Science Friday

Explore how people in the coldest places thrive in winter by adopting a positive mindset. Health psychologist Dr. Kari Leibowitz shares insights from Norway, highlighting cultural adaptations and practical strategies like saunas and cold plunges. The discussion delves into overcoming the winter blues with personal stories and playful approaches. Listeners join in to brainstorm uplifting catchphrases, aiming to rebrand winter as a season of joy rather than dread.

Dr. Zuzana Burivalova, an Assistant Professor of Forest & Wildlife Ecology, discusses the mesmerizing world of bird vocalizations. She reveals how factors like bird size and beak shape influence vocal range. A fascinating analysis of over 140,000 bird sounds uncovers geographical impacts on their calls. The conversation also highlights the role of soundscapes in conservation efforts, showcasing how AI enhances species identification by sounds, and the importance of audio recording in preserving biodiversity.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Alison Cohen, an epidemiologist from UC San Francisco, and Dr. Julia Moore Vogel, a computational biologist at Scripps Research, share their personal journeys with long COVID. They explore the potential of Paxlovid as a treatment, revealing mixed results among patients who extended their usage. The conversation highlights the complex, individualized nature of long COVID symptoms and the urgent need for tailored therapies and further research. Their combined expertise underscores the pressing quest for effective solutions in this evolving health crisis.

In this engaging discussion, Nobel laureate David Baker leads groundbreaking protein design research at the University of Washington, while César de la Fuente, a bioengineer from the University of Pennsylvania, focuses on AI-driven antibiotics. They delve into the fascinating realm of creating proteins to counter snake venoms and resurrecting genetic data from extinct species to discover new antibiotics. The conversation highlights how AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, presenting a blend of cutting-edge technology and vital medical advancements.

Casey Crownhart, a senior climate reporter at MIT Technology Review, sheds light on the confusion and fear at the NIH due to a hiring freeze implemented by the Trump administration, affecting vital research. Meanwhile, Liz Lopatto, a senior writer at The Verge, delves into the rising phenomenon of meme coins, like those launched by the Trump family. They discuss the allure of these digital assets, their ties to cultural memes, and the psychological factors driving their popularity, all while questioning their value compared to traditional cryptocurrencies.

In a revealing conversation, Andrea Taylor, a biological anthropologist and former co-editor of the Journal of Human Evolution, joins Ivan Oransky, distinguished journalist and co-founder of Retraction Watch. They delve into the troubling wave of editor resignations in scientific publishing, driven by ethical dilemmas and financial pressures from publishers. The duo discusses the impact on editorial quality, the challenges of balancing quantity over quality in research papers, and what the future may hold for credibility in scientific literature.

January is a spectacular month for stargazers as a parade of bright planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—graces the night sky. While Uranus and Neptune require a telescope, the ATLAS comet can be seen with binoculars. Learn how to differentiate planets from stars and discover beautiful winter constellations. The discussion also highlights the impact of satellites on night sky observations and the excitement of upcoming lunar eclipses. Plus, hear about the mesmerizing sunrises from the International Space Station.

Samantha Harvey, an acclaimed author known for her Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital, chats with former NASA astronaut Katie Coleman. They explore the profound impact of living on the ISS, including the emotional toll of isolation and viewing 16 sunrises a day. Harvey discusses her inspiration for writing during lockdown, while Coleman shares the challenges of articulating the unique experience of space. They also reflect on the legacy of the ISS and how literature can bridge the gap between science and the human experience in space exploration.

Join Dr. Kimiko Barrett, a senior wildfire researcher from Headwaters Economics, and Dr. Alexandra Seifert, a conservation scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute, as they delve into the alarming increase of wildfire risks in the U.S. They discuss how climate change impacts urban-wildland interfaces and the critical role of strategic vegetation management. The duo highlights innovative home retrofitting strategies, the significance of community preparedness, and lessons learned from Austin’s wildfire response to build resilience against future fire threats.

Jason Dinh, climate editor at Atmos, discusses the exciting launch of lunar landers from private companies ispace and Firefly Aerospace, with a focus on their upcoming moon missions. He also shares intriguing updates on space exploration and health news, including the ban on Red Dye #3. Meanwhile, Ashish Deshmukh, a public health expert, shares groundbreaking data showing a remarkable 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths among young women, thanks to the HPV vaccine, emphasizing the vital role of vaccination in public health.