Science Vs

"Forensic Science" explores the reliability of forensic evidence in solving crimes. Guests discuss the use of insect evidence to determine time of death, the limitations of bite mark evidence, and the subjective nature of fingerprint analysis. The podcast raises doubts about the accuracy of certain forensic sciences and expert testimony, highlighting the need for caution in the criminal justice system.

Since 2015 there have been Zika outbreaks reported in sixty countries. So, where did Zika come from? What happens when you get infected? How worried should you be?And why has Zika has become such a problem recently? To find out, we speak to Assoc. Prof. Desiree LaBeaud, Dr Cathy Spong, Dr Andrew Haddow, and New York Times health reporter Donald McNeil Jr.CreditsThis episode has been produced by Diane Wu, Wendy Zukerman, Heather Rogers, Caitlin Kenney, and Shruti Ravindran. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey.Edited by Annie-Rose Strasser.Sound design and music production by Matthew Boll, mixed by Martin Peralta. Music written by Martin Peralta and Bobby Lord.Our SponsorsPrudential – Download the MapMyRun app and join the Prudential 4.01K challenge. When you do, pledge to save at least 1% or more of your annual income for retirement and run and log 4.01K to be eligible to win a prize.Squarespace – The easiest way to create a beautiful website, portfolio or online store. Use the offer code “SCIENCE VS” to get 10% off your first purchase.Wealthsimple – Investing made easy. Get your first $10,000 managed for free.Selected ReferencesFirst case of Zika reported in Nigerian girl N. McNamara, Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1954.Donald McNeil Jr’s recent book on Zika epidemic McNeil, DG “Zika: The emerging epidemic,” W. W. Norton and Co, 2016Interactive history of Zika from the World Health OrganizationZika virus may linger in the vagina Prisant, N et al “Zika virus in the female genital tract,” The Lancet 2016Estimated risk of microcephaly if you get zika when pregnant is between one and 13% Johansson, M et al “Zika and the Risk of Microcephaly,” New England Journal of Medicine, 2016First report that Zika can be spread through sex (confirming Andrew Haddow's hunch over a beer in Senegal) Foy, BD et al “Probable Non–Vector-borne Transmission of Zika Virus, Colorado, USA,” Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2011U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendations on ZikaWorld Health Organization recommendations on Zika Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A comedian, a professor, and two other professors dive into the science of hypnosis. They explore bizarre behaviors under hypnosis, the determinants of hypnotizability, and a case study of self-perception during hypnosis. They discuss the power of hypnosis and the placebo effect, the role of expectation and placebo in hypnosis, and the effects of hypnosis on the brain and perception.

Join us on a hunt for the elusive G-spot. Our guides: Prof. Beverly Whipple, who introduced America to the G-spot in the 1980s, and Prof. Helen O’Connell, a urologist and expert on female sexual anatomy.CreditsThis episode has been produced by Wendy Zukerman, Heather Rogers, Caitlin Kenney, Austin Mitchell, and Kaitlyn Sawrey. Edited by Annie-Rose Strasser and Alex Blumberg. Fact Checking by Michelle Harris.Production Assistance by Dr Diane Wu & Shruti Ravindran. Extra thanks to Lola Pellegrino, Andres Montoya Castillo, Rose Reid, Radio National’s Science Show -- they make a podcast. It’s great.Sound design and music production by Matthew Boll, mixed by Martin Peralta. Music written by Bobby Lord.And be sure to check out our producer Austin Mitchell’s podcast Profiles:NYC.Selected References1981 study identifying G-spot in 47 women . . . but not confirming that it leads to orgasm Perry and Whipple, “Pelvic Muscle Strength of Female Ejaculators: Evidence in Support of a New Theory of Orgasm,” The Journal of Sex Research, 1981. Note: not freely available. Report of the first modern dissection of the clitoris O’Connell et al, “Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris,” Journal of Urology, 1998.Everything besides the clitoris is just a shade of gray in the MRI O’Connell et al, “Clitoral anatomy in nulliparous, healthy, premenopausal volunteers using unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging,” Journal of Urology, 2005. Comprehensive account of clitoris anatomy O’Connell et al, “Anatomy of the clitoris,” Journal of Urology, 2005.Review of research on the G-Spot and cliteralurethrovaginal complex Jannini et al, “Beyond the G-Spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm,” Nature Reviews Urology, 2014. Note: not freely available.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast explores the taste, nutrition, health, and environmental aspects of organic food. It discusses studies on the perceived taste of organic food, the misconception of its superior nutrition, the presence of toxins in organic farming, the use of pesticides in both organic and conventional food, and the correlation between organic food consumption and cancer risk. It also examines the reasons behind choosing organic products, highlights their environmental benefits, and delves into the impact of organic farming on the environment.

Gun Control (Pt 2) continues the exploration of gun regulations and solutions to reduce shooting deaths. The podcast features guests including Bob Kostaras, a gun shop owner, former ATF special agent Mark Jones, Prof. Philip Alpers, and Prof. Peter Squires. Topics discussed include background checks, gun registration, the impact of gun laws in Australia, and cultural differences in attitudes towards gun ownership.

Prof. David Hemenway, Prof. Helen Christensen, Prof. Gary Kleck, and Anthony Colandro discuss the impact and controversy surrounding guns, exploring claims made by the gun lobby, potential errors in estimating figures, survey data reliability, effectiveness and drawbacks of guns in self-defense, gun deaths in America with a focus on suicide prevention, and the relationship between guns and crime.

Judy, a mother of two young kids, practices a demanding style of child-rearing. It’s called attachment parenting, and it says you should keep your baby close at all times, breastfeed on demand, share your bed, and avoid strollers. Like many attachment parents, Judy believes the sacrifices she makes will ensure her kids will become well-adjusted, successful, happy adults. But, what does the science say? To find out, Science Vs speaks to Prof. Alan Sroufe, Prof. Jane Fisher and Reut Avinun.If you liked this episode - our friends at The Longest Shortest Time have just published a story about *eating* placentas. Credits: This episode has been produced by Wendy Zukerman, Heather Rogers - who interviewed our attachment parent Judy - also Caitlin Kenney and Kaitlyn Sawrey. Edited by Annie Rose Strasser and Alex Blumberg. Production Assistance by Austin Mitchell and Stevie Lane. Sound design and music production by Matthew Boll, music written by Bobby Lord.Sponsors:For 10% off your new Squarespace site, click here and punch in Science Vs at checkout.For 15% off your first purchase at Ministry of Supply, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prof. Robert Jackson, Asst. Prof. Peter Rabinowitz, and Prof. Bob Howarth discuss the controversial topic of fracking. They address misconceptions, concerns about water contamination, and the potential health risks. The chapter also includes personal stories of water pollution and dissatisfaction with drilling companies. Despite the complexity of the science, the podcast provides contrasting perspectives and emphasizes the need for more evidence regarding potential health effects.

Dive into the world of science versus pseudoscience as popular beliefs get a critical examination. Discover the truth about organic food and pesticides in an enlightening discussion. From fracking to gun control, the conversation shifts to some of today’s hottest topics. Expect a blend of facts and debunked myths to help navigate the noise around pressing issues. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the facts!