Science Friday

Umair Irfan, senior correspondent at Vox, joins to discuss the shocking layoffs of 10,000 federal health workers that impact crucial health agencies like the FDA and CDC. The conversation dives into the potential fallout on public health initiatives and medical research. Irfan also highlights exciting advancements, like a tiny pacemaker injected through a needle, and explores groundbreaking studies on air pollution's effect on climate. Plus, find out about the fascinating science behind growing miso in space and the surprising role of sea turtle tears.

Emily Jones is a climate reporter for Grist and WABE, based in Savannah, Georgia. She discusses alarming funding cuts at NOAA and their potential impact on hurricane forecasting accuracy, raising concerns for coastal communities. Experts worry that fewer resources could lead to less reliable forecasts as the hurricane season approaches. Additionally, a board-certified music therapist shares insights on how music aids infant development, including preferences for certain types and the best ways to incorporate music into a baby's routine.

Join marine biologist Patricia Esquete and glaciologist Sasha Montelli as they discuss a groundbreaking Antarctic expedition. They uncovered a stunning hidden ecosystem under a massive iceberg, revealing octopuses, sea spiders, and crustaceans, all thriving without sunlight. The conversation dives into the intriguing underwater landscape, likening it to famous landmarks, and emphasizes the impact of climate change on these vulnerable habitats. They stress the need for ongoing research and funding to explore these uncharted waters.

Vasileia Karasavva, a PhD student at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, director at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, explore the intriguing relationship between TikTok and ADHD diagnosis. They reveal how viral videos often misrepresent ADHD symptoms, leading to a mix of self-discovery and misinformation. As young adults scroll through content, their critical thinking fades. The guest experts emphasize the need for careful evaluation and the potential of social media to reduce stigma around mental health, all while navigating the complexities of accurate information.

Join Dr. Abi Aghayere, a civil engineering professor at Drexel University, and Dr. Thomas McKenney, an expert in maritime engineering from the University of Michigan, as they dissect the Baltimore bridge collapse. Discover the design flaws and electrical failures that led to the tragedy and learn why many bridges remain vulnerable. The discussion also emphasizes the need for collaboration between port authorities and ship operators to improve safety and adapt to the rising threat from larger container ships.

Kathleen Davis, a producer focused on science communication, sheds light on the fallout from 23andMe's bankruptcy, urging users to consider deleting their genetic data before it could be shared with potential buyers. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy, owner of Chemical Innovative Solutions, discusses an exciting new golf ball coating designed to enhance performance on varying green conditions. The conversation merges concerns about data privacy with advancements in sports technology, keeping listeners both informed and entertained.

Tom Juzek, an assistant professor of computational linguistics, dives into the curious world of AI language models. He discusses why certain words like "delve" are overused in AI-generated texts, suggesting a shift in linguistic patterns due to machine learning influences. The conversation also explores the fascinating biology of fat-tail dwarf lemurs, whose telomeres lengthen during hibernation—offering clues about aging. Juzek's insights bridge technology and nature, revealing unexpected connections in both fields.

Dr. Mireille Kamariza, a chemical biologist at UCLA and co-founder of Oli Lux Biosciences, brings her harrowing personal experiences as a Burundi native to the forefront of tuberculosis (TB) research. She delves into TB's unique defenses that make it hard to treat and shares innovative diagnostics to identify effective treatments in low-resource settings. Kamariza also addresses the social stigmas surrounding TB in her homeland, emphasizing the importance of blending science with personal narratives to drive change in global health.

John Green, celebrated author of hits like "The Fault in Our Stars," reveals the profound effects of tuberculosis on culture and history in his new book. He discusses staggering statistics, like TB's role in the deaths of one in seven people by the 1800s, and how it has influenced art, fashion, and literature. Exploring themes of socio-economic impacts and the stark healthcare disparities in treating TB today, Green emphasizes the urgent need for equitable healthcare while sharing poignant stories, including that of a brave boy battling drug-resistant TB.

Dr. Andrei Cuceu is a postdoctoral research fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, while Dr. Adam Riess is a renowned professor and Nobel laureate at Johns Hopkins University. They discuss the latest findings from the DESI project, suggesting that dark energy may not be a constant after all. Their groundbreaking research hints at the evolution of dark energy over cosmic time, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe's expansion. The duo also explores the innovative techniques used to create the largest 3D map of the universe, using robotic technology to analyze distant galaxies.