Science Friday

Dr. Aditi Gurkar discusses how biological age can differ from chronological age. The podcast explores the markers of biological age, including metabolites and functional capacity, suggesting potential interventions to slow down the aging process.

The podcast discusses the history of high-speed rail in the US compared to other countries, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits. It explores the progress of California's high-speed rail project and Amtrak's expansion. Private companies like Brightline are also investing in high-speed routes. The potential growth of high-speed rail in Texas, the Pacific Northwest, and other regions is also mentioned.

Scientists are studying cannabis using a mobile lab due to federal restrictions. They explore the potential reclassification of cannabis and its legal implications. The challenges of researching cannabis post-legalization are discussed. The effects of cannabis on memory, aging adults, and exercise are examined. The obstacles in cannabis research and the FDA reclassification are highlighted.

Scientists discuss the unique swimming patterns of salps in the ocean, forming chains and swimming in corkscrews. Wind utility company in Wyoming paints one turbine blade black to prevent bird collisions. Exploring the challenges of studying gelatinous organisms and the need for conservation in wind energy development.

Electric stimulation shows promise in regrowing nerves for spinal cord injuries. Maya communities in Guatemala celebrate the calendar cycle. Other topics include powerful X-ray pulses, scalp microbiome investigations, and testing ancient Greek armor in combat scenarios.

Dr. Erin Norton, from Iowa State University, discusses growing cold-hardy grapes for Iowa's wine industry. They explore challenges, taste wines, and delve into viticulture. Learn about the unique flavors and production of Iowa's wine grapes, and the ongoing evolution of the state's wine industry.

Discover the importance of rare earth elements in modern technology and the challenges of recycling them. Learn about a new acid-free method developed by scientists to recycle rare earth metals from magnets. Explore the efficiency and sustainability of rare earth element recycling, including a technology with a 98% recovery rate from electronic waste.

Cosmologists question the constant nature of dark energy post Big Bang, discussing the evolving force and its implications on the universe's expansion. DESI collaboration challenges traditional theories, highlighting the need for new physics to explain an accelerating universe. Dr. Dillon Brout from Boston University shares insights on the evolving nature of dark energy and the impact of variable forces on our understanding of the cosmos.

New guidelines recommend starting breast cancer screening at age 40 instead of 50, aimed at reducing deaths and addressing disparities among black women. The podcast explores the rationale behind the updated guidelines, benefits of early screening, risk assessment for high-risk individuals, and the balance between false alarms and cancer detection rates in mammograms.

A new rule paves the way for an electric grid update to handle increasing demands while exploring the use of nanoparticles for stable vaccines. Topics include the impact of AI and cryptocurrency on the grid, ocean heatwaves affecting marine life, self-collection tests for cancer, and a beetle's bat evasion tactics. Additionally, advancements in mRNA vaccines, nanoparticle-based vaccines, and innovative vaccine delivery methods are discussed.