Science Friday

The podcast explores the growing trend of full-body MRI scans endorsed by celebrities and marketed directly to consumers. It discusses the potential harms of these scans, including false positives and unnecessary procedures. The risk of radiation exposure and potential cancer from subsequent tests is also examined. The episode delves into the use of imaging in medical screenings and diagnostic imaging, with a focus on the impact on cancer diagnosis rates. The challenges in determining cancer screening guidelines and the need for randomized trials are also explored.

Dr. Joe DeRisi specializes in solving medical mysteries, like the case of a woman with a parasitic worm in her brain. He discusses the use of metagenomic sequencing to identify brain infections and shares insights on the power of metagenomics in discovering new viruses and unknown illnesses. The podcast also highlights the importance of worldwide deployment of sequencing technology to detect and monitor emerging diseases.

Scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman win Nobel Prize for developing modifications to mRNA for vaccines. Lightning on Venus debated, new research challenges current understanding. Scientists use Caribbean king crabs to save coral reefs. Podcast also includes updates on FCC fine for space junk and concerns over drought in the Amazon rainforest.

Explore the effectiveness of placebos, including the recent debunking of a common decongestant. Delve into the ethical implications of using placebos and the potential for transparent administration. Uncover the misconceptions and lack of representation in disability technology. Discover the challenges of creating toilets in space and the importance of including disabled individuals in our visions of the future. Learn about the efforts to solve citrus greening in Florida and how blending citrus varieties can increase sweetness.

Guest host and musician Dessa discusses NASA's collection of an asteroid sample. They also explore how vision works and the role of the brain in processing images. Additionally, they delve into the complexities of jellyfish intelligence and behavior, including their learning abilities.

Florida's coral reefs are in danger due to high water temperatures, disease, and ocean acidification. Scientists are working to breed resilient corals and implant them into the reef. The ocean is a crucial carbon sink, absorbing CO2 emissions and heat, and playing a vital role in the climate movement. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson discusses the importance of the ocean and explores climate solutions through a video game. The podcast also explores a climate jam competition focused on creating games about climate change with a positive solutions approach.

Climate Week NYC events highlight the need for action on climate change. President Biden's speech on reducing fossil fuels and new battery recycling rules from the EU. Solar storms' potential impact and climatologist Michael Mann's optimism. 'Our fragile moment' calls for urgent carbon emission reduction. The power of climate comedy in addressing climate change.

New COVID boosters have been recommended by the FDA and CDC. The devastating Moroccan earthquake and the challenges of earthquake prediction and preparation. The importance of native bees as pollinators and the threats they face. Insights from Dr. Caitlyn Jettilina on COVID vaccines and boosters, access challenges, and respiratory season concerns. Importance of earthquake safety on the West Coast and downloading apps for alerts.

Discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope, including a potentially water-covered exoplanet and larger ancient black holes. Radioactive wildlife studies reveal contamination in turtles and wild boars. Heat levels at Houston's bus stops pose health risks. Show acknowledges team and sponsors.

Topics discussed in this podcast include the formation and importance of canopy soil, a biologist's journey in studying rodents, and the power of sound in conveying messages and emotions.