Science Friday

Lauren Grush, a space reporter at Bloomberg News specializing in the commercial space industry, discusses the decommissioning of the International Space Station by 2030. She explores NASA’s plans to collaborate with private companies like Axiom Space and Blue Origin for future space stations, highlighting the shifts in research and tourism. Grush shares insights from her visit to Vast, a contender in this transformation, revealing its innovative approach tied to cryptocurrency and the competition's push towards a new era of space exploration.

Will Douglas Heaven, the Senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review, dives into the fascinating world of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He explores the complex definitions of AGI and its implications for society. The conversation touches on the commercialization of AI and challenges in defining true intelligence. Heaven discusses the future of jobs in an AI-driven world and the ethical considerations surrounding AI development. Plus, the potential environmental impact of AI’s energy consumption sparks critical dialogue on sustainability.

Dr. Neeta Ogden, a leading allergist and director at the Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center in New Jersey, dives into the increasing severity of seasonal allergies due to climate change. She highlights that allergies are starting earlier and becoming more intense, affecting 25% of U.S. adults. The discussion covers the gut microbiome's role in allergies, effective treatments like immunotherapy, and the intriguing hygiene hypothesis, which links environmental exposure to a lower incidence of allergic reactions. Tune in for insights that could help you manage your allergy season!

Dr. Scott Sicherer, Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, sheds light on the alarming rise of peanut allergies among children, with rates tripling over the past two decades. He discusses innovative research where microdosing peanut butter significantly increases tolerance in children without severe reactions. The conversation covers various treatments, the importance of early exposure to allergens, and the nuances between food allergies and intolerances, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in food allergy advancements.

Umair Irfan, senior correspondent at Vox, joins to discuss the shocking layoffs of 10,000 federal health workers that impact crucial health agencies like the FDA and CDC. The conversation dives into the potential fallout on public health initiatives and medical research. Irfan also highlights exciting advancements, like a tiny pacemaker injected through a needle, and explores groundbreaking studies on air pollution's effect on climate. Plus, find out about the fascinating science behind growing miso in space and the surprising role of sea turtle tears.

Emily Jones is a climate reporter for Grist and WABE, based in Savannah, Georgia. She discusses alarming funding cuts at NOAA and their potential impact on hurricane forecasting accuracy, raising concerns for coastal communities. Experts worry that fewer resources could lead to less reliable forecasts as the hurricane season approaches. Additionally, a board-certified music therapist shares insights on how music aids infant development, including preferences for certain types and the best ways to incorporate music into a baby's routine.

Join marine biologist Patricia Esquete and glaciologist Sasha Montelli as they discuss a groundbreaking Antarctic expedition. They uncovered a stunning hidden ecosystem under a massive iceberg, revealing octopuses, sea spiders, and crustaceans, all thriving without sunlight. The conversation dives into the intriguing underwater landscape, likening it to famous landmarks, and emphasizes the impact of climate change on these vulnerable habitats. They stress the need for ongoing research and funding to explore these uncharted waters.

Vasileia Karasavva, a PhD student at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, director at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, explore the intriguing relationship between TikTok and ADHD diagnosis. They reveal how viral videos often misrepresent ADHD symptoms, leading to a mix of self-discovery and misinformation. As young adults scroll through content, their critical thinking fades. The guest experts emphasize the need for careful evaluation and the potential of social media to reduce stigma around mental health, all while navigating the complexities of accurate information.

Join Dr. Abi Aghayere, a civil engineering professor at Drexel University, and Dr. Thomas McKenney, an expert in maritime engineering from the University of Michigan, as they dissect the Baltimore bridge collapse. Discover the design flaws and electrical failures that led to the tragedy and learn why many bridges remain vulnerable. The discussion also emphasizes the need for collaboration between port authorities and ship operators to improve safety and adapt to the rising threat from larger container ships.

Kathleen Davis, a producer focused on science communication, sheds light on the fallout from 23andMe's bankruptcy, urging users to consider deleting their genetic data before it could be shared with potential buyers. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy, owner of Chemical Innovative Solutions, discusses an exciting new golf ball coating designed to enhance performance on varying green conditions. The conversation merges concerns about data privacy with advancements in sports technology, keeping listeners both informed and entertained.