Episodes

  • Divided Opinions on Scientists in Policy and New Frontiers in Education
    Nov 22 2024
    Explore the public's divided opinion on scientists' roles in policymaking, with insights from a recent Pew Research survey. Discover how Professor Elijah Quetin is transforming science education by humanizing the learning experience. Plus, delve into the groundbreaking research of brain organoids grown in microgravity and the discovery of a 'phantom chemical' in drinking water. Join us as we navigate these compelling stories at the intersection of science, policy, and education. Sources: https://ww2.aip.org/fyi/public-opinion-divided-over-role-of-scientists-in-policymaking https://tsl.news/science-as-a-human-endeavor-a-professors-call-to-humanize-science-education/ https://astrobiology.com/2024/11/offworld-life-science-brain-organoids-grown-in-microgravity.html https://newatlas.com/environment/phantom-chemical-identified-drinking-water/ Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:39) Public Opinion Divided Over Role of Scientists in Policymaking (00:04:17) Science as a Human Endeavor: A professor’s call to humanize science education (00:06:34) Offworld Life Science: Brain Organoids Grown In Microgravity (00:10:25) "Phantom chemical" identified in drinking water is new to science
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    13 mins
  • Mapping Human Cells, Moon’s Volcanic Secrets, and Quantum Optics Breakthroughs
    Nov 21 2024
    Explore the groundbreaking Human Cell Atlas project mapping 37 trillion cells, China's lunar revelations uncovering volcanic activity on the moon's far side, and novel collective behaviors in quantum optics using matter waves. Plus, delve into the science of yo-yo diets, bird flu updates, and a study on spotting fake accents. Join us for a journey through cutting-edge scientific discoveries and their transformative potential. Sources: https://www.livescience.com/health/scientists-take-huge-step-forward-in-mapping-all-37-trillion-cells-in-the-human-body https://www.livescience.com/space/the-moon/china-reveals-secrets-of-1st-sample-taken-from-the-far-side-of-the-moon-and-it-contains-a-volcanic-surprise https://phys.org/news/2024-11-scientists-unveil-behaviors-quantum-optics.html https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/audio/2024/nov/21/the-science-behind-yo-yo-diets-bird-flu-news-and-which-brits-can-spot-a-fake-accent-podcast Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:45) Scientists take huge step forward in mapping all 37 trillion cells in the human body (00:04:30) China reveals secrets of 1st sample taken from the far side of the moon — and it contains a volcanic surprise (00:08:13) Using matter waves, scientists unveil novel collective behaviors in quantum optics (00:11:26) The science behind yo-yo diets, bird flu news and which Brits can spot a fake accent
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    14 mins
  • Revolutionary Discoveries: Dark Energy, Alzheimer’s Breakthrough, and Nature-Inspired Tech
    Nov 20 2024
    Explore the latest scientific revelations as we delve into the changing nature of dark energy, a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment with lecanemab, and the world's most advanced hypergravity facility in China. Plus, discover how clams are inspiring new fiber optic technologies. Join us for a journey through groundbreaking research and its implications for our understanding of the universe, medicine, and technology. Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dark-energy-pushing-universe-apart-010100403.html https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/science/20241119-the-fight-against-alzheimer-s-disease-how-effective-and-safe-is-lecanemab https://newatlas.com/science/chief-hypergravity-facility-most-powerful/ https://www.sciencenews.org/article/clam-fiber-optics-symbiotic-algae Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:44) The dark energy pushing our universe apart may not be what it seems, scientists say (00:03:14) Science - The fight against Alzheimer’s disease: How effective and safe is lecanemab? (00:06:33) World's most advanced hypergravity facility is now open for business (00:09:36) Clams use fiber optics to channel sunlight to symbiotic algae
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    14 mins
  • Unveiling Cosmic Giants and the Future of AI in Science
    Nov 19 2024
    Explore the discovery of massive 'red monster' galaxies in the early universe, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution. Dive into the revolutionary work of FutureHouse, where AI is transforming into 'full stack' scientists, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in various fields. Plus, learn about solar-powered hamster cells and the groundbreaking concept of 'body memory' beyond the brain. Join us as we uncover these cutting-edge scientific advancements reshaping our world. Sources: https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-discover-monster-galaxies-lurking-in-the-early-universe https://www.freethink.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-scientist https://www.popsci.com/science/hamster-plant-cell/ https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a62911204/body-memory/ Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:40) Scientists Discover Monster Galaxies Lurking in The Early Universe (00:03:30) Can we automate science? Sam Rodriques is already doing it. (00:06:42) Bioengineers made mutant, solar-powered hamster cells (00:10:10) Scientists Just Discovered That Some Memories Don't Live in Our Brains
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    13 mins
  • Jupiter’s Dazzling Portraits and Earth’s New Mini-Moon
    Nov 18 2024
