Science Vs

There’s tons of misinformation, fads and strong opinions floating around out there — but then there’s SCIENCE. Find it here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast dives into Spotify's struggle with misinformation, spotlighting the fallout from Joe Rogan's COVID vaccine discussions. Experts discuss the effectiveness of tech strategies to combat false claims and the fine line between censorship and moderation. Innovative approaches like content labeling are explored, showing promise in reducing misleading information. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency from platforms and the importance of fostering public trust amidst the digital misinformation landscape.

In a heated discussion, scientists dissect claims made by Dr. Robert Malone regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and their alleged risks, including infertility. The conversation emphasizes the dire need for accurate information in the face of rampant misinformation. Key topics include myocarditis statistics, the psychological effects of conspiracy theories, and the dangers of anecdotal evidence overshadowing scientific facts. The episode advocates for responsible media practices and a balanced discourse on vaccine benefits and risks.

A new lunar race is igniting interest in space exploration. Countries and billionaires are vying to tap into the moon's resources, sparking a debate over a possible lunar gold rush. While mining rare elements is tempting, some argue that lunar exploration is key for future Mars missions. Innovative plans, like the Farsight Array telescope on the moon's far side, promise groundbreaking discoveries. The motivations behind this new wave of exploration reveal both geopolitical ambitions and scientific aspirations.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, delves into the latest happenings with the Omicron variant and the science behind pandemic resolution. He addresses the challenges of global vaccine distribution, particularly in Africa, stressing the toll of misinformation. Fauci shares his experiences facing public criticism and outlines crucial strategies for effective pandemic management. The conversation is both insightful and critical for understanding the ongoing battle for public health.

The podcast dives into the emergence of the Omicron variant, sparking global concerns and debates on vaccine efficacy. Experts discuss its unique mutations and the challenges they pose to immune recognition. Discover how vaccine effectiveness is being scrutinized as Omicron spreads rapidly, particularly in South Africa. The conversation also addresses the ethical dilemmas of booster shot distribution and the crucial role of memory B cells in our immune response. Join the exploration of these pressing pandemic issues with insights from leading scientists.

Join Nicola Twilley and Cynthia Graber, co-hosts of Gastropod, alongside culinary historian Maricel Presilla and chili researcher Denise Kuhn. They explore why we crave spicy foods despite the heat. Discover chili peppers’ fascinating origins and their evolutionary journey. Find out about the unique flavors of various chili species and the science behind their burn. Learn how peppers traveled the globe, influencing cuisines, and hear about the rise of super hot varieties and their cultural impact.

Could we really bring dinosaurs back to life? Scientists are exploring de-extinction, using CRISPR and even chicken DNA to potentially resurrect woolly mammoths and maybe T-Rex. Discover how Hollywood's portrayal of dinosaurs differs from scientific reality and learn about a paleontologist who inspired these fantastical visions. From discovering red blood cells in fossils to the ethical dilemmas of cloning and reviving ancient traits, this discussion is equal parts thrilling and hilarious, with amusing dinosaur sounds thrown in.

[REBROADCAST] Asteroids! In just two weeks, NASA plans to launch a first-of-its-kind mission to try to move an asteroid off its path. If it works, this could be a huge breakthrough in protecting us from runaway space rocks. So we’ve updated this episode from a few years ago, where we talked about how serious this asteroid threat is — and some of the other ways we might fight back. We speak with asteroid researcher Dr. Alan Harris, astrophysicist Dr. Sergey Zamozdra, computational physicist Dr. Cathy Plesko, and physicist Dr. Andy Cheng. Check out our transcript here: https://bit.ly/3CZfThv This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Lexi Krupp, with help from Michelle Dang, Meryl Horn and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Caitlin Kenney and Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. Mix and sound design by Peter Leonard and Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Peter Leonard, Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka and Emma Munger. Recording assistance from Verónica Zaragovia, Sofi LaLonde, Lawrence Lanahan, and Kevin Caners. Translation help from Andrew Urodov and Dmitriy Tuchin. A big thanks to all the scientists we spoke to: Dr. Carrie Nugent, Dr. Mark Boslough, Dr. David Kring, Dr. Daniel Durda, Dr. Kelly Fast and the other Dr. Alan Harris. And thanks to the Zukerman family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Science isn’t always dressed up in fancy lab coats and goggles — sometimes it goes undercover! In this episode, we go behind the scenes in the Congolese rainforest to show you just how down and dirty scientists are willing to get to answer their questions. We find out how the putty-nosed monkey might be chattier than we thought — and what all that monkey gab could mean. Researcher Frederic Gnepa Mehon gives us the scoop.Here’s a link to our transcript: https://bit.ly/3jM6EtCThis episode was produced by Ekedi Fausther-Keeys and Taylor White with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Nick DelRose, Michelle Dang, and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Our voice actor is Shaka Mali. Interpreting by Dania Suleman, written translation by Ngofeen Mputubwele. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Bobby Lord and Bumi Hidaka. A huge thanks to all the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr. Claudia Stephan, Professor Klaus Zuberbühler and Dr. Kate Arnold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices