispered sounds and their calming effects, especially during stressful times. The discussion includes fascinating personal journeys from viewers to creators and how ASMR is reshaping wellness strategies. Groundbreaking research explores the emotional and physiological responses triggered by soft sounds, along with the intriguing differences in individual experiences. Join in as humor and discovery collide in the world of ASMR!

What drives a person to become a serial killer? Experts discuss the chilling duality of Ed Kemper, exploring his deceptive charm hidden behind brutal crimes. The conversation dives into the realities versus media portrayals of serial killers, debunking myths about their intelligence and motivations. Childhood trauma is examined as a key factor in their psyche. The podcast also critiques Hollywood's glamorization of these figures and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of violence and its complex roots.

We hear over and over that ultra-processed food is bad for us. But is there actually something funky going on here — or is it just junk food? We dig into what these foods are doing to our bodies. You’ll hear from Dr. Kevin Hall, Prof. Carlos Monteiro, Dr. Cathrina Edwards, and Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana. Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/3xYhHHZ This episode was produced by Rose Rimler with help from Michelle Dang, Meryl Horn, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, and Rasha Aridi. Our executive producer is Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Marcus Bagala, and Bobby Lord. Thanks to all the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr. Anthony Fardet, Dr. Bernard Srour, Prof. Jose Miguel Aguilera, Dr. Mathilde Touvier, Dr. Melissa Melough, Dr. Rachel Laudan, Prof. Niyati Parekh, and lots of others. Special thanks to Paul Adams.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Pierre Kory, a critical care physician, shares his journey advocating for ivermectin during COVID-19. He discusses the initial excitement over ivermectin’s potential before the narrative soured, uncovering misinformation and ethical breaches in studies. The podcast explores the desperation doctors faced in overwhelmed ICUs and the clash between innovative treatments and traditional guidelines. It unpacks the controversy surrounding research on ivermectin and reflects on the broader implications for public health amidst conflicting narratives.

Today on the show an update about our push to get Spotify to do more to stop misinformation spreading on the platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Carol Downer, a pioneer of the 1970s self-help movement, shares her journey of empowering women with knowledge about their bodies and reproductive health. The conversation dives into the fears and societal stigma women faced while seeking illegal abortions in the pre-Roe era. Downer highlights the significant role of self-education in reclaiming autonomy over reproductive choices. Listeners are captivated by stories of resilience, activism, and the creative methods women used to advocate for their rights in a challenging landscape.

Pyotr Ruzavin is an independent journalist from Russia and co-host of the Fuck War podcast, where he reports on the war in Ukraine. Alongside him is Natalka Gumenyuk, a Ukrainian journalist also co-hosting the podcast and providing crucial on-the-ground insights. They discuss the elaborate web of Russian propaganda aimed at distorting the reality of the conflict. The conversation dives into the emotional toll on civilians, personal accounts of resistance under occupation, and the formidable resilience of communities enduring chaos.

Could the pyramids have been built with extraterrestrial help? Explore the shocking origins of the ancient alien theory from the 1960s and its cultural context. Delve into the incredible intelligence and skills of the ancient Egyptians that made these monumental structures possible, without any cosmic intervention. An archaeologist reveals groundbreaking methods for transporting the massive stone blocks. Finally, the episode tackles prevalent myths, emphasizing the indispensable contributions of indigenous civilizations in shaping history.

The podcast dives into urgent issues facing transgender youth, exploring the impact of anti-trans legislation on medical care and sports participation. It addresses misconceptions about gender-affirming treatments, including puberty blockers, and highlights personal stories from transgender kids and their families. The conversation also critiques the influence of social media on gender identity among teens. Additionally, it examines the complex debate surrounding transgender athletes, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and acceptance in sports.