    Explore the latest stunning images of Jupiter captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft, showcasing the collaborative efforts of citizen scientists. Discover Earth's newly confirmed temporary mini-moon, Asteroid 2024 PT5, and its implications for space exploration. Plus, delve into the unprecedented movement of the magnetic North Pole towards Russia and its impact on navigation systems. Join us as we unravel these cosmic mysteries and their significance for our understanding of the universe. Sources: https://www.popsci.com/science/jupiter-stuns-in-new-images/ https://dailygalaxy.com/2024/11/earths-second-moon-confirmed-scientists-discover-new-natural-satellite-orbiting-our-planet/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/magnetic-north-pole-russia-geology-b2648342.html https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/16/science/the-only-visit-to-uranus-happened-during-a-rare-cosmic-occurrance/index.html Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:41) Jupiter stuns in new images (00:03:30) Earth's second moon confirmed : Scientists discover new natural satellite orbiting our planet (00:05:51) Magnetic North Pole moves closer to Russia in a way scientists have never seen before (00:08:55) NASA’s only visit to Uranus happened during a rare cosmic occurrence
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    12 mins
  • Revolutionary Light Discovery and the Race to Understand Cosmic Signals
    Nov 17 2024
    Explore the groundbreaking discovery of light casting shadows, a phenomenon that challenges our understanding of optics, and delve into the mysterious radio signals from space that are baffling scientists. Plus, learn how Mind Trekkers is making science fun for students and the implications of the magnetic North Pole's shift towards Russia. Join us as we uncover these intriguing scientific stories that could reshape our technological and cosmic perspectives. Sources: https://futurism.com/the-byte/laser-light-cast-shadow https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/11/17/mind-trekkers-makes-science-fun-students-houghton-area/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/magnetic-north-pole-russia-geology-b2648342.html https://dailygalaxy.com/2024/11/mysterious-hourly-radio-signal-space-baffles-scientists-challenging-current-astrophysical-theories/ Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:42) Scientists Intrigued by Discovery of Light That Can Cast a Shadow (00:03:29) Mind Trekkers makes science fun for students in Houghton area (00:06:12) Magnetic North Pole moves closer to Russia in a way scientists have never seen before (00:08:45) Mysterious hourly radio signal from space baffles scientists, challenging current astrophysical theories
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    12 mins
  • AI’s Impact on Data Science and Ancient Discoveries Unveiled
    Nov 16 2024
    Explore how AI is revolutionizing data science, making it more accessible and efficient, and delve into the first-ever study of a 35,000-year-old saber-toothed cat mummy. Plus, discover China's sweet tomato innovation, AI robot lifeguards, and the role of biofluorescence in nature. Join us as we uncover the latest in science and technology, offering insights into the future of work and the mysteries of our planet's past. Sources: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ai-could-alter-data-science-as-we-know-it-heres-why/ https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/35000-year-old-frozen-saber-toothed-cat-mummy-studied-first-time-ever-rcna180339 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3286848/chinas-genetically-modified-sweet-tomatoes-ai-robot-lifeguards-5-top-science-stories https://www.iflscience.com/15-species-that-glow-under-uv-light-identified-and-you-could-help-scientists-find-more-76799 Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:43) AI could alter data science as we know it (00:03:35) 35,000-year-old frozen saber-toothed cat mummy studied for first time ever (00:06:35) Recap | China’s genetically modified sweet tomatoes, AI robot lifeguards: 5 top science stories (00:08:46) 15 Species That Glow Under UV Light Identified, And You Could Help Scientists Find More
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    12 mins
  • Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges: From Plastic Pollution to Drug Identification
    Nov 15 2024
    Explore groundbreaking advancements in science and technology as we delve into a comprehensive plan to eliminate plastic pollution by 2050, the extended mission of NASA's EMIT for climate change insights, and a revolutionary forensic tool for drug identification. Plus, uncover the historical impact of the Samuel George Morton Cranial Collection on race relations. Join us for a deep dive into these pivotal stories shaping our world and future. Sources: https://news.ucsb.edu/2024/021690/new-study-science-maps-out-comprehensive-plan-eliminate-plastic-pollution-2050 https://phys.org/news/2024-11-emit-mission-explore-diverse-earth.html https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/11/14/wvu-forensic-science-research-responds-to-dea-need-for-faster-better-identification-of-drugs-like-fentanyl https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-19th-century-skulls-collected-in-the-name-of-medical-science-tell-a-story-of-who-mattered-and-who-didnt-240607 Outline: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:45) A new study in Science maps out a comprehensive plan to eliminate plastic pollution by 2050 (00:04:14) Extended EMIT mission will explore diverse Earth science questions (00:07:27) WVU forensic science research responds to DEA need for faster, better identification of drugs like fentanyl (00:10:34) Hundreds of 19th-century skulls collected in the name of medical science tell a story of who mattered and who didn’t
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    15 mins