Science Friday

Tom Zeller Jr., editor in chief of Undark and author of The Headache, shares his personal battle with debilitating cluster headaches for over 30 years. He dives into the mysterious nature of headaches, revealing how little is understood about their mechanisms. Zeller contrasts cluster headaches with migraines, emphasizing their intense pain and unpredictability. He discusses the stigma surrounding headache disorders and highlights breakthroughs like CGRP inhibitors, offering hope for effective treatment. His insights shed light on the underappreciated field of headache science.

James Lovell, a legendary NASA astronaut and commander of the Apollo 13 mission, shares gripping insights from one of space exploration's most infamous journeys. He recounts the intense drama following a life-threatening explosion in the spacecraft and the crew’s quick thinking that turned the Lunar Module into a lifeboat. Lovell also reflects on the pressures of decision-making in crisis, the teamwork needed to ensure a safe return, and the legacy of the Apollo missions in shaping modern space exploration.

Adriana Corrales and Michael Van Nuland, scientists from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, dive into the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi. They highlight the critical, yet overlooked, role these underground networks play in supporting biodiversity and soil health. The conversation covers the urgent need for conservation efforts as these networks face threats from climate change. They emphasize fostering emotional connections with fungi to boost awareness and appreciation for their beauty and ecological importance.

Renowned Alzheimer's researcher Bruce Yankner from Harvard Medical School discusses groundbreaking findings linking lithium levels to Alzheimer's, exploring its dual role in both causing and potentially treating the disease. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and author, highlights the detrimental effects of recent funding cuts on critical Alzheimer's research and the broader implications for health initiatives funded by the NIH. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for public advocacy to support scientific advancements.

In this engaging discussion, biologist François Haman from the University of Ottawa explores the science behind cold plunges. He examines popular claims about their health benefits, revealing the truth about cold exposure and its effects on the immune system. Haman also discusses the activation of brown fat for calorie burning and the importance of gradual exposure. The conversation shifts to paleontologist Advait Jukar, who analyzes the cultural comeback of mammoths as sports mascots, blending history with modern branding in a delightful way.

Dr. Masao Tomonaga, a Nagasaki bombing survivor and director emeritus of the Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Hospital, reflects on his remarkable life and career. He discusses the immediate and long-term health impacts of radiation exposure, particularly the rise of leukemia among survivors. Tomonaga shares poignant stories from his work with hibakusha, highlighting resilience amidst tragedy. He also emphasizes the importance of nuclear disarmament and advocates for the young generation to carry the message of peace forward.

In this discussion, Adam Philippy, a Senior Investigator at the NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute, delves into groundbreaking genomic research. He highlights a study of 65 diverse human genomes, revealing key insights about genetic diversity and complex genomic regions. The importance of non-coding DNA, often dismissed as 'junk,' is explored for its role in gene regulation. Philippy also discusses advancements in AI-driven genetic predictions, revolutionizing how we understand disease associations and genetic mutations.

Rebecca Boyle, a journalist and author based in Colorado Springs, discusses her book Our Moon, exploring the vital role the Moon has played in shaping life on Earth. She highlights how lunar tides influenced the rise of life and affected our biological rhythms. The conversation delves into the Moon's origins and its impact on Earth's climate and stability. Boyle also touches on current lunar exploration efforts and their significance, including the prospect of using the Moon as a launchpad for future Mars missions.

Sophie Bushwick, Senior News Editor at New Scientist, and Dr. Axel Krieger, a medical robotics expert from Johns Hopkins, delve into critical issues affecting our planet. They discuss the Trump administration's attempt to revoke vital EPA findings on greenhouse gases and the potential fallout for environmental policies. Bushwick also highlights exciting discoveries about exoplanet life and new energy solutions with rust-based batteries. Krieger shares the groundbreaking achievement of a robot performing autonomous surgery, showcasing a leap in medical technology.

Explore the fascinating world of whistling, where skill meets art and science! Discover how a whistle can convey everything from affection to homecoming. Learn about the intricate mouth mechanics needed to produce a whistle, and dive into personal anecdotes that highlight its cultural significance. Hear from a professional whistler about competitions and techniques, and uncover ethical discussions surrounding whistling for animals. Journey into the emotional ties and innovations behind this unique form of communication!