Science, Spoken

Police are hosting events to collect DNA samples that can help solve missing persons cases. But when people put their DNA in a commercial database, it can used for other purposes.Read this story here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Learn about the extraordinary story of a life-saving heart transplant using a genetically modified pig. Explore genetic modifications in pig heart transplantation, including challenges faced. Discover recent successes and future prospects of pig-to-human transplants.

NASA unpacks the OSIRIS-REx capsule at Johnson Space Center to access the asteroid Bennu sample. Precautions are taken to ensure cleanliness and avoid contamination. NASA plans to reveal the canister contents and distribute valuable rocks for future analysis.

The OSIRIS-REx probe is carrying rock samples from the asteroid Bennu, millions of miles away. If it works, it will be only the third such retrieval in history.Read this story here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Christopher Columbus was blamed for bringing syphilis to Europe. New DNA evidence suggests it was already there. Maybe both stories are true.Read this story here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The podcast discusses the launch of the American Climate Corps, an initiative to combat climate change by training young people for careers in clean energy and conservation. It explores the program's similarities to the Civilian Conservation Corps, its bipartisan support, and its potential to address the climate crisis.

Scientists use Sun probes to study the mysterious solar corona, which is hotter than the surface. Solar Orbiter Probe and Parker Solar Probe joint efforts to study the corona's heating rate and plasma turbulence. Importance of studying the sun's behavior for predicting solar flares and preparing for future space missions.

Discover how LightBio created bioluminescent petunias using mushroom genes, their plans to start shipping the plants, the process of transferring bioluminescence to plants, the challenges in developing commercially viable glowing plants, the history and challenges of engineering plants to produce light, the Kickstarter campaign, concerns about invasive pests, difficulties in plant bioluminescence, and the plans of lightbio to commercially produce glow-in-the-dark houseplants and the potential impacts on biotechnology and lighting industries.

The podcast discusses the UN's draft treaty to combat plastic pollution, including interventions and negotiation challenges. It also explores the need for reduction targets, regulation of toxic chemicals, elimination of microplastics, and the difficulties of reuse and recycling.

NASA's panel of experts assess and discuss unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), including challenges, recommendations, and the recent UAP report by the U.S. government. Former military pilots, intelligence officers, and Mexico's Congress reveal encounters, claims, and crash sites related to UFOs. Explore NASA's efforts in investigating UFO sightings and addressing skepticism regarding alien visitation.