Science Quickly

Journalist Karen Hao, author of Empire of AI, dives into the profound impacts of generative AI on society. She links the tactics of tech giants to historical colonial patterns, exposing the resource extraction behind AI development. Hao highlights the environmental costs of data centers and critiques the idea that AI can solve the climate crisis. She emphasizes the exploitation of content moderators and advocates for better labor practices. The discussion wraps up with a call for accountability and the need for specialized AI tools that benefit all.

Lee Billings, a senior editor at Scientific American and expert in planetary science, discusses the NASA Perseverance rover's mission to uncover ancient life on Mars. He explains the significance of returning samples to Earth from the intriguing Jezero Crater. The conversation delves into the challenges facing the sample-return effort, including technical issues and funding. Billings also highlights promising findings, such as organic-rich mudstone that hints at past microbial activity and explores commercial alternatives that could reduce costs for future missions.

Join Lauren J. Young, an associate editor at Scientific American, as she dives into critical vaccine decisions by the CDC, discussing the shift of hepatitis B birth-dose guidance to parental choice. The conversation highlights new FDA proposals that might alter vaccine access and costs. Plus, discover alarming research about satellite light pollution potentially disrupting space telescopes' observations. Finally, learn how owning a dog as a teen could benefit your social skills and microbiome, making furry friends even more important for growing up!

Marla Broadfoot, a science journalist for Scientific American, discusses groundbreaking research on postpartum depression. She explains how it uniquely manifests in the brain compared to other mood disorders, emphasizing its distinct biological underpinnings. Marla shares Christina Leos's harrowing journey through severe postpartum depression and highlights a promising new treatment, zuranolone, which offers a rapid 'reset' effect. The conversation also addresses the stigma and underdiagnosis of this condition, shedding light on the urgent need for better awareness and support.

Brie Kane, the associate books editor at Scientific American, shares her insights on the magazine's first-ever curated lists of best fiction and nonfiction books. She discusses standout selections like 'Human Nature,' which merges climate science with history and emotion, and Mariah Blake's investigation of PFAS that highlights corporate accountability. Brie also delves into Daniel H. Wilson's 'Hole in the Sky,' offering a unique view on alien contact, and gushes over the heartfelt romance in Taylor Jenkins-Reid's 'Atmosphere,' set in a real NASA backdrop.

Michael Chamberlain, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia and a veteran wild turkey researcher, shares fascinating insights about these iconic birds. He reveals how wild turkeys bounced back from near extinction in the 1930s to over six million today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Listeners learn about turkey social hierarchies, the surprising adaptability of suburban turkeys, and the complex relationship between hunting and conservation. Chamberlain encourages appreciation for these remarkable creatures beyond the Thanksgiving table.

Zoya Teirstein, a senior staff writer at Grist and climate reporter, shares insights from the recent COP30 in Brazil. She discusses the crucial negotiations for vulnerable nations and the lack of political will for climate action. Zoya highlights the participation of Indigenous voices advocating for Amazon protections and the significance of Germany's tropical forest fund. Additionally, she covers a massive study debunking claims about fluoride impacting child IQ and fascinating findings about urban raccoons evolving traits linked to domestication.

In this engaging conversation, artist and writer Michael Benson shares insights from his book, focusing on the beauty of the microscopic world captured through scanning electron microscopy. He discusses his shift from cosmic imagery to intricate natural designs that provoke wonder. Listeners will learn about the unique capabilities of scanning electron microscopes, and how Benson treats scientific imaging as art, showcasing stunning details of tiny plants, insects, and even lunar impact glass. Dive into a broader perspective on nature that inspires awe and curiosity.

In this insightful conversation, Kathryn Tomasino, an associate professor of gastroenterology at Northwestern University, shares her expertise on gut health especially during the holiday season. She explains how digestion is impacted not just by what we eat, but also by our stress levels and sleep quality. Kathryn provides practical tips to enjoy holiday meals without discomfort, such as mindful eating and choosing minimally processed sides. Plus, she discusses the surprising effects of stress and alcohol on gut function, emphasizing the importance of self-care during festive times.

David M. Ewalt, editor-in-chief of Scientific American and former technology reporter at Forbes, revisits his unique 20-year email time capsule project. He shares how friendships and human connections kept this digital archive alive, even amid technological challenges. David discusses themes of resilience, reflecting on the project's emotional significance and the mundane yet poignant messages retrieved from the past. He also explores the deeper anthropological insights time capsules provide and the importance of storytelling in preserving our history.