Science Vs

Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marcus, and Prof. Sachin Shah discuss the effects of caffeine on the body, including its impact on our guts, brains, sleep, athletic performance, and mood. They address misconceptions about caffeine addiction and highlight the health benefits of drinking coffee.

Molly, ecstasy, MDMA: whatever you call it, this drug is blowing up. Some say MDMA can be a legitimate medicine to treat conditions like PTSD. But others reckon it's a dangerous drug that can fry your brain, and even kill you — from just one bad pill. Who's right? That's what we're snorting up today. We talk to psychiatrist George Greer, public health researcher Prof. Joseph Palamar, former DEA special agent James Hunt, and neuroscientist Prof. Harriet de Witt.Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsMDMA2023 This is an updated version of our MDMA episode from a few years ago. Chapters: In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Chapter 1: Cops and club kids(05:02) Chapter 2: Therapists try MDMA(09:05) Chapter 3: Your brain on MDMA(15:34) Chapter 4: Can MDMA cure racism? (20:32) Chapter 5: Can MDMA Cure PTSD? (23:13) Chapter 6: Is the MDMA comedown real? (26:40) Chapter 7: Can MDMA damage your brain? (30:04) Chapter 8: Can MDMA kill you? (33:23) Chapter 9: Buying MDMA on the street(37:01) Chapter 10: ConclusionThis episode was produced by Heather Rogers and Wendy Zukerman, with help from Shruti Ravindran, Kaitlyn Sawrey, Rose Rimler, Joel Werner, Nick DelRose and Michelle Dang. Edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris, Ben Kuebrich and Diane Kelly. Sound design by Martin Peralta, Haley Shaw and Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, So Wylie and Bumi Hidaka. Thanks to all the researchers we reached out to for this episode, including Prof. Jerrold S. Meyer, Prof. Niamh Nic Daéid, Dr Brian Earp, Dr. Carl Roberts and Dr. Matthew Baggott. An extra thanks to Lucy Little, Johnny Dynell, Jesse Rudoy, Joseph Lavelle Wilson, and the Zukerman family. Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Stacy Torres and Professor Josep Marco-Pallarés explore the science of gossip. They discuss who gossips, the neuroscience behind gossip, whether gossip can be good, and how to combat negative gossip. The podcast also examines the appeal of gossip, brain responses to gossip, and the power of gossip in building bonds and sharing information.

A dead man with a mysterious missing body part and canine involvement, a syndrome where perceptions are distorted, and the truth behind the lemming myth are discussed in this entertaining live podcast recorded in Tasmania.

Sleep: How Do We Get More? Guests include Pam DeYoung, a lab coordinator, Dr. Brady Riedner, a sleep researcher, and Prof. Russell Foster, a circadian scientist. Not sleeping enough affects our behavior. A sleepy brain is less efficient and slower. Circadian rhythm affects sleep. Melatonin helps regulate our internal clock. Blue light disrupts sleep. Consistent bedtime routines and a sleep-friendly environment improve sleep quality.

Author Dr. Cate Shanahan discusses the controversy surrounding seed oils and their potential health risks. Contrasting views on dietary recommendations and the link between saturated fats and heart disease are explored. The chapter debunking the saturated fat myth challenges the belief that all saturated fats are harmful. Conflicting arguments and studies regarding the health effects of seed oils are examined, with emphasis on the need for further research. The importance of a balanced diet is highlighted, challenging the notion that saturated fat is beneficial.

Recent developments in UFOs discussed, including military pilot testimonies, a whistleblower's claims, and NASA's attention. Strange sightings of unidentified objects like a tic-tac-shaped UFO explored. Skepticism towards evidence for UFO sightings and need for compelling evidence discussed. Exploration of the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advancements in scientific research. Current state of search for alien life outside our planet and techniques used to identify signs of life examined.

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses his journey from skate punk to scientist. He shares fascinating research on regrowing neurons, explores the controversial Covid-19 lab leak theory, and addresses criticism for promoting supplements. Host delves into Huberman's childhood, unconventional path to academia, and childhood love for animals. The podcast also covers the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, fecal transplants, and Andrew's sleep cocktail. A teaser is given for the next episode on UFOs.

Can plunging into an ice bath make us feel happier? What about gratitude journaling? We’re digging into some of the quirkiest self-care hacks around the internet to find out what the science says — and whether you should add them to your routine. We talk to environmental physiologist Dr. Heather Massey, counseling psychologist Prof. Joel Wong, and social psychologist Dr. Juliana Schroeder. This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines:  United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  988 (Online chat available); US Crisis Text Line Text “GO” to 741741 Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available) Canada: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (See link for phone numbers listed by province) United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI) (Online chat available) Full list of international hotlines here  Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsSelfCareIn this episode, we cover:(00:00) Chapter 1: Trendy self-care hacks(02:13) Chapter 2: Ice baths: How our body reacts(07:40) Chapter 3: Can cold plunges help with depression?(12:41) Chapter 4: The risks of ice baths(16:24) Chapter 5: Does gratitude journaling make us happier?(20:39) Chapter 6: How does gratitude work?(26:29) Chapter 7: When self-care isn’t just about yourself …This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Nick DelRose, Joel Werner, and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Carmen Drahl. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, and So Wylie. Thanks to everyone we spoke to for this episode – especially Professor Megan Azad. And special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A controversial Netflix documentary called 'Unknown: Cave of Bones' has ignited a fierce debate among scientists. The film presents extraordinary claims about a mysterious ape-like creature that lived hundreds of thousands of years ago. Some scientists are skeptical, arguing that the evidence doesn't support these claims. In this podcast, host interviews National Geographic Explorer Lee Berger, along with scientists Andy Herries and Jamie Hodgkins, to explore the controversy. They discuss the evidence for burial practices and rock art, and delve into the implications of presenting incomplete scientific claims to the public.