SiT'N Listen!

Episode 28: We're back with a new episode of Sit'N Listen, this time with guests Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West to discuss their book "Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World." Introduction (00:00) About the authors (00:50) What is bullshit? (09:01) Goodhard's Law (13:39) Graph reading pitfalls (20:46) Correlation and causation (24:39) Assessing scientific claims (34:23) Combating public misinformation (39:50) Conclusion (46:25) For More Information: Book: https://www.callingbullshit.org/ Course Lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2OtU5vlR0k&list=PLPnZfvKID1Sje5jWxt-4CSZD7bUI4gSPS Carl Bergstrom: http://ctbergstrom.com/ Jevin West: https://jevinwest.org/ Tyler Vigen's website on unrelated correlated variables: https://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations. Article in The Atlantic about the marshmallow test and confounding variables: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/marshmallow-test/561779/ This episode was written and produced by Edward Chen, Sanjana Kulkarni, Shantam Ravan, and Samantha Tracy. Special thanks to Justin Skycak for help with Zoom audio processing. Feel free to send us any comments, questions, or topic suggestions at sitnpodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 27: We're back with a new episode of Sit'N Listen, this time with the second part of our two part series on Earth & Space. This episode was written by: Samantha Tracy, Priya Veeraraghavan, and Edward Chen A special thanks to the Sit'N Listen production team: Delphine Tripp, Chad Stein, Daniel Richard, Samantha Tracy, Priya Veeraraghavan, and Edward Chen Feel free to send us any comments, questions, or topic suggestions at sitnpodcast@gmail.com.

In the first episode on our Earth and Space Series, we heard a little bit about how research on Earth's oceans has had major implications for the search for life in the cosmos. Here, we've published an extended interview with a pioneer in this area of exploration: Dr. Christopher German. Dr. German is a Senior Scientist who focuses on geochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In this extended interview, you can hear more about Ocean Worlds, the search for life in our solar system, the technology that makes this possible, and how Dr. German was able to bring together the fields of oceanography and astrobiology. You can learn more about Dr. German and his work at https://www.whoi.edu/profile/cgerman/ and NASA's Ocean Worlds project at https://oceanworlds.whoi.edu/ This interview was recorded on April 14, 2021. This episode was produced by Chad Stein.

Episode 26: We're back with a new episode of Sit'N Listen, this time with the first part of our two part series on Earth & Space. In this episode we will discuss: How learning about our own oceans can teach us about life in space The benefits of space-age technology, a little closer to home. Space as a final frontier or future landfill This episode was written by: Daniel Richard, Chad Stein, Delphine Tripp A special thanks to the Sit'N Listen production team: Delphine Tripp, Chad Stein, Daniel Richard, Samantha Tracy, Priya Veeraraghavan, and Edward Chen Feel free to send us any comments, questions, or topic suggestions at sitnpodcast@gmail.com. Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D1gBfXkg7hZ7vPxkDWLw9PD1RZ1TKb-wRODJSh9jmJ4/edit?usp=sharing

Pint-Sized Science, Season 2 Episode 5 Title: How Our Bodies Respond to Viruses and What Sets SARS-CoV-2 Apart Interviewee: Dr. Sara Cherry, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Interviewer: Hope Merens, PhD Student in Molecular Biology, Harvard University Over the past year, COVID-19 has affected every aspect of our society. The cause of the pandemic, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is one of many existing RNA viruses. But not every virus causes a pandemic. What makes SARS-CoV-2 so infectious? How does our body react to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and how does this compare to other infections? And finally, what novel antiviral therapies are scientists working on to protect us from SARS-CoV-2 and future viruses? Join us this week on the Pint-Sized Science podcast as we discuss these questions with Dr. Sara Cherry, a leading professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pint-Sized Science: Season 2, Episode 4 A Gynecologist and a Clinical Psychologist Walk Into an Interview: A Conversation about Painful Sex, Vulvodynia, and Inclusive Sexual Health Interviewees: Dr. Caroline Pukall, Professor of Psychology at Queen's University at Kingston, and Dr. Andrew Goldstein, Director of the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders Interviewer: Theodora Mautz, AB '19, Clinical Research Coordinator at the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders **This episode features mature content and viewer discretion is advised.** Why does sex hurt? In this episode, we interview two experts on chronic vulvar pain and explore the "biopsychosocial" aspects of conditions that fall under the umbrella category of vulvodynia (pain in the vulva). Join us as we talk about pain in the vulva, how these experts make research on sexual health inclusive both in terms of identity and preference, and in terms of global reach. Note: occasionally, she/her pronouns and "woman/women" are used in this episode to describe people who have vulvodynia. However, we would like to emphasize that anyone with a vulva can suffer from vulvodynia, and both Dr. Pukall and Dr. Goldstein treat and seek to help people of all gender identities. For more information on vulvodynia conditions and the research that Dr. Pukall and Dr. Goldstein conduct, please visit http://vulvodynia.com/conditions and https://www.sexlab.ca/

