Science Magazine Podcast

Daniel Rubinoff, a professor at the University of Hawaii, discusses a remarkable carnivorous caterpillar that haunts spiderwebs, camouflaging itself with spider parts for survival. Erik Stokstad, a Science Magazine staff writer, shares challenges in identifying genes in peas, linking Mendel's historic work to modern genetic research. They also explore ecological findings, like how wavy mowing patterns can boost insect habitats, and the surprising resilience of trees struck by lightning. A sneak peek into a new book series on death and dying wraps up an engaging conversation.

David Grimm, Online News Editor for Science Magazine, examines the intriguing connection between an ancient Egyptian cult that sacrificed cats and the domestication of these beloved pets. Agnit Mukhopadhyay, a research affiliate at the University of Michigan, discusses a fascinating magnetic pole shift that occurred 41,000 years ago, its environmental implications, and how it might affect us today. Together, they unravel the intersections of animal history and Earth's magnetic mysteries, shedding light on our past and future.

Jocelyn Kaiser, ScienceInsider Editor, discusses alarming budget cuts and layoffs at NIH, revealing their potential impact on science funding and public health initiatives. Jennifer Tudor, an associate professor at Saint Joseph’s University, dives into the metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation, highlighting how it hampers brain function and muscle efficiency. Her research emphasizes the need to prioritize sleep for better cognitive health and metabolic well-being, challenging the notion that we can afford to skimp on rest.

Rebekah White, a freelance science journalist, discusses the challenges of public engagement in climate engineering projects, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency. Marlena Fejzo, a scientist at the Center for Genetic Epidemiology, shares her journey from battling hyperemesis gravidarum to uncovering genetic links and potential treatments for this serious pregnancy complication. The conversation highlights the importance of community trust in geoengineering and recent advancements in women's health.

Warren Cornwall, a contributing correspondent for Science Magazine, dives into the destructive urban wildfires in Los Angeles, exploring their impact on air quality and health. He highlights innovative research aimed at understanding pollution from urban fires. Mingze Chen, a mechanical engineering grad student, discusses the challenges of integrating AI into tiny robots. His team’s work with memristors offers a breakthrough in energy-efficient data processing, which could revolutionize robotics and drone technology. A fascinating exploration of science at the intersection of environment and technology!

First up this week, Newsletter Editor Christie Wilcox joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss stories from the sea, including why scientists mounted cameras on seabirds, backward and upside-down; newly discovered organisms from the world’s deepest spot, the Mariana Trench; and how extremely venomous, blue-lined octopus males use their toxin on females in order to mate. Read more or subscribe at science.org/scienceadviser. Next on the show, J. Chris McKnight, a senior research fellow in the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St. Andrews, talks about testing free-living seals to see how they respond to different carbon dioxide or oxygen levels in the air. It turns out they don’t respond like other mammals, which go into panic under high carbon dioxide; instead, seals appear to directly detect oxygen, a safer bet when your life is mostly spent diving deep underwater. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Christie Wilcox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week features Jocelyn Kaiser, a science policy editor focusing on the NIH, Kathleen O'Grady, who reports on the science-society intersection, and Francesca Fardo, a pain perception researcher. They discuss how using sign language can significantly benefit children with cochlear implants, ensuring better communication. They also explore important NIH funding changes and delve into a fascinating study on how uncertainty affects pain perception, revealing that greater uncertainty can lead to more intense pain experiences.

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.