Science Friday

Dr. Katrina Kimport, a reproductive health expert from UCSF, and Dr. Cara Heuser, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist from Utah, dive into the sensitive topic of third-trimester abortions. They clarify misconceptions, highlighting that these procedures are rare yet often stigmatized. The discussion addresses emotional and medical complexities, advocacy for individual autonomy, and the ethics involved in such serious decisions. They also emphasize the need for empathy and informed conversations about women's reproductive choices.

A resident recounts the harrowing experience of raw sewage flooding his home, highlighting the severe impact of aging sewage systems. Health concerns arise as contaminated water leads to parasitic infections in the community. The discussion shifts to climate change's role in overwhelming these outdated infrastructures. Innovative solutions from Cincinnati offer hope, but frustrations linger over persistent issues. Walter's personal struggle reflects the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and the quest for a better living environment.

Paleontologists discuss ancient dinosaur footprints in South Korea, suggesting flight may have evolved in multiple dinosaur lineages. The debate spans the effectiveness of protest movements in garnering support for climate issues. Unique breathing patterns in individuals without a sense of smell are explored, along with a breakthrough brain stimulation technique to treat depression. Lastly, the capabilities of oriental hornets to tolerate alcohol are examined, linking to broader biodiversity efforts addressed at COP16.

In this engaging discussion, Susanna Monceau, an associate professor of philosophy and author, delves into how various animals perceive death. She shares fascinating insights on opossums’ uncanny ability to fake their own demise as a survival tactic. The conversation also highlights chimpanzees' nuanced emotional responses to loss, shaped by their relationships. Monceau emphasizes the instinctual nature of ants' reactions to deceased members without comprehending death itself, pushing the boundaries of how we understand animal cognition.

Guest Dr. Liz Krastil, an Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior at UC Irvine, dives into the intriguing effects of pregnancy on the brain. She discusses how MRI scans reveal notable changes in gray and white matter during gestation. The conversation explores the phenomenon of 'pregnancy brain,' shedding light on forgetfulness and cognitive shifts. Dr. Krastil emphasizes the significance of these transformations and their connection to mental health issues like postpartum depression, highlighting a largely uncharted area of research.

Peter Kiesewalter, a Grammy-nominated musician from NYC, shares his surprising journey of discovering the beauty of moths through his brother's stunning macro photography. He discusses how metaphors simplify complex scientific ideas but can also mislead us. The conversation reveals the deep connections between moth life cycles and human experiences. By intertwining music and moth science in 'The Moth Project,' Kiesewalter showcases how artistic expression can illuminate and celebrate nature's wonders, even during challenging times.

Dr. Padi Boyd, a NASA astrophysicist and co-host of "Curious Universe," joins fellow expert Dr. Ingrid Daubar, a planetary scientist at Brown University, to discuss the launch of the Europa Clipper. They delve into the mission's groundbreaking goal to explore Europa's icy surface for potential signs of life beneath its crust. The duo shares insights on the spacecraft's innovative instruments and nearly 50 planned flybys. With excitement brewing for upcoming discoveries, they reflect on the importance of studying this mysterious moon in the search for extraterrestrial worlds.

Eric Schmidt, an economic development reporter at St. Louis Public Radio, shares insights on kernza, a novel perennial grain from Central Asia. Unlike annual crops like corn, it offers sustainable farming benefits, such as soil preservation and carbon sequestration. Eric also discusses how kernza's unique flavor is making waves in brewing, with local businesses experimenting to create delicious new beers. Additionally, the conversation touches on the recent arrival of giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the fascinating concept of panda diplomacy.

Irving Washington is the Senior VP at KFF, focusing on health misinformation, while Lloyd Suh is the playwright behind 'Franklinland,' exploring Benjamin Franklin's life. They discuss the rapid spread of health misinformation, especially around elections, and the challenges of distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation. Washington shares practical strategies for navigating dubious health claims, while Suh reflects on the artistic process of portraying the complex relationship between Franklin and his son, highlighting themes of legacy and identity.

Charlie Wood, a staff writer at Quanta Magazine, dives into the mystery of space-time and its ties to quantum physics. He discusses how scientists are mapping the cosmic microwave background and using gravitational waves to uncover insights into the universe's origins. The conversation highlights the challenges of reconciling quantum mechanics with general relativity and explores elusive concepts like dark energy and dark matter. Listeners will appreciate the intriguing connections between the cosmos and the fundamental laws that govern everything.