Science Friday

Dr. Elinor Karlsson, chief scientific officer at Darwin's Ark and a leading researcher in cat genetics, dives into the fascinating world of feline behavior and genetics. She discusses how cat owners can contribute to groundbreaking research by submitting fur samples and personal observations. The conversation highlights the surprising links between cat genetics and human health, while exploring the evolutionary history of cats and their unique traits compared to dogs. You'll also hear a fun anecdote about how music affects a calico cat's behavior!

An evolving technology is changing the lives of people with paralysis: brain-computer interfaces (BCI). These are devices that are implanted in the brain and record neural activity, then translate those signals into commands for a computer. This allows people to type, play computer games, and talk with others just by thinking, allowing more freedom to communicate.For decades, this technology has looked like a person controlling a cursor on a screen. But this work has advanced, and in a recent breakthrough, a person with paralysis in all four limbs was able to move a virtual quadcopter with extreme precision by thinking about moving it with their fingers.Another area of BCI research involves speech. Recent work has shown promise in allowing people with vocal paralysis to “speak” through a computer, using old recordings to recreate the person’s voice from before their paralysis.Joining Host Flora Lichtman to discuss the state of this technology, and where it may be headed, are Dr. Matthew Willsey, assistant professor of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Sergey Stavisky, assistant professor of neurosurgery and co-director of the Neuroprosthetics Lab at the University of California, Davis.Transcript for this 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.

In Connecting Dots: A Blind Life, inventor Josh Miele recounts his life story and path to becoming an accessibility designer.When inventor and scientist Josh Miele was 4 years old, a neighbor poured sulfuric acid on his head, burning and permanently blinding him. In his new book Connecting Dots: A Blind Life, Miele chronicles what happened afterwards, growing up as a blind kid, and how he built his career as an inventor and designer of adaptive technology.Host Flora Lichtman talks with Dr. Joshua Miele, an Amazon Design Scholar and MacArthur Fellow, or “Genius Grant” recipient. They talk about the inspiration for the book, how he grew into his career, and how disabled people need to be included in the technology revolution.Transcript for this 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.

Wes Marshall, a civil engineering professor at the University of Colorado Denver and author of 'Killed By A Traffic Engineer,' dives into the critical flaws of current road design. He argues that traffic engineers have overlooked scientific evidence, contributing to thousands of fatalities each year. The discussion tackles outdated beliefs about road safety, including the misconception that wider roads are safer. Marshall also highlights the benefits of traffic calming circles and the urgent need for data-driven approaches to create safer, pedestrian-friendly streets.

The Webb Space Telescope picked up traces of dimethyl sulfide on planet K2-18b. On Earth, the molecule comes from microbes and phytoplankton. Also, researchers captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid swimming in its natural habitat—almost 2,000 feet deep.Possible Signature Of Life Detected On Exoplanet—MaybeIn major galactic news, scientists may have detected possible signs of life on a planet right here in our galaxy. Is this one of the best hints we’ve gotten that alien life exists? Host Flora Lichtman gets into it with Anil Oza, the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow at STAT and MIT. They discuss the latest in alien life, the Trump’s administration cuts to the “indirect costs” of science funding, the largest map of a brain yet, and how salmon on anti-anxiety meds make bolder choices.A Colossal Squid Video? That’s A Big DealThis week, scientists announced that they had captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid in its natural habitat, recorded some 1,968 feet (600 m) below the ocean surface near the South Sandwich Islands. While there have been sightings of the colossal squid before, they have mainly been of individuals entangled with fishing equipment—and much of what is known about the elusive creatures comes from dead specimens.The video was captured by scientists on board the R/V Falkor (too) during an Ocean Census expedition searching for new marine life. As the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian descended towards the ocean floor, its cameras caught sight of a juvenile squid roughly one foot long (30 cm), and captured over a minute of high resolution video. The footage was later analyzed by experts and determined to be a colossal squid.Colossal squid are estimated to grow up to 23 feet (7 m) in length and can weigh as much as 1,100 pounds (500 kg), making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. They are not the same as the giant squid, an entirely different species, which can grow to be longer but are lighter and slimmer.Dr. Kat Bolstad, one of the squid experts the researchers sent their videos to for identification, joins Host Flora Lichtman to talk about the sighting.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.

Janet Iwasa, head of the University of Utah’s Animation Lab, and Tim Lee, director of exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah, discuss the art of making complex science accessible. They highlight how storytelling, engaging visuals, and innovative dioramas bring science to life. Iwasa shares how animations prompt researchers to rethink experiments, while Lee addresses the importance of accuracy in science communications. Together, they emphasize community support's role in enhancing public understanding of science.

Mark Loewen is a vertebrate paleontologist studying the evolution of dinosaurs, while Reagan Wytsalucy is a plant scientist dedicated to reviving traditional Native American crops. They discuss the exciting discovery of Lokiceratops, a newly identified dinosaur with unique horns, challenging current paleontological understandings. Reagan also shares her mission to locate the Southwest peach, an ancient fruit vital to Navajo culture, highlighting its historical significance and the need to reconnect with indigenous agricultural practices.

Bob Holmes, a science journalist, uncovers the surprising significance of interjections like 'um' and 'huh' in conversation, revealing how they regulate dialogue and foster understanding. Meanwhile, Ronan McCarthy, a biomedical sciences professor, shares groundbreaking research on saccharin, showing its potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by disrupting their membranes. Together, they discuss how these seemingly trivial elements can have profound implications for communication and health.

Join Flora Lichtman and Senior Producer Charles Bergquist as they dive into the Senate hearing featuring Jared Isaacman, Trump's NASA nominee. Isaacman champions a dual approach for lunar and Mars missions, sparking debate among lawmakers. The conversation also touches on the challenges of funding ambitious space goals. Additionally, learn about innovative developments in de-extinction science and groundbreaking rapid testing for bird flu. The duo even discusses how mind wandering might surprisingly boost learning!

Join Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, as she sheds light on the making of ‘The Pitt.’ She discusses the intense emotional toll of working in emergency medicine, especially with pediatric cases. Sylvia emphasizes the rigorous training actors undergo to portray realistic medical situations and the importance of inclusivity in the show. Discover how 'The Pitt' authentically depicts the chaotic yet vital world of emergency care while highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.