Veronica Egger, a professor of neurophysiology, discusses her research on how the pulse of blood affects neurons in the brain. They explore the potential for mechanical pulses as a communication method within the body. Also, the podcast explores drilling on a hazardous reef terrace for climate research in Vanuatu to study coral records of past climate patterns.

Snake venom antidotes, failed snakebite treatment, silk-producing crustaceans, mutualism between ants and spiny trees, cascading effects on lions, ants in different systems within Kenya

Investigation shows journal editors getting paid to publish bunk papers, and new techniques for finding tumor DNA in the blood First up on this week’s episode, Frederik Joelving, an editor and reporter for the site Retraction Watch, talks with host Sarah Crespi about paper mills—organizations that sell authorship on research papers—that appear to be bribing journal editors to publish bogus articles. They talk about the drivers behind this activity and what publishers can do to stop it. Next, producer Zakiya Whatley of the Dope Labs podcast talks with researcher Carmen Martin-Alonso, a graduate student in the Harvard–Massachusetts Institute of Technology Program in Health Sciences and Technology, about improving liquid biopsies for cancer. They discuss novel ways to detect tumor DNA circulating in the blood. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Zakiya Whatley; Richard Stone  Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.zahpt8h About the Science Podcast: https://www.science.org/content/page/about-science-podcast

Assessing environmental damage during wartime, and tracking signaling between fetus and mother First up, freelance journalist Richard Stone returns with news from his latest trip to Ukraine. This week, he shares stories with host Sarah Crespi about environmental damage from the war, particularly the grave consequences of the Kakhovka Dam explosion. Next, producer Kevin McLean talks with researcher Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and pathology and immunology in the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The two discuss signaling between fetus and mother during childbirth and how understanding this crosstalk may one day help predict premature labor. Finally, in a sponsored segment from the Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office, Erika Berg, director and senior editor for the Custom Publishing Office, interviews Andrew Pospisilik, chair and professor of epigenetics at the Van Andel Institute, about his research into how epigenetics stabilizes particular gene expression patterns and how those patterns affect our risk for disease. This segment is sponsored by the Van Andel Institute. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Kevin McLean; Rich Stone Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.z5jiifi

This podcast episode discusses the top online news stories of 2023, including cat expressions and mind reading. It also delves into a project using cough sounds to diagnose tuberculosis, showcasing the potential of smartphones for this screening tool.

Freelance science journalist Zack Savitsky and host Sarah Crespi discuss the hunt for the elusive Majorana fermion particle, and the mysterious disappearance of its namesake. Professor Diana Van Patten discusses El Salvador's adoption of bitcoin as legal tender and the results of this decision. They explore the challenges and potential benefits of using cryptocurrency in daily transactions.

"A genetic tool to combat pangolin trafficking" features Meagan Cantwell, Greg Miller, and Jen Tinsman. They discuss Science's Breakthrough of the Year, highlighting genetics to track the illegal pangolin trade. Using DNA from pangolin scales, researchers can locate poaching hotspots.

Researchers study cognition in farm animals in Germany. Honeyguide birds have distinct signals for different human honey hunters. The cooperative relationship between humans and honeyguide birds is explored, showcasing cultural co-evolution.

Exploring the idea of increasing ocean alkalinity to capture carbon and its potential impacts on climate change and ecosystems. Discussing the benefits of autonomous construction robots in reducing energy costs and enabling remote construction on Mars. Highlighting the concept of alkalinity enhancement as a method of geoengineering and the challenges associated with it. Exploring the urgent need to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and the potential of autonomous construction robots to repurpose construction debris. Discussing a robot-built stone wall in Zurich and its benefits in terms of reducing environmental impact and potential space applications. Exploring how industrial robots are revolutionizing architecture and enabling the construction of complex structures.

Bigger supercomputers aid scientific advancements. Solving the Dolomite problem in labs. Origins of patriarchy and gendered power structures. Impact of the state on patriarchy. Shifting dynamics in post-revolution Iran.