Science Magazine Podcast

Join Erik Stokstad, a conservation news expert, as he tackles the alarming decline of snow crabs due to climate change and fishing stock overestimation. Discover the ecological chaos caused by invasive brown tree snakes in Guam. Then, Anand Mishra, a Cornell engineering researcher, unveils his groundbreaking work on biohybrid robots powered by mushroom cells. Lastly, explore Akshat Rathi's optimistic take on capitalism as a solution to climate change, highlighting strategies that could lead us to zero emissions.

Christine Peterson, a freelance science journalist specializing in wildlife and environmental issues, discusses the hidden impact of global fencing on animal migrations and how AI can help map these barriers to enhance wildlife connectivity. Azizi Seixas, interim chair at the University of Miami, explores the benefits of decentralized randomized trials, arguing they can increase accessibility and equity in medical research. Together, they illustrate how technology can redefine both wildlife conservation and health studies, opening new avenues for engagement and innovation.

Elizabeth Culotta and Shraddha Chakradhar, both Deputy News Editors, explore the influential impact of colonial legacies on modern science, emphasizing the shift towards inclusivity in research methodologies, especially in the Global South. They discuss efforts to integrate local voices and perspectives into scientific practices. Mario Fischer-Gödde, a research scientist, dives into the origins of the Chicxulub asteroid, revealing insights about its unique geologic signatures and the implications for our understanding of Earth's history and potential asteroid resources.

Meredith Wadman, a staff writer delving into heat and humidity's health impacts, joins to unravel the debate on which is deadlier in extreme conditions. She highlights the pivotal role of wet bulb temperature. Next, LH Lumey, an epidemiology professor, discusses his research on the lasting health effects of the 1930s Ukrainian famine, revealing that babies conceived during this period face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Their insights shed light on climate change’s impact on health and the long-term consequences of nutritional deprivation.

Phie Jacobs, a science reporter known for her insights into groundbreaking discoveries, shares intriguing stories about lunar caves and the remarkable iron-lined teeth of Komodo dragons. She explores how these features aid survival and adapt to their environments. Additionally, Jonathan Peters, a research fellow, discusses innovations in electron microscopy that minimize sample damage while enhancing imaging quality. Together, they highlight exciting advancements in understanding both biological and geological phenomena.

Topics include tackling air pollution indoors and outdoors, pollution concerns from burned-up satellites, and discussing a book on embracing robots for the future. The episode covers a range of issues from the impact of space debris to the positive possibilities of robots in daily life.

Ph.D. candidate Tian Du discusses finding antivenom treatments by screening human genes for deadly snake bites, specifically targeting spitting cobra venom. A fusion company plans to use high-energy neutrons from fusion reactors for medical isotopes before transitioning to energy sales. The podcast explores innovative approaches to medical isotopes, challenges in current antivenom production, and potential treatments using CRISPR and heparin to counter snake venom toxicity.

Freelance science journalist Dina Fine Maron and guests discuss the harmful impact of rat poisons on wildlife, and the use of bioacoustics and AI to track animal populations. They cover the evolution of rodent control, challenges in identifying the effects of chemicals on animals, and the role of sound in monitoring ecosystems and species. The episode sheds light on the potential of AI in wildlife conservation and highlights specific projects using sound analysis.

First up this week, guest host Kevin McLean talks to freelance writer Andrew Zaleski about recent advancements in the world of synthetic blood. They discuss some of the failed attempts over the past century that led many to abandon the cause altogether, and a promising new option in the works called ErythroMer that is both shelf stable and can work on any blood type. Next on the episode, producer Zakiya Whatley talks to Aaron Weimann from the University of Cambridge about the evolutionary history of the deadly bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They discuss how more than a century’s worth of samples from all over the world contributed to new insights on the emergence and expansion of the pathogen known for its ability to develop antimicrobial resistance. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Kevin McLean, Andrew Zaleski, Zakiya Whatley Episode Page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.z1jhbqi About the Science Podcast: https://www.science.org/content/page/about-science-podcast [Image: Matt Roth, Music: Jeffrey Cook and Nguyen Khoi Nguyen] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how RNA-based pesticides are revolutionizing crop pest control, the vital role of ephemeral streams in clean waterways, and the future of money with author Rachel O'Dwyer. Erik Stokstad discusses targeting pests using RNA, Craig Brinkerhoff analyzes ephemeral streams, and Rachel O'Dwyer explores alternative currency in a cashless society.