Science Friday

Dr. Brian Lee, an epidemiologist from Drexel University, delves into the contentious issue of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and its alleged link to autism. He critiques previous studies for methodological flaws and highlights his extensive research using data from 2.5 million pregnancies. Dr. Lee emphasizes that confounding factors, such as genetic risks and underlying health issues, complicate the results. He advocates for cautious medication use, stressing that there’s no strong evidence supporting the idea that Tylenol use leads to autism.

Dr. Karen Liu, a Stanford roboticist, discusses the remarkable advancements in humanoid robots. She introduces Toddy, a toddler-sized robot showcasing speech and perception skills. The conversation covers the convergence of AI and hardware, also highlighting how conversations come easier to robots than physical tasks like walking. Liu explores the challenges of bipedal movement and the scarcity of training data for robots. She even hints at the future with home assistant robots that might tackle chores like laundry or dishwashing, building excitement for a more robotic household.

Rebecca Albright, a coral reef biologist and associate curator at the California Academy of Sciences, shares her fascinating journey from Ohio to coral science. She discusses the challenges of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and introduces her lab's techniques for enhancing coral reproduction. Albright explains the intricacies of how corals spawn, the importance of captive breeding, and the process of making corals more resilient. With 25% of marine life relying on reefs, her work highlights both the urgency and beauty of coral conservation.

Microbiologist Paula Welander, a professor at Stanford University, dives into the world of ancient life forms. She reveals how fossilized microbes provide insights into Earth's earliest days and their potential connections to life on other planets. Welander discusses the extraction of lipid 'chemical fossils' from rocks and the significance of extremophiles in understanding early biosignatures. She also addresses the challenges of interpreting findings from Mars and emphasizes the importance of basic research in exploring life's origins.

Dr. Iroro Tanshi, an ecologist from the University of Washington, and Dr. Benneth Obitte, a conservation ecologist at Texas Tech University, share insights into bat conservation in Nigeria. They highlight the rich biodiversity of 100 bat species in the country, the threats these creatures face, and their pioneering efforts to train a new generation of conservationists. Their community engagement strategies aim to showcase the value of bats, fostering local support while addressing critical environmental challenges.

In this conversation, Dr. Tom Langen, a biology professor and conservation biologist, discusses the encouraging recovery of bird species like merlins and sandhill cranes, driven by conservation efforts and habitat restoration. He highlights the impact of factors such as the DDT ban and public awareness on these successes. Langen also delves into his work on restoring the threatened moon eye fish, addressing migration barriers and innovative engineering solutions for river ecosystems. His insights paint a hopeful picture amidst broader environmental challenges.

Rob Dunn, an ecologist and author based in North Carolina, dives into the fascinating world of mutualisms between species. He argues that humans thrive on interspecies partnerships, forming thousands of connections with animals, plants, and microbes. Dunn shares captivating stories, like honey guides leading humans to hives and dolphins signaling fish traps. He also discusses the evolutionary roles of fruit in seed dispersal, the domestication of dogs, and how yeast has influenced human culture. It's a fresh look at life's interconnected tapestry!

Join Kelly Fast, the Acting Planetary Defense Officer at NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, as she shares insightful details on our ability to detect hazardous asteroids. Discover the cutting-edge NeoSurveyor satellite and its role in spotting potential threats, even near the sun. Fast also dives into the reality of government preparedness, communication strategies, and the challenges of international cooperation in planetary defense. With recent asteroid discoveries underscoring the urgency, the conversation balances science, politics, and the dream of safeguarding Earth.

Mary-Claire King, a renowned geneticist and American Cancer Society Professor at the University of Washington, explores her groundbreaking work identifying the BRCA1 gene linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. She shares her journey from studying chimps to tackling cancer, emphasizing how personal and political events shaped her research. King also discusses the essential role of intuition in science and the importance of collaboration, activism, and diversity in advancing genetic research and improving women's health.

Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Genius Myth,' delves into the societal implications of the label 'genius.' She challenges traditional notions of genius tied to IQ and innovation, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives and collaborative efforts. The discussion also highlights the historical marginalization of women in science and critiques how accolades like the Nobel Prize can overshadow collective achievements. Ultimately, Lewis calls for a broader understanding of intelligence beyond mere numbers.