Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe

Discover the bizarre world of brain-infecting parasites in California killifish. The hosts explore how these parasites manipulate fish behavior to enhance their own survival. From odd movements to the implications of being eaten by birds, the conversation is both educational and entertaining. Dive into the fascinating life cycle of the parasite and learn about cutting-edge research on behavior changes. Plus, there's discussion on the potential ecological benefits and biomedical leads from these tiny creatures.

Dive into the fascinating world of singularities as Daniel and Kelly unravel the complexities of general relativity. Discover what physicists mean by singularities and the common public misconceptions around them. Learn about the differences between mathematical and physical singularities, and how scientists adapt theories to avoid infinities. Explore the intriguing features of black holes, including their core structures and the phenomenon of ringularities. Plus, delve into the chaos of BKL singularities and the contrasting nature of Big Bang versus black hole scenarios.

Daniel and Kelly tackle intriguing listener questions about tornadoes, discussing their formation and why they favor flat plains. The hosts dive into municipal water treatment methods, including filtration and disinfection techniques. They also explore backcountry water purification strategies that are CDC-approved. In a fascinating shift, they examine the potential sizes of moons, calculating limits and imagining dramatic scenarios like Mars as a moon. The episode wraps up with comparisons of giant planets as seen from their moons.

Katrina Whiteson, a research scientist, dives deep into the complexities of perimenopause. She discusses the myriad symptoms women face, from hot flashes to memory issues, and the challenges in diagnosing them. The conversation explores the evolutionary reasons behind menopause and the systemic roles of estrogen. Katrina also shares her groundbreaking research on laser therapy for vaginal health and highlights the importance of understanding the vaginal microbiome. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for better women's health education and resources.

Explore the fascinating competition between gravity and fusion as Daniel and Kelly discuss cosmic density. Discover how blue giants and neutron stars resist collapse, and learn about the quirky density trends of stars and planets. The duo delves into neutron stars and their unique structures, like nuclear pasta, showcasing the power of degeneracy pressure. Plus, they introduce Buchdahl's limit, questioning if anything could be denser than neutron stars without becoming a black hole. It's a thrilling journey into the densest corners of the universe!

Curious about kissing bugs? Discover how they transmit Chagas disease and the challenges in treatment. Dive into solar physics as the hosts explain magnetic field lines and their importance on the Sun. Plus, learn about astronaut microbiomes and how they change in space, including the impacts of microgravity on microbes. The risks of contamination during space missions and the future of planetary protection are also discussed, making this a fascinating exploration of science's quirkiest corners.

Explore the mysterious world of rogue planets and stars, diving into how they form and get ejected from their systems. Discover the mechanisms behind star formation and the role of dark matter in creating galaxies. Learn about hypervelocity stars and how intergalactic supernovae occur. With billions of rogue planets likely existing in our galaxy, ponder the possibility of life thriving on these isolated worlds, fueled by geothermal heat. Join in on this fascinating cosmic journey!

Microplastics have infiltrated our lives since the 1950s, raising concerns about their effects on health and the environment. The hosts break down how these tiny plastics originate and persist, detailing their presence in human tissues and food chains. They delve into the toxic potential of microplastics and the mixed evidence surrounding harmful additives like phthalates. Listeners are offered practical steps to minimize exposure, while the discussion emphasizes the urgent need for further research into these pervasive particles.

Curious about what would happen if Earth collided with Jupiter? The hosts explore the mind-boggling tidal forces and how Earth would be vaporized before even reaching the core. Switching gears, they dive into circadian rhythms, explaining how our internal clocks are regulated and the health risks of disruptions like jet lag. They also discuss how some animals thrive without sunlight, with fascinating studies on cavefish and deep-sea species. Get ready for a cosmic journey that connects the stars to our biological clocks!

Discover how physics shapes our daily weather predictions. Delve into the importance of forecasting for safety and planning. Hear personal anecdotes that highlight weather's impact. Learn about the balance of models and data required for accurate predictions. Explore the history of weather forecasting and how modern technology, including satellites and Doppler radar, revolutionized the field. Discuss the challenges of predicting extreme weather and the role of community weather stations. Uncover the future of forecasts with machine learning and improved ocean data.