ScienceStuff

Jacob Scott, a researcher at the University of Florida specializing in finger evolution, dives into why humans and many animals have five fingers. He discusses the evolutionary advantages that this configuration provides for dexterity and tool use. The podcast highlights fascinating transformations from early tetrapod ancestors and the reasons behind digit loss in species like horses and salamanders. Scott also unravels the genetic dynamics during embryonic development that govern finger formation, emphasizing the significance of maintaining five digits in humans.

Going up! Can an elevator take you all the way to space (and beyond)? Jorge talks to two scientists trying to make this happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an old joke that lots of meats taste like chicken. But why is that? Jorge takes a bite out of this meaty topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes diamonds so hard? And could anything beat it? (The answer is yes.) Jorge gets the hard answers from physicist Jodie Bradby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it humanity's destiny to colonize Mars? Jorge talks to Martian experts to learn whether we can ever move to our sister planet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Not according to science! Jorge takes on a beauty of a topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the ability to regrow missing limbs hidden in our genes? Jorge talks to animal regeneration experts to find out what's been cut off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which animals like to booze it up? Jorge takes a swig of science with animal expert Katie Goldin to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sure, there's a lot of space out there, but not all of it is prime real estate. Jorge answers questions about exoplanets for popular cartoonist Randall Munroe (XKCD).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do canines go cuckoo from cocoa? Jorge talks with veterinary toxicologists to find the real reason behind this animal health hazard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.