Pint-Sized Science: Season 2, Episode 3. When it comes to the neutrino, scientists must go big or go home. Interviewee: Lindley Winslow, Associate Professor of Physics, MIT. Interviewer: Melis Tekant, PhD student in Physics, MIT. To uncover the nature of the elusive building blocks of the universe, scientists must observe some of the rarest events. How does one accomplish this? With an international team of researchers, in a years long project, using a giant, underground, super-cooled crystal. Professor Lindley Winslow explains the science, the considerations that go into planning and carrying out such large scientific projects, and how she got interested in the field. She also talks about how she got the opportunity to act as a science advisor for the newest Ghostbusters movie! For more information on Prof. Winslow's lab, please visit http://winslow.mit.edu/

Episode 25. This week, we talk with Suuba Demby, a junior at Harvard University majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in energy and environment. She joined Professor Doug Kwon's lab during the Fall 2020 semester. In this interview, Suuba discusses her experiences as an undergraduate student starting research during the pandemic. She also shares her thoughts on what has gone well, what hasn't, and what has had to change. (Recorded on November 20, 2020) Produced by: Edward Chen Featuring: Edward Chen, Suuba Demby

Episode 24: This week, we hear from Benjamin Martin, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School working to understand how and why genes turn on and off. He shares how, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped to build an online scientific community that now has members all around the globe. He also discusses the process of converting a one-bedroom apartment into a virtual studio for his partner’s pilates business and teaching their dog to play hockey. You can find Ben on Twitter @bmart87 and the Fragile Nucleosome community here: https://generegulation.org/fragile-nucleosome/

Episode 23: In this episode of Scientists at Home, we speak with Chelsea Powell, a post-doctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School. She discusses her experience of transitioning into a new job right before the shutdown, and shares important tips for incoming graduate students. Recording date: 5 November 2020 Featuring: Wei Li, Chelsea Powell Produced by: Wei Li, Chelsea Powell, A. Delphine Tripp

Episode 22. Aaron Abai is a junior at Harvard University majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in African American Studies. He performs research in Professor Doug Kwon's lab. In this interview, Aaron discusses his life as an undergraduate student living on a college campus during the pandemic. He shares his thoughts on the transition to online classes and what that means in terms of developing a sense of community. Featuring: Edward Chen, Aaron Abai Produced by: Edward Chen

Episode 21. This week we speak with Dr. Nicola Molinari, a senior postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). We discuss the transition to a work from home lifestyle and how the pandemic has altered the experience of postdoctoral research. Dr. Molinari is a research associate in the Harvard SEAS Materials Intelligence Research Lab under Dr. Boris Kozinsky. His research focuses on the interface between computation condensed matter physics and material science. Dr. Molinari earned his BS and MS in physics from the University of Padova and went on to Imperial College London to earn his MSc and PhD in Physics. He has spent the pandemic perfecting his Italian cooking skills and developing a newfound love for good coffee, while continuing to pursue with research interests. More information on the Material Intelligence Research Lab and Dr. Molianri’s work can be found here: https://bkoz.seas.harvard.edu More information on Dr. Molianri can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamolinari/ Episode Recorded: December 18th, 2020 Featured: Chad Stein, Dr. Nicola Molinari Produced by: Samantha Tracy, Chad Stein, Edward Chen, A.Delphine Tripp

Pint-Sized Science S2 E2 Interviewee: Iain Cheeseman, Professor of Biology at the Whitehead Institute and MIT. Interviewer: Melis Tekant, PhD student in Physics, MIT. During cell division, a cell creates an identical copy of itself, but how does this process happen? Specifically, how does a cell distribute its genetic material among the two daughter cells? Join us as Professor Iain Cheeseman of MIT and the Whitehead Institute explains how he and his team uncover the molecular basis of the protein complex called the kinetochore, the cellular machinery which is at the heart of this process. For more information on Prof. Cheeseman's lab and how starfish egg cells divide: https://medium.com/@WhiteheadInstitute/unusual-labmates-biology-all-stars-1937249398ab

