Science Friday

Dr. John Hawks, an esteemed anthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, delves into a controversial new analysis of an ancient skull from China that threatens to rewrite the human evolutionary timeline. He discusses how the skull's features suggest an earlier emergence of Homo sapiens and our relatives. Skepticism reigns in the field, prompting John to stress the importance of fossils and DNA in shaping our understanding of human ancestry. The conversation unfolds around the implications of this finding for our perception of human diversity and adaptation.

In a touching tribute to Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, her early dreams of studying wildlife ignite nostalgia. She recalls her groundbreaking discovery of chimpanzees using tools, reshaping our understanding of human uniqueness. Jane also explores the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, from intergroup violence to community cultural differences. With a call for compassion in conservation, she reflects on the urgent threats to these primates and emphasizes the need for global change, leaving a legacy of humility and connection to nature.

Dr. Awais Aftab, a clinical associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Dr. Mark Horowitz, a clinical research fellow in the UK, dive deep into the complexities of SSRI withdrawal. They discuss the lack of strong long-term data and how withdrawal symptoms can be mistaken for relapse. Mark shares his personal struggles with long-term withdrawal, highlighting gaps in clinician training. They explore effective tapering strategies and the importance of prioritizing patient care over exact prevalence rates.

In this engaging discussion, Asha de Vos, a pioneering marine biologist and the founder of Oceanswell, shares her groundbreaking discovery of Sri Lanka's non-migratory blue whale population. She reflects on the challenges of establishing marine research in a context where resources were scarce and faced cultural skepticism as a female scientist. Asha also sheds light on the phenomenon of parachute science, emphasizing its impacts. With a focus on her journey, Asha inspires with her vision for advancing marine science in Sri Lanka.

Emma Gometz, a digital producer and journalist, dives into the riveting world of the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. She explains how the competition not only captivates artists but also plays a pivotal role in funding wetlands conservation. Tension fills the auditorium during the judging process, as artists vie for recognition rather than cash prizes. Emma also shares insights on the dominance of the Hotman brothers in capturing the spirit of wildlife art, and how social media is reshaping the contest landscape, bringing attention to both art and conservation.

Dr. Michael Collins, Clinical and Executive Director of the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and helmet specialist Dr. Barry Miller discuss groundbreaking insights into concussions. They explain the cellular effects of concussions and identify risk factors for prolonged recovery. The duo highlights modern helmet technology advancements but stress that helmets can't fully prevent concussions. They also cover the shift from resting to active rehabilitation for treatment and address ongoing uncertainties surrounding CTE prevention.

Dr. Brian Lee, an epidemiologist from Drexel University, delves into the contentious issue of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and its alleged link to autism. He critiques previous studies for methodological flaws and highlights his extensive research using data from 2.5 million pregnancies. Dr. Lee emphasizes that confounding factors, such as genetic risks and underlying health issues, complicate the results. He advocates for cautious medication use, stressing that there’s no strong evidence supporting the idea that Tylenol use leads to autism.

Dr. Karen Liu, a Stanford roboticist, discusses the remarkable advancements in humanoid robots. She introduces Toddy, a toddler-sized robot showcasing speech and perception skills. The conversation covers the convergence of AI and hardware, also highlighting how conversations come easier to robots than physical tasks like walking. Liu explores the challenges of bipedal movement and the scarcity of training data for robots. She even hints at the future with home assistant robots that might tackle chores like laundry or dishwashing, building excitement for a more robotic household.

Rebecca Albright, a coral reef biologist and associate curator at the California Academy of Sciences, shares her fascinating journey from Ohio to coral science. She discusses the challenges of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and introduces her lab's techniques for enhancing coral reproduction. Albright explains the intricacies of how corals spawn, the importance of captive breeding, and the process of making corals more resilient. With 25% of marine life relying on reefs, her work highlights both the urgency and beauty of coral conservation.

Microbiologist Paula Welander, a professor at Stanford University, dives into the world of ancient life forms. She reveals how fossilized microbes provide insights into Earth's earliest days and their potential connections to life on other planets. Welander discusses the extraction of lipid 'chemical fossils' from rocks and the significance of extremophiles in understanding early biosignatures. She also addresses the challenges of interpreting findings from Mars and emphasizes the importance of basic research in exploring life's origins.