Science Magazine Podcast

First up on the podcast, Science News Editor Tim Appenzeller joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss why a salty layer of permafrost undergirding Arctic ice is turning frozen landscapes into boggy morasses.    Next on the show, glucose isn’t the only molecule in the body that can be monitored in real time; proteins can be, too. Freelancer producer Zakiya Whatley talks with Jane Donnelly, an MD/Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, about what we could learn from the live monitoring of key proteins, from the status of a transplanted organ to the early signs of a flare up in autoimmune disease. Finally, philologist Robert Garland joins books host Angela Saini to talk about ancient cultures and their death practices in his book What to Expect When You’re Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.  Authors: Sarah Crespi; Angela Saini; Tim Appenzeller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up on the podcast, freelance science journalist Leslie Roberts joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the long journey to a vaccine for group B streptococcus, a microbe that sickens 400,000 babies a year and kills at least 91,000. Next on the show, there are about 250,000 agricultural drones employed on farms in China. Countries such as South Korea, Turkey, and Thailand are swiftly increasing agricultural drone use, whereas the United States and Russia are proceeding more slowly. Food policy researcher Ben Belton discusses what appears to drive drone use in agriculture and how they might make farming more productive and sustainable. Finally, Science Books Editor Valerie Thompson brings books on the secrets rocks have to tell about humanity and the mystery surrounding a Druid preserved in a bog for thousands of years. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. Authors: Sarah Crespi; Valerie Thompson; Leslie Roberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elie Dolgin, a freelance science journalist, as he unveils an exciting approach to tackling aggressive tumors by targeting extrachromosomal DNA that helps them evade treatments. Meanwhile, Weidong Sun, director at the Center of Deep Sea Research, reveals a groundbreaking discovery of a vast hydrogen field beneath the ocean floor, potentially reshaping our understanding of clean energy. They explore the geological processes behind this hydrogen and the shocking implications for our planet's energy resources.

Jon Cohen, a staff writer for Science, discusses the Last Gift Study, revealing how rapid autopsies help identify the hidden reservoirs of HIV in the body. This innovative research aims to inform future therapies. Christine Elliott, a doctoral candidate in entomology at Purdue University, shares insights about the Bug Bowl, an engaging event that celebrates the wonders of insects. Listeners will learn how music embodies the sounds of crickets, enhancing public connection to entomology in ways that traditional lectures can't achieve.

Rodrigo Pérez Ortega reveals a major discovery of mammoth fossils near Mexico City, reshaping our understanding of these ancient creatures. Kimberly Prather discusses how pollution from the Tijuana River affects air quality, highlighting urgent cleanup needs. Susana Monsó delves into animal perceptions of death in her book 'Playing Possum', challenging our views on grief in the animal kingdom. This conversation bridges science and philosophy, exploring the emotional depth of different species.

Meredith Wadman, a staff writer for Science, shares cutting-edge insights on endometriosis, emphasizing how immune system research could lead to new diagnostics and treatments. Talia Quandelacy, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, reveals the factors behind dengue's varying intensity in Latin America, such as rainfall and climate patterns. Their discussions highlight the importance of understanding these health challenges to improve diagnosis, treatment, and public health responses.

Melanie Mitchell, a professor at the Santa Fe Institute and an expert on public perceptions of AI, joins the discussion. She explores innovative alternatives to animal testing like heart-on-a-chip and mini-organs, highlighting their potential benefits. The conversation shifts to why chatbots often lie, emphasizing the stress tests they endure to expose vulnerabilities. Mitchell explains the complexities of AI decision-making and the need for critical awareness about AI's reliability and reasoning, sparking thought on how we interact with these technologies.

David Grimm, Online News Editor for Science, discusses the remarkable evolution of anteaters, which have adapted at least twelve times to their insectivorous diets. He also reveals how the unique structure of peacock feathers allows them to emit laser light, sparking innovation in science. Ashley Blawas, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station, shares groundbreaking insights into the lunge-feeding technique of giant whales, highlighting their surprisingly energy-efficient feeding strategy that defies previous assumptions. It's a fascinating dive into evolution and marine biology!

Richard Stone, a contributing correspondent for Science, discusses the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and the innovative efforts of researchers to support the war effort, including drone modifications and trauma treatments. Melanie Beasley, an anthropology professor at Purdue, reveals surprising insights about Neanderthal diets, suggesting they might have consumed maggots alongside meat. Finally, sociologist Ravi Nandan Singh explores the funeral customs in Banaras, shedding light on cultural practices surrounding death in this unique city.

Philippe Wyder, a roboticist at Distyl AI, explores the revolutionary concept of robots that consume other robots for self-repair and adaptability. This innovation could reshape robotics for tasks like space exploration. Ann Gibbons, a science correspondent, delves into fossil discoveries in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, highlighting evidence of early human relatives coexisting. Their discussion reveals complexities of human evolution and the intricate interplay of different hominin species.