Unexplainable

Caitlin Casey, astronomer and UC Santa Barbara professor who studies the early universe and JWST data, discusses strange early-universe objects called Little Red Dots. She talks about surprisingly massive black holes, missing faint host galaxies, how spectra reveal accretion signatures, and theories for rapid black hole growth and why these objects appear red.

Angeline Pendergrass, climate physicist at Cornell who studies chaotic cloud behavior. Umair Irfan, Vox science reporter who investigated cloud science and interviewed researchers. They explore why clouds are so hard to predict, how tiny droplets lead to large-scale chaos, and why clouds are a major source of uncertainty for future warming.

Michael Doran, a Seattle-based violin and cello maker who crafts and tunes hand-built instruments for orchestral players. He talks about how small tuning shifts like A440 affect instrument stress and projection. He explores overtones, the sound post’s surprising power, workshop rituals, and the maker’s pursuit of brighter versus warmer tone.

Umair Irfan, Vox science and environment reporter, and Dylan Scott, Vox health policy reporter, probe a future with shrinking federal data. They discuss what lost climate monitoring and halted health surveys mean for detection, research, and public warnings. Conversation covers satellites, EPA research cuts, gaps in federal health surveys, and who can or cannot replace government data.

Bryan Walsh, Vox's senior editorial director and curator of the Good News newsletter, joins Joanna Solotaroff to discuss the brighter side of current events. They highlight remarkable advancements like the first CRISPR baby, declining violent crime rates, and the significant drop in overdose deaths. Walsh shares insights on the youth's reduced alcohol consumption and promising research linking shingles vaccines to lower dementia risk. With topics like ozone recovery and hopes for lab-grown meat, the conversation is a refreshing reminder of progress amidst challenges.

In this discussion, Sigal Samuel, a senior reporter at Vox and ethics advisor, navigates a parent's complex question about embryo genetic testing. She dives into the science behind PGTA and polygenic tests that assess embryos. Samuel raises concerns about the societal implications of genetic selection, emphasizing the risk of reducing human diversity. She advocates for a balanced approach, suggesting parents should focus on preventing severe diseases rather than optimizing traits, and encourages case-by-case decision-making free from profit pressures.

In this enlightening discussion, Robinson Meyer, a climate journalist and founding executive editor of Heatmap News, dives into the controversial world of solar geoengineering. He explores the divide within the scientific community over its potential benefits versus the dangers it poses. Speaking on the emergence of the controversial startup Stardust, he raises concerns about secrecy and safety in geoengineering. Meyer also warns about 'termination shock' if such measures are halted abruptly, prompting deep ethical questions about who should control technology that impacts our planet.

In this discussion, Mike Poland, the scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, debunks myths around the park's volcanic activity. He explains why Yellowstone isn’t a ticking time bomb despite its explosive past, using a lava-cake analogy to illustrate that the magma is mostly solid. Mike highlights real hazards like strong earthquakes and steam explosions, providing insights into monitoring challenges. He urges a focus on the park's beauty and actual risks, enriching our understanding of this geological wonder.

Daniel M. Davis, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London and author of "Self-Defense: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health," dives into the controversial legacy of Linus Pauling and his promotion of vitamin C as a cure-all. They discuss Pauling's impact on science and the public's fascination with high doses for colds, despite skepticism from the medical community. Davis emphasizes the risks of relying on single-supplement solutions and shares insights from modern trials showing limited benefits, reminding listeners to approach miracle health claims with caution.

Dan Polley, a tinnitus researcher at Mass Eye and Ear and a professor associated with Harvard Medical School, dives deep into the intricacies of sound and silence. He discusses how tinnitus creates a persistent noise that influences daily life and shares insights on the brain's construction of sound perception. Polley also sheds light on misophonia, explaining its emotional connections, and offers strategies for coping with tinnitus, balancing acceptance with the quest for silence. Listeners' intimate sound stories add a poignant dimension to the conversation.