Science Friday

In a revealing conversation, Andrea Taylor, a biological anthropologist and former co-editor of the Journal of Human Evolution, joins Ivan Oransky, distinguished journalist and co-founder of Retraction Watch. They delve into the troubling wave of editor resignations in scientific publishing, driven by ethical dilemmas and financial pressures from publishers. The duo discusses the impact on editorial quality, the challenges of balancing quantity over quality in research papers, and what the future may hold for credibility in scientific literature.

January is a spectacular month for stargazers as a parade of bright planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—graces the night sky. While Uranus and Neptune require a telescope, the ATLAS comet can be seen with binoculars. Learn how to differentiate planets from stars and discover beautiful winter constellations. The discussion also highlights the impact of satellites on night sky observations and the excitement of upcoming lunar eclipses. Plus, hear about the mesmerizing sunrises from the International Space Station.

Samantha Harvey, an acclaimed author known for her Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital, chats with former NASA astronaut Katie Coleman. They explore the profound impact of living on the ISS, including the emotional toll of isolation and viewing 16 sunrises a day. Harvey discusses her inspiration for writing during lockdown, while Coleman shares the challenges of articulating the unique experience of space. They also reflect on the legacy of the ISS and how literature can bridge the gap between science and the human experience in space exploration.

Join Dr. Kimiko Barrett, a senior wildfire researcher from Headwaters Economics, and Dr. Alexandra Seifert, a conservation scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute, as they delve into the alarming increase of wildfire risks in the U.S. They discuss how climate change impacts urban-wildland interfaces and the critical role of strategic vegetation management. The duo highlights innovative home retrofitting strategies, the significance of community preparedness, and lessons learned from Austin’s wildfire response to build resilience against future fire threats.

Jason Dinh, climate editor at Atmos, discusses the exciting launch of lunar landers from private companies ispace and Firefly Aerospace, with a focus on their upcoming moon missions. He also shares intriguing updates on space exploration and health news, including the ban on Red Dye #3. Meanwhile, Ashish Deshmukh, a public health expert, shares groundbreaking data showing a remarkable 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths among young women, thanks to the HPV vaccine, emphasizing the vital role of vaccination in public health.

Melanie Mitchell, a professor specializing in cognition in artificial intelligence at Santa Fe University, dives into the fascinating world of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). She discusses the stark differences between AGI and today's AI, emphasizing how AGI aims to replicate human-like cognitive tasks. The conversation explores the impact of AGI on society, ethics, and economics, alongside its historical context. Mitchell also touches on the intriguing influence of popular culture, like Star Trek, on AI development and the pressing need for reliable AI systems as we edge closer to AGI.

Discover the fascinating science behind hula hooping, where body shape and physics intertwine to keep the hoop spinning. Researchers at NYU have unraveled the mechanics of balance and motion, shedding light on what makes for an effective hooper. Meanwhile, NASA faces exciting yet challenging decisions regarding the Mars Sample Return mission, exploring more cost-effective and efficient ways to bring Martian materials back to Earth. Join in on the conversation about the future of space exploration and the unexpected wonders of a simple toy.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, discusses the alarming connection between alcohol consumption and cancer, detailing its potential to increase the risk for at least seven types of cancer, including breast and liver. He urges for clearer warnings on alcohol labeling to inform the public. In addition, Murthy emphasizes the importance of community in enhancing mental well-being, advocating for a transition from materialism to fulfilling relationships. His insights reflect a holistic approach to health and happiness as he concludes his term.

Dr. Seema Lakdawala, an influenza expert from Emory University, and Dr. Richard Webby, a leading virologist from St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, dive into the recent bird flu concerns following the first U.S. death. They discuss the H5N1 virus's alarming rise and mutations that heighten human infection risks. The conversation touches on the vulnerabilities of dairy workers, vaccination challenges, and necessary preventive measures. With echoes of past pandemics looming, they emphasize the urgency for robust public health responses.

Umair Irfan, a science correspondent at Vox specializing in climate change and environmental issues, joins the discussion. They delve into the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, primarily driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. Umair sheds light on the climatic factors fueling these fires and their devastating effects on local communities. The conversation also touches on broader topics of extreme weather patterns, emphasizing the interplay of climate change and public health challenges.