Science Friday

Climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla, author of *A Billion Butterflies*, grew up in rural India where unpredictable monsoons meant life or death. He shares his remarkable journey from his village to becoming a pioneer in modern weather forecasting. Shukla discusses the evolution of weather predictions, the impact of chaos theory, and the challenges posed by climate change. He reflects on how his childhood shaped his career and emphasizes the critical need for accurate forecasting to protect vulnerable communities.

In this discussion, James Forbes, a Clemson University automotive engineering professor, and Rachel Plotnick, an author and media scholar, explore the recent resurgence of physical controls in cars. They analyze why buttons are becoming preferred over touchscreens, focusing on user experience and psychological benefits. The conversation delves into the balance between automation and tactile feedback, addressing how nostalgia for traditional interfaces intersects with modern technology. They also celebrate the joy of buttons in everyday life, highlighting their emotional connections.

Dr. Michael Schatz, a professor of computational biology and oncology at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the genetic world of tomatoes and eggplants. He reveals how researchers have mapped the genomes of these nightshades to locate genes that dictate their size and flavor. With CRISPR gene editing, they are creating bigger fruits while maintaining taste. The conversation also touches on the shift from traditional breeding to modern genetic techniques and the balance between innovation and public safety in genetically modified crops.

Richie Robertson, a geologist from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, shares his journey from an art student to the community's trusted volcanologist during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption. He discusses the challenges of predicting volcanic activity and the emotional toll on evacuated residents. Stacey Edwards emphasizes the importance of local scientific expertise and community trust during crises. Together, they highlight the resilience and self-determination that Caribbean communities must embrace in the face of climate challenges.

Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, and Shoshannah Buxbaum, a producer, dive into the controversial decision to revoke protections for the lesser prairie chicken. They discuss its colorful courtship rituals and the environmental policy shifts under the Trump administration. Topics also include the surprising intersection of Trump supporters with wind energy, revolutionary at-home health tests, and the discovery of a new fossil shedding light on the evolution of flight. Plus, quirky cicada facts and flamingos’ feeding techniques add humor to the mix!

Sara Jahnke, Director at the Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, discusses the lurking cancer risks firefighters face. She highlights a crucial registry's brief shutdown and its importance for understanding these risks, especially among diverse firefighter populations. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges and mental health impacts within the profession. Additionally, the innovative efforts to breed pest-resistant trees are explored, revealing how science is taking action to protect America's forests.

Botanists Lúcia Lohmann, a professor at Washington University and president of the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Kiruba Krishnaswamy, an engineering and agriculture professor at the University of Missouri, delve into fascinating plant discoveries and superfood science. They share thrilling tales from the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the sheer biodiversity and the rigorous efforts to catalog new species. Kiruba dives into the nutritional power of lesser-known superfoods like millet, exploring their potential to combat global hunger and the myths behind popular dietary trends.

Damon Coyle, a medical sculptor and innovation specialist at the University of Missouri, crafts hyperrealistic body parts for medical training. He shares insights about his unique creations, including lifelike arms for blood draws and detailed eyeballs for trauma simulation. The conversation reveals how these realistic replicas enhance procedural skills and improve training experiences for healthcare professionals. Damon also discusses the intricate process of creating such detailed models and the exciting fusion of art and medicine in this field.

Kati Karikó, a pioneering biochemist and Nobel Prize winner renowned for her groundbreaking mRNA research, shares her incredible journey from being regarded as a nobody to a scientific trailblazer. She discusses the challenges and skepticism she faced while developing the mRNA technology that became crucial for COVID-19 vaccines. Kati emphasizes resilience and self-belief, drawing from her immigrant background. Her daughter, Olympic gold medalist Susan Francia, reflects on the life lessons learned from Kati's unwavering determination.

Sophie Bushwick, Senior News Editor at New Scientist, and Sandor Mulsow, a marine geologist at Austral University, dive into critical issues in science today. They discuss proposed NASA budget cuts that could cripple key projects while diverting funds to lunar and Martian missions. Meanwhile, an executive order fast-tracks deep-sea mining, raising environmental and geopolitical concerns. Mulsow highlights the potential impact on marine ecosystems, framing a larger debate on our ethical responsibilities toward ocean health.