Science Friday

Discussing the progress towards clean energy transition with rising electric car sales, cheaper renewable energy, and slowing global temperature increases. Exploring the concerns as avian flu spreads from birds to cows and humans, highlighting the risks and new outbreaks. Touching on advancements in wind energy, power grid upgrades, hibernating bumblebees, and the need for enhanced surveillance in dairy and poultry industries.

Dr. Frederic Bertley discusses the physics of baseball, highlighting trajectories, velocities, spin rates, and the impact of wooden bats on player performance. He explores the intersection of sports and science literacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding scientific principles in the game.

Learn about the surprising finding that food grown in urban settings can have a higher carbon footprint than on commercial farms. Discover why some foods fare better when grown at home and explore the fascinating world of wildflower superblooms. Dive into the impact of urban gardening on carbon emissions and the social benefits of community gardens.

Entomologist Dr. Sammy Ramsey discusses the threat Varroa destructor mites pose to honeybee colonies in the US, highlighting their destructive nature and contagious spread. He explains how his research aims to disrupt the mites' feeding process to protect vital pollinators like bees. Dr. Ramsey and entomologist Dr. Madison Sankovitz delve into the complexities of mite terror on bees, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue to safeguard agriculture and ecosystems.

Explore the multifaceted functions of glial cells in the brain, from communication with neurons to collaborating with the immune system and regulating the digestive tract. Learn about the evolving understanding of glial cells beyond support structures and their potential impact on brain circuitry and gut health. Scientists are researching targeting glial cells for developing treatments for gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune disorders.

A new EPA rule limits 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, as insects survive winter under snow in the subnivium. The podcast also discusses a total solar eclipse drumroll and multiverse theories. Plus, learn about a new vaccine for UTIs and rodent contraceptives.

Dr. Kali Holder, a veterinary pathologist at the National Zoo, discusses the fascinating world of animal autopsies, including discovering health clues for zoo management and conservation efforts. They delve into cases like a lioness with a tumor and stroke, unique elephant viruses, and diagnosing intricate digestive system issues in beavers and horses.

Exploring the benefits of oyster farming in the Chesapeake Bay, including conservation efforts to protect the ecosystem. Discussing the importance of aquaculture and its role in food production and environmental preservation. Delving into the significance of oysters as filter feeders, water quality improvement, and efforts to restore oyster populations. Exploring sustainable aquaculture practices, minority-focused organizations in agriculture, and the genetic engineering of trip-loid oysters.

Dr. Mike Alonzo from American University and Ryan Alston from Baltimore Tree Trust discuss the importance of urban trees in cooling neighborhoods, the impact of redlining on tree distribution, using satellites to monitor tree canopy and cooling benefits, and the challenges of maintaining trees in urban areas amidst climate change. They highlight the significance of tree diversity, community engagement in tree planting, and achieving a 40% canopy cover for maximum cooling benefits.

Dr. Eric Topol discusses using AI on chest x-rays to predict heart disease risk. Scientists explore how brain tags new memories during sleep. AI shows potential in unconventional medical diagnoses and memory formation processes are revealed in mice.