David Malakoff, International News Editor for Science Magazine, shares vital updates on U.S. science policy under Trump, discussing the impacts of tariffs and employment challenges at the NIH. Andrew Curry and Martin Larmazzo delve into the world of genetic genealogy, revealing surprising truths about extra-pair paternity and historical figures like Beethoven. Meanwhile, Suzanne Schweizer explores intrusive thoughts during pregnancy, emphasizing the mental health challenges that many expectant and new mothers face, advocating for greater awareness and understanding.

First up this week, Kata Karáth, a freelance journalist based in Ecuador, talks with host Sarah Crespi about an effort to identify traditionally prepared shrunken heads in museums and collections around the world and potentially repatriate them. Next, genetically modified Bt corn has helped farmers avoid serious crop damage from insects, but planting it everywhere all the time can drive insects to adapt to the bacterial toxin made by the plant. Christian Krupke, an entomology professor at Purdue University, talks about the economics of planting Bt corn and how farmers could save money and extend the usefulness of this transgenic plant by being selective about where and when they plant it. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Kata Karáth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Enserink, Deputy News Editor at Science, discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by researchers due to funding cuts in USAID-backed studies, emphasizing the impact on trial participants. Sandeep Ravindran shares insights on TinyML technology powering low-cost solutions in agriculture and healthcare, aiding farmers and clinics in the Global South. Michael Barnett reveals his research on evolving evolvability in microorganisms, exploring how these organisms adapt to environmental changes, showcasing the innovative intersection of evolution and technology.

First up this week, International News Editor David Malakoff joins the podcast to discuss the big change in NIH’s funding policy for overhead or indirect costs, the outrage from the biomedical community over the cuts, and the lawsuits filed in response. Next, what can machines understand about pets and livestock that humans can’t? Christa Lesté-Lasserre, a freelance science journalist based in Paris, joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss training artificial intelligence on animal facial expressions. Today, this approach can be used to find farm animals in distress; one day it may help veterinarians and pet owners better connect with their animal friends. Finally, Keya Ghonasgi, a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology, talks about a recent Science Robotics paper on the case against machine vision for the control of wearable robotics. It turns out the costs of adding video cameras to exoskeletons—such as loss of privacy—may outweigh the benefits of having robotic helpers on our arms and legs.  This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Christa Lesté-Lasserre; David Malakoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up this week, Staff Writer Paul Voosen joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss mapping clogs and flows in Earth’s middle layer—the mantle. They also talk about recent policy stories on NASA’s reactions to President Donald Trump’s administration’s executive orders. Next, the mantis shrimp is famous for its powerful club, a biological hammer it uses to crack open hard shells. The club applies immense force on impact, but how does it keep itself together blow after blow? Nicolas Alderete is an associate researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, but at the time of the work he was a graduate researcher in theoretical and applied mechanics at Northwestern University. He joins the podcast to discuss the makeup of the mantis shrimp’s club and how it uses “phononics”—specialized microstructures that can reduce or change high-frequency vibrations—to reduce wear and tear when smashing and bashing. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Paul Voosen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Kaplan, a Professor of Immunology and Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the fascinating world of itching and scratching. He discusses how scratching may actually serve as a biological defense against pests and pathogens. The conversation unveils the intricate mechanisms at play, revealing the role of pain-sensing neurons and immune responses. Meanwhile, Jocelyn Kaiser highlights the impact of the Trump administration on major science agencies, including significant hiring freezes and challenges facing gender research funding.

Robert Service, a staff writer for Science Magazine, dives into the exciting advancements in green hydrogen production, highlighting innovations in electrolyzers that promise sustainable energy. Meanwhile, Robert Rogers, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in molecular biology, discusses the intriguing potential of hypoxia as a medical treatment. He explores its efficacy for conditions like mitochondrial defects and brain inflammation, weighing the benefits of chronic low oxygen levels against the challenges of consistent delivery. A fascinating blend of science and innovation!

Meredith Wadman, a health and infectious disease writer, discusses the alarming rise of Valley Fever cases linked to climate change, drought, and wildfires. Her firsthand research in California's desert reveals the struggle to track this elusive fungus. Meanwhile, Tina Lüdecke, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute, dives into the diets of our ancient ancestors, using nitrogen isotopes to uncover when Australopithecus shifted to a meat-heavy diet, shedding light on how this transition may have shaped our evolution.

Jeff Brainard, Associate News Editor at Science, discusses the public's mixed understanding of preprints, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the need for skepticism in media narratives around these studies. Edward Hurme, a postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute, shares insights on tracking bat migrations using innovative tagging technology. He details the challenges of monitoring these nocturnal creatures as they traverse long distances and reveals fascinating data about their flight patterns and the impact of environmental changes.

Christie Wilcox, Newsletter Editor for Science Magazine, joins to discuss her exciting truffle-hunting venture with a specially trained dog named Rye, uncovering non-culinary truffles. They explore the ecological significance of these elusive fungi and the unique bond between dogs and researchers. R. Keller Kopf, an ecologist from Charles Darwin University, highlights the critical role older plants and animals play in ecosystems, emphasizing that age enhances biodiversity and reproductive success. Together, they advocate for conserving these essential, elderly species.