Science Friday

Mary-Frances O'Connor, a clinical psychology and psychiatry professor at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Body, reveals how grief profoundly impacts both mind and body. She discusses the startling statistics showing heightened risks of heart attack and stroke following the loss of a loved one. O'Connor emphasizes the link between emotional pain and physical health, explaining how grief can lead to increased inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system. She advocates for understanding grief as a natural process requiring self-compassion.

In this conversation, Dr. Anna Weyher, the founder of the Kasanka Baboon Project in Zambia, shares insights into the social dynamics of Kinda baboons. She reveals how male and female baboons form lasting friendships, challenging traditional views on gender relationships. Anna discusses the meticulous process of building trust with these primates and how their social behaviors may inform human relationships. The talk also shifts focus to innovative strategies for managing grizzly bears, including the use of drones to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Dr. Neil Shubin, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Chicago and author of 'Ends of the Earth,' shares his insights on the polar regions' unique ecosystems and their scientific importance. He discusses the harsh realities of conducting research in these extreme environments, highlights groundbreaking fossil discoveries, and addresses the urgent threats posed by climate change. Shubin also delves into the geopolitical implications of melting ice and the beauty and fragility of these icy landscapes, urging for their protection.

Sean Mackey, a Stanford pain management professor, discusses the FDA's groundbreaking approval of Journavx, a non-opioid painkiller that blocks nerve endings without addiction risks. He explains who would benefit and the drug's limitations. Burkhardt Militzer, a UC Berkeley planetary scientist, shares exciting insights about potential multi-layered oceans beneath Neptune and Uranus, suggesting they may explain the planets' strange magnetic fields. This intriguing merger of health and space exploration opens new avenues for scientific understanding.

Sophie Bushwick, Senior News Editor at New Scientist, joins to discuss the detection of a record-breaking neutrino from the Mediterranean, shedding light on the universe's mysteries. The conversation expands to groundbreaking research on Earth's inner core dynamics and innovative wastewater monitoring for public health. They also explore the latest in supersonic space travel technology that reduces sonic booms, alongside amusing love stories from the scientific community, including one about a serendipitous lab partnership that bloomed into a lasting romance.

A scientist discovers a mystical mushroom with the power to heal all ailments, but faces opposition from a greedy pharmaceutical company. Meanwhile, the fascinating aroma of fresh snow is explored, revealing how environmental factors and memory shape our perception of its scent. The podcast also critiques the portrayal of scientists in popular media, contrasting vibrant animated representations with traditional clichés, while diving into the enchanting world of fungi and the emotional connections tied to winter's unique fragrances.

Charles Piller, an investigative journalist at Science Magazine and author of "Doctored," delves into the murky waters of Alzheimer’s research. He discusses alarming allegations of scientific fraud, including manipulated images that undermine research integrity. Piller explores the controversies surrounding the Alzheimer's drug semifilam, revealing the FDA's complicity in oversight failures. The conversation highlights the importance of ethics and accountability in science, emphasizing how fraudulent practices can derail crucial advancements in treatment.

Bill Tripp, a member of the Karuk tribe and director of natural resources, shares insights on traditional fire management practices that date back centuries. He discusses how the tribe collaborates with other organizations to implement controlled burns, emphasizing their ecological and cultural significance. Tripp highlights the challenges modern wildfire management faces and the urgent need to revive Indigenous techniques to restore ecological balance and combat wildfire risks. Their historical relationship with fire is presented as a model for contemporary practices.

Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an Assistant Professor at UMass Amherst, dives into the complex world of vaping and smoking cessation. She discusses the effectiveness of e-cigarettes compared to traditional methods like patches. The conversation also uncovers the risks of dual use—mixing smoking with vaping—and common misconceptions about vaping's dangers. Moreover, Jamie sheds light on the striking differences in health risks between e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, all while emphasizing the urgent need for more research in this evolving field.

Joining the discussion is Will Douglas Heaven, Senior Editor for AI at MIT Technology Review, who sheds light on DeepSeek’s groundbreaking AI developments. The conversation humorously contrasts how ancient human ancestor Lucy would fare on a treadmill against modern humans. Experts also tackle the impact of data removal from the CDC and the NIH, emphasizing its consequences for public health research. Lastly, they explore the competitive landscape between DeepSeek and established AI models, revealing its innovative edge.