Science Friday

Hannah Prather, a postdoctoral researcher at Reed College, and Jesse Miller, lead botanist for the Washington Natural Heritage Program, discuss the intriguing world of lichens. They unveil lichens' crucial role as air quality indicators and their significance in ecosystems, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The conversation touches on the safety of handling lichens, their resilience against urbanization and climate change, and common misconceptions about them. Listeners will discover fascinating insights into the biodiversity lichens help maintain and their adaptive nature.

You’re probably familiar with the concept of handedness—a glove made for your left hand looks basically like the one for your right hand, but won’t fit—it’s a mirror image. Many of life’s important molecules, including proteins and DNA, are chiral, meaning they can exist in either a left-handed or a right-handed form. But on Earth, nature only uses one version or the other in living organisms. Your proteins, for example, are all the left-handed version, while your DNA is all right-handed.With advances in synthetic biology, it could be possible to build an artificial organism that flips that shape, having right-handed proteins and left-handed DNA. Writing in the journal Science, an international group of researchers recently cautioned against anyone trying to create that sort of so-called mirror life, saying that it poses the threat of “unprecedented and irreversible harm” to human health and global ecosystems.Dr. Drew Endy, a synthetic biology researcher at Stanford University and one of the authors of that warning, joins Ira to discuss the concept of mirror life and why a group of researchers felt compelled to call for a halt to mirror life experiments.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Explore the latest game-changing technologies set to revolutionize our world. Smaller language models are emerging as efficient alternatives to their larger counterparts, driving accessibility and sustainability. Generative AI is transforming search capabilities, as seen with Google's Gemini. There's also exciting news in healthcare with a promising new HIV medication showing great potential in trials. Finally, innovations in cleaner jet fuels and eco-friendly steel production highlight the aviation industry's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Brooke Bateman, Senior Director of Climate and Community Science at the National Audubon Society, and Janet Ng, a wildlife biologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, dive into the fascinating world of bird counts. They highlight the 125-year legacy of the Christmas Bird Count, exploring how this community-driven science initiative helps track bird populations and their reactions to climate change. The duo discusses alarming trends like species range shifts and population declines, while emphasizing the vital role of local birdwatchers in conservation efforts.

Researchers warn that deep snow days in the U.S. could nearly vanish by century's end, impacting ecosystems and increasing flooding. The podcast also discusses an Iron Age textile discovery, highlighting climate change's impact on wildlife and water supply. A significant error in the proof of Fermat's last theorem is uncovered, emphasizing digitization's importance. Additionally, the cognitive benefits of blinking while reading and dolphins' unique teeth for sound transmission offer fascinating insights into communication and sensory adaptation.

Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist, is renowned for her landmark research on chimpanzees and her global conservation efforts. In this conversation, she shares transformative insights into tool use and communication among chimpanzees, challenging long-held beliefs about animal intelligence. Goodall discusses her journey from researcher to advocate, emphasizing the necessity of grassroots movements for environmental action. Her passion for youth engagement shines through, highlighting programs like Roots and Shoots aimed at empowering the next generation to care for the planet.

This lively discussion reflects on 2024’s scientific highlights, including the mesmerizing total solar eclipse and the Ingenuity helicopter's achievements on Mars. It delves into critical environmental issues, like new regulations on PFAS contaminants. Medical breakthroughs shine with CRISPR therapies for sickle cell disease, alongside legal shifts in abortion care. A surprising discovery of a European ant species in Manhattan sparks curiosity about urban ecosystems, and neuroscience advancements reveal insights into fruit fly brain mapping.

Céline Gounder, an internationally renowned infectious disease specialist, discusses the intersection of demographic shifts and health issues like opioid overdoses. Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist, shares insights on groundbreaking findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, including methane emissions from distant celestial bodies. Kevin Reed, a chief climate scientist, highlights the urgency of addressing climate change through renewable energy innovations while connecting these challenges to public health and technological advancements.

Explore the power of community involvement in local conservation projects tackling invasive species and urban waste. Discover how Maryland turns dead trees into valuable resources while inspiring community engagement. Delve into the ethical debate over preserving space artifacts on Mars, as experts argue these remnants tell stories of our interplanetary explorations. Join the conversation on minimizing ecological footprints and protecting our heritage, both on Earth and beyond.

Science writer Riley Black, known for her insightful paleontology articles at Smithsonian Magazine, shares her favorite dino discoveries of 2024. She talks about fascinating insights into T. rex and the vibrant colors of dinosaurs, revealing how tech helps us understand their appearances. Additionally, the discussion takes a holiday twist as they explore whether spiking eggnog with alcohol can kill harmful bacteria. Riley dives into the science behind food safety, making sure your festive drinks can be both safe and enjoyable!