Science Quickly

Human tourism may desensitize wild animals to danger, affecting their survival. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of human tourism on animal behavior and vulnerability to predators and poachers.

Babies strategically smile to get their mothers to smile back, showing their understanding of the power of a smile.

Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich, and Aziz Sancar, all 2015 Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry, delve into the fascinating world of DNA repair. They discuss groundbreaking insights that shed light on how cells fix DNA damage, a process crucial for genetic integrity. The trio emphasizes the importance of their research in understanding diseases like cancer. Listeners will be captivated by the interplay of science and health as these experts share their journeys and the thrilling implications of their findings.

Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald, recipients of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics, discuss the discovery that neutrinos can change into another kind, revealing their mass.

William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura are awarded the Nobel Prize for their roundworm parasite therapies, while Youyou Tu is honored for her work on a novel malaria treatment. They discuss their groundbreaking discoveries and their impact on global health.

Christopher Intagliata, an environmental reporter, dives into the carbon footprint of goods made in China. He reveals how China's reliance on coal for energy leads to higher emissions in manufacturing. Intagliata discusses the environmental consequences of outsourcing production and underscores the importance of choosing products that are more environmentally friendly. He urges listeners to consider the broader impact of their purchasing decisions on climate change.

Harvard neuroscientist Beth Stevens, a MacArthur Genius Grant winner, discusses her research on how microglia cells prune synapses in the brain and how this process can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The podcast explores the importance of studying synaptic loss for potential advancements in treatment.

Kartik Chandran, MacArthur Fellowship winner, discusses extracting nutrients and energy from wastewater. He highlights examples from Ghana, including separating urine and fecal sludge for agricultural reuse and converting fecal sludge to biodiesel.

Early human species may have had sharper hearing in certain frequencies for short-range vocal communication, influencing the development of human language.

This podcast discusses the link between sitting for long periods and a higher risk of death. However, it suggests that fidgeting can counteract these negative effects by improving glucose metabolism and reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. The episode also provides tips on incorporating movement while sitting for extended periods.