Episode 20. Anushka Khasnobish is a doctoral researcher at Okayama University where she studies the oral microbiome. In this interview, Anushka discusses her life as an international student living and working in Japan. She shares her positive attitude towards dealing with shutdowns and uncertainties in light of the pandemic. Follow her on twitter @AnushkaMicrobi or check out her blog: https://synchronisinglife.wordpress.com Featured: A. Delphine Tripp, Anushka Khasnobish Produced by: A. Delphine Tripp, Wei Li Recording Date: November 17, 2020

Episode 19. In this episode of our Scientists at Home series, Christian Struck (Graduate Student in German Literature, with a Secondary in Critical Media Practice at Harvard University) discusses the impact of COVID-19 on international students in the US, such as the travel bans and the visa regulations. Read more about Christian's work here: https://german.fas.harvard.edu/people/christian-struck? Recording date: November 11, 2020 Featuring: Wei Li, Christian Struck Produced by: Wei Li, A. Delphine Tripp, Chad Stein

Episode 18. Emily Egan is a Research Associate in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School. Her research in Dr. Steve Blacklow’s lab focuses on the Notch signaling pathway, which is involved in many biological processes from development to cancer. In addition to her research, Dr. Egan helps to make sure the Blacklow lab operations run smoothly. In this interview, Emily describes her work, how COVID forced her to shut it down, how she and her family coped, and what helping to manage a lab was like during this difficult time. http://linkedin.com/in/emilyeganphd Featured: Chad Stein, Dr. Emily Egan Produced by: Chad Stein, Melis Tekant, A. Delphine Tripp Recording date: November 13, 2020

Episode 16. The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 has changed the world and altered all of our lives. In this series of episodes titled “Scientists at Home” we present narratives of life and research during the pandemic from scientists and academics across a broad range of disciplines and stages of their careers. We hope in hearing these narratives you’ll feel a sense of camaraderie with the scientific community as we acclimate during these difficult times. Featured: Wei Li, A. Delphine Tripp, Edward Chen, Melis Tekant, Chad Stein Produced by: A. Delphine Tripp, Melis Tekant, Chad Stein, Wei Li, Edward Chen, Samantha Tracy Recording date: January 15, 2021

Episode 16. In this episode of our Scientists at Home series, Professor Iain Cheeseman (Professor of Biology, MIT and Whitehead Institute) talks about how he adapted to the new normal and juggled his various responsibilities — his family, research group, and undergraduate class. He explains the importance of creating a sense of community while being physically distanced, and some positive changes that the pandemic brought about. You can learn more about Iain and his research group here: https://cheesemanlab.wi.mit.edu/. Featured: Melis Tekant, Dr. Iain Cheeseman Produced by: Melis Tekant, Delphine Tripp Recording date: December 2nd, 2020

Professor Venki Murthy (Raymond Leo Erikson Life Sciences Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University) talks to Ana-Andreea Stoica (Ph.D. student in Computer Science at Columbia University) and Anastasia Repouliou (Ph.D. student in Molecular Biology at Harvard University) about our sense of smell. What really is it? Why is it important but difficult to study? What happens when we lose it, for example after a bout of COVID-19? Join us for a fascinating discussion hosted by the Pint-Sized Science podcast!

Here we discuss the science behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, their development, and mechanisms of action. Featuring: Melis Tekant, Chad Stein, Edward Chen and Samantha Tracy Citations: CDC. “COVID-19 and Your Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Feb. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html. Mandavilli, Apoorva. “The Coronavirus Is Mutating. What Does That Mean for Us?” The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/20/health/coronavirus-britain-variant.html. Laing, Aislinn. “Inside J&J’s Latam COVID Vaccine Trial, a Rush to Recruit Is Followed by Disappointment.” Reuters, 21 Dec. 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-vaccines-latinamer-idUSKBN28V1DE Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers | FDA. https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/. Pinkbook | Home | Epidemiology of Vaccine Preventable Diseases | CDC. 6 Nov. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/index.html. Understanding and Explaining MRNA COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC. 17 Dec. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/mrna-vaccine-basics.html. Yang, Edward, et al. “Decay Rates of Human MRNAs: Correlation With Functional Characteristics and Sequence Attributes.” Genome Research, vol. 13, no. 8, Aug. 2003, pp. 1863–72, doi:10.1101/gr.1272403.

