Ologies with Alie Ward

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mary Alexis Iaccarino, a Harvard Medical School professor specializing in brain injury rehabilitation, sheds light on concussions and their aftermath. She explains what happens during a concussion, the often-invisible symptoms, and the importance of timely medical attention. The conversation dives into recovery strategies, including nutrition and movement, while debunking myths like the safety of sleeping post-injury. Iaccarino also emphasizes the long-term effects of repeated head trauma and the challenges faced in treatment and diagnosis.

Discover the charm of raccoons as experts share their fascinating behaviors and urban adaptations. Learn about the historical presidential pet, Rebecca, and how these clever creatures navigate human environments. Hear quirky anecdotes alongside serious discussions about raccoon intelligence, their social dynamics, and the importance of wildlife rehabilitation. Plus, enjoy life lessons inspired by these scrappy survivors! Unravel the meaning of 'raccoonology' and challenge stereotypes surrounding these lovable trash bandits.

Tiny hands! Round rumps! Chaos! Compost! Delicious garbage and sweet faces make raccoons as mysterious as they are adored. World class raccoon expert, psychologist and animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne MacDonald of Toronto’s York University explains tree sleeping, brain worms, cartoon raccoons, queer icons, whether you should keep one as a pet and also: some of the best career and life advice from midnight gremlins eating chicken bones in your driveway. Stay tuned for next week’s part 2 with half a dozen more raccoon experts. Follow Dr. Suzanne MacDonald on TwitterHer websiteA donation was made to Toronto Wildlife CentreMore episode resources & linksSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts & bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, totes, masks… Follow @ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @alieward on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. Dwyer    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Tim Winegard, a professional hagfishologist at Chapman University, as he takes a deep dive into the slippery world of hagfish! Discover why these jawless wonders are vital for ocean health, how they adapt with slime production, and their unique feeding habits as scavengers. Winegard also discusses the surprising culinary aspects of hagfish and its fascinating non-Newtonian slime. You'll be amazed at the ecological roles these creatures play and their unexpected social behaviors. Get ready for a slimy adventure!

Join orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Stone, a pioneer in knee reconstructions, as he tackles everything about those often-disliked joints. He explains knee sounds like cracking and popping, the role of cartilage, and the impact of weight on knee health. Delve into innovative surgeries, including biologic replacements, and the importance of early rehabilitation post-surgery. Discover fun trivia, myths about joint health, and advice on maintaining your knees, all while enjoying some humorous anecdotes about our most contentious joint!

This mixtape showcases delightful snippets from various ologists, offering a lively blend of topics. Explore the intriguing relationship between cider and love, and dive into the unique friendships found in nature. Laughter ensues as animal genitalia is humorously examined, while thrilling tales of volcanology and the quest for extraterrestrial life unfold. Engaging discussions on UFOs and climate justice highlight important social themes. Plus, discover the dark history of books bound in human skin and enjoy festive writing insights!

Dr. Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior expert with a PhD in psychology, shares fascinating insights about our feline friends. Discover why cats adore boxes and the emotional significance behind their kneading behavior. Learn tips for playing with cats and enhancing their well-being, as well as how to read their unique body language. From the social dynamics of cats to their quirky habit of sitting on laptops, this engaging discussion is a treasure trove for cat lovers looking to understand their furry companions better.

In this engaging discussion, Tiara Moore, an environmental scientist and marine biologist, shares her journey from a pre-med path to discovering her passion for marine science during an ecology course in Costa Rica. She dives into the detective work of forensic ecology—sampling sea and soil to uncover environmental mysteries. Tiara also highlights the importance of diversity in marine science, advocating for marginalized voices while addressing issues like nutrient pollution and algal blooms. Plus, she humorously recounts her fieldwork adventures, including using Slurpee straws for sample collection!

Jessica Malaty Rivera, a vaccine infodemiologist from Boston Children's Hospital, shares vital insights about COVID-19 and vaccinations, especially as the holidays approach. She highlights that vaccinated individuals are significantly less likely to catch and spread the virus, while also discussing concerns about breakthrough cases and the importance of booster shots, particularly for pregnant individuals. The episode tackles misconceptions around vaccination, the risks of holiday gatherings, and the need for higher vaccination rates among children.

This week features Bridgett vonHoldt, an Associate Professor at Princeton University and expert in wolf biology. Dive into fascinating insights about wolf howls, the truth behind alpha roles, and the historical roots of wolves in nature. Bridgett explores the unexpected connections between wolves and our beloved dogs, revealing the intricacies of their evolution. Plus, she shares practical tips for safely encountering wolves and highlights the importance of supporting conservation efforts for these majestic creatures. Celebrate the joyful quirks of the canine world!