Science Quickly

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.

Rowan Moore Gerety, a science reporter for Scientific American, dives into the groundbreaking world of mRNA vaccines and their potential to treat cancers like pancreatic cancer. He unveils the transformative journey of cancer survivor Barbara Brigham, showcasing how these vaccines can enhance quality of life post-remission. The discussion also highlights the innovative mechanism of mRNA technology in teaching the immune system to target tumors, and addresses the pressing political and funding challenges facing cancer research today.

David Berreby, a science writer and AI enthusiast, shares his fascinating journey exploring griefbots—AI tools that simulate conversations with the deceased. He discusses why people turn to these digital companions, highlighting how they can aid in the mourning process. Berreby explains the creative process behind building a griefbot and how it helps individuals socialize and reengage with their feelings. He also addresses the societal implications of griefbots and expresses cautious optimism about their ethical use in navigating loss.

Kendra Pierre-Louis, a climate journalist known for her captivating food science essays, dives deep into the psychology of taste. She shares her hilarious disdain for mayonnaise and how this aversion connects to broader food textures. Discover the intriguing link between texture and taste perception, like how roughness can heighten sourness. Kendra also explores unique food texture vocabulary from other languages and categorizes preferences, revealing how people connect with food beyond just flavor.

Tom Zeller, Jr., a former New York Times journalist and current editor at Undark, dives into the perplexing world of headaches. He shares his personal battles with cluster headaches that inspired his upcoming book. The conversation uncovers the stark lack of research due to cultural biases, including gender-related misconceptions and the trivialization of pain. Zeller also demystifies various headache types and highlights emerging treatments, leaving listeners with a glimmer of hope in a field long overshadowed by disinterest.

Join Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author researching compliance and ethical decision-making, as she explores the virtue of defiance. She discusses how societal conditioning can suppress our voices, making it challenging to assert our boundaries. Learn how Milgram's experiments highlight compliance even under distress. Sah reframes defiance as a value-aligned action, offering insights on how to develop this skill and even how parents can encourage defiance in their children. Discover the empowerment that comes from saying 'no' and standing firm in your beliefs.

Andrea Thompson, a Senior Editor at Scientific American and expert in weather and climate, dives into the extraordinary Hurricane Melissa. She explains its rare Category 5 status and how it stunned meteorologists with peak wind speeds comparable to Pacific supertyphoons. The discussion highlights the storm's devastation in Jamaica and Haiti, including roof losses and landslides. Additionally, Thompson touches on intriguing topics like the links between viral infections and heart health, unusual black hole collisions, and the rationality of chimpanzees.

Christopher Damman, a clinical associate professor of gastroenterology at the University of Washington, chats about the impact of Halloween treats on your gut health. He explains how sugar overloads can upset the balance of gut microbes and why moderation is key. Damman also shares insights on which candies are kinder to your microbiome and emphasizes the benefits of whole foods, fiber, and polyphenols for gut health. After a sugar spree, he suggests wholesome foods to help restore your gut flora.