Science is part of our daily lives, it's even in our kitchens! Here, we discuss the science of fermentation - from sour dough to sauerkraut. Listen in! Featuring: Delphine Tripp and Sharon Spivak.

The 2020 Nobel Chemistry Prize goes to Doudna and Charpentier for CRISPR! We discuss the technology, its history, and the patent war over it. Featuring: Melis Tekant, Chad Stein, Wei Li, Delphine Tripp, Edward Chen, and Jordan Jensen Useful Links: Podcast episodes https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/update-crispr Nobel prize statement and press coverage https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel-prize-lessons-chemistry-2020 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02765-9 Articles https://www.nature.com/news/genome-editing-revolution-my-whirlwind-year-with-crispr-1.19063 https://www.nature.com/news/the-unsung-heroes-of-crispr-1.20272 https://www.nature.com/news/why-the-crispr-patent-verdict-isn-t-the-end-of-the-story-1.21510 https://www.nature.com/news/broad-institute-wins-bitter-battle-over-crispr-patents-1.21502 https://www.nature.com/news/crispr-heavyweights-battle-in-us-patent-court-1.21101 https://www.nature.com/news/titanic-clash-over-crispr-patents-turns-ugly-1.20631 https://www.nature.com/news/how-the-us-crispr-patent-probe-will-play-out-1.19519 https://www.nature.com/news/embryo-editing-sparks-epic-debate-1.17421 https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/09/latest-round-crispr-patent-battle-has-apparent-victor-fight-continues https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/02/new-patent-win-university-california-upends-crispr-legal-battle https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-06656-y https://scipol.org/content/lies-damn-lies-and-crispr-legal-battle-escalates https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/12/05/504454201/scientists-battle-in-court-over-lucrative-patents-for-gene-editing-tool

Pint-Sized Science S1 E5 Interviewee: Dr. Jessica Ray, Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington Interviewer: Emily Kerr, PhD Candidate in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University What happens when the rain dissolves potentially dangerous metals, organic chemicals, and other contaminants after a storm? In this episode of the Pint-Sized Science Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Jessica Ray, a professor at the University of Washington whose research is focused on developing materials and technologies to remove dangerous contaminants from stormwater before it reaches our waterways. To learn more about Dr. Ray and her work, check out her website at ray-aimslab.com/.

Pint-Sized Science S1 E3 Interviewee: Dr. Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Interviewer: Valentina Lagomarsino, PhD Candidate in the Biological Sciences, Harvard University In this episode of the Pint-Sized Science Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, a professor at UC Davis whose research is focused on improving our basic understanding of how the brain functions and how it changes in the setting of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. In addition to talking about her scientific work, we also spoke with her about her work outside of the lab, including how she established the first brain bank in Latin America and started a non-profit to help teach young children about the benefits of learning about the brain. To learn more about Dr. Martínez-Cerdeño and her work, check out her website at www.ventricular.org. After listening to this episode, please check out sitn.hms.harvard.edu/science-by-the-pint/ for upcoming episodes and series updates.

Pint-Sized Science S1 E4 Interviewee: Hernan Garcia, Assistant Professor of Physics and Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley Interviewer: Jonathan Jackson, PhD student in Biophysics, Harvard University How does a single cell give rise to a complicated organism? What controls how a DNA blueprint can give rise to so many different cell behaviors in so regulated a manner? How can statistical mechanics (we promise it's not too scary!) help scientists to address long-standing questions of developmental biology? Join us as we talk with Dr. Hernan Garcia, a professor of physics and molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley, about how he and his lab investigate these questions by predicting developmental decisions in fruit flies.

Pint-Sized Science S1 E2 The Mysterious Mitochondria: More Than Just A Power Source? Interviewee: Dr. Katja Hansen, PhD (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Stirling Churchman, Harvard Medical School) Interviewer: Chris Rota (PhD Candidate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Harvard Medical School) You might remember the mitochondria from biology class as the engine that produces the energy that cells (the smallest known units of life) need to function. Is that all mitochondria do though? What happens when mitochondria don’t function correctly? How do these tiny powerhouses actually know what to do (and when to do it) in the first place? And, lastly, how do we study the minutiae of these processes when we can’t even see mitochondria with the naked eye? Join us to find out the answers to these questions, and others, in today’s episode of Pint-Sized Science! For more episodes, series updates, and to find out more about our group, please check out the rest of our Soundcloud page as well as our website (sitn.hms.harvard.edu/science-by-the-pint/) for more information. Thanks for stopping by, and take care until next time!

Pint-Sized Science S1 E1 Interviewee: Dr. Marc Schmidt, Professor of Biology, University of Pennsylvania Interviewer: Hope Merens, PhD Student in the Biological Sciences, Harvard University Have you ever wondered how a songbird knows the song that it sings? How successful are different songs at attracting female songbirds, and how do females decide what songs they like? What are the neurological underpinnings of these amazing behaviors, and how are scientists studying them? Join our Pint-Sized Science episode today as we attempt to answer these questions with Dr. Marc Schmidt, a professor of biology at the University of Pennsylvania, who specializes in the study of songbird behavior and neurobiology. After listening to this episode, please check out sitn.hms.harvard.edu/science-by-the-pint/ for upcoming episodes and series updates.

Amidst talk about the Paris climate accord and other multinational efforts to combat climate change, it's easy to lose sight of the extensive efforts occurring at the city and state levels to plan for and preempt the effects of environmental changes. To celebrate Earth Day 2018, we're taking a look at some of the strategies local communities are adopting to address the challenges climate change is creating for urban infrastructure. Special thanks to our guests on this episode, John Bolduc, Environmental Planner for the City of Cambridge, and Kerry Emanuel, Professor of Atmospheric Science at MIT. Cheers, The SIT'N Listen Team Executive Producer: Amy Gilson Assistant producer: Yang Tian Correspondents: Sisi Hu, Illika Sahu, Tia Scarpelli, and Sam Wattrus Editors: Amy Gilson, Teshika Jayewickreme, Stanely Gill, Yang Tian Graphics by Rebecca Clements.

The oceans cover 70% of our planet, but did you know that less than 5% of the ocean floor has been explored? In the face of rapid climate change, ocean scientists are racing to understand what makes a healthy ocean and how rapid changes in ocean temperature, currents and chemistry will affect biodiversity, fishing, tourism, land erosion and myriad of other aspects that will affect us on land. Thanks to our wonderful collaborators at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments for sponsoring our live audience recording. Many thanks to our wonderful podcast guest scientists Christina Hernandez, Gabriela Farfan, and Hanny Rivera for sharing their insights. Cheers, The SIT'N Listen Team Edited by Executive Producer Vinidhra Mani with valuable feedback from Executive Producers Elizabeth Jaensch and Amy Gilson Image Credit: Gabriela Farfan, Hanny Rivera

We’re back with a new episode of Sit’N Listen! This time we're delving into the world of sex, gender, and sports. Men and women have been competing in separate athletic events since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. But why? What biological differences affect the way men and women play sports? And what impact does all of this have on athletics, and on our broader culture? Tune in to find out! Correspondents: Dana Boebinger, Rachel Hanebutt, Brittany Mayweather, and Michael Ruiz Produced by Michelle Frank Sound editing by Dana Boebinger Special thanks to Kristen Osborne and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, which co-sponsored this podcast as part of their upcoming conference on sports, gender, and society. We're also grateful to Jean-Francois Gauvin and Harvard's Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments for hosting the live recording of this podcast. We will post show notes with references and script on our website: sitn.hms.harvard.edu. Feel free to send us any comments, questions, or topic suggestions at sitnpodcast@gmail.com. All the best, The Sit’N Listen team: Michelle Frank, Amy Gilson, Elizabeth Jaensch, Vini Mani, and Angela She

Many important scientific discoveries have been may by doing experiments on animals. However these experiments raise deep scientific and ethical questions. This is Part Two of a two-parter examining how animals are used to learn about human health and disease. Correspondents: Michelle Frank, Alexandra Schnell, Mashaal Sohail, and Amy Gilson Episode Graphic by Pierre Baduel Producer and Audio Editor: Amy Gilson

Many important scientific discoveries have been may by doing experiments on animals. However these experiments raise deep scientific and ethical questions. This is Part One of a two-parter examining how animals are used to learn about human health and disease. Correspondents: Michelle Frank, Alexandra Schnell, Mashaal Sohail, and Amy Gilson Episode Graphic by Pierre Baduel Producer and Audio Editor: Amy Gilson

Sit'N Listen is back with another edition of Science and Society, a collaboration across disciplines. Here, we discuss many issues surrounding how certain concepts of sex and gender have become norms in our society and how these are shaped by (in, in turn, shape) our scientific understanding of this subject. Correspondents: Rachel Hanebutt, Michelle Frank, Jessica Cussins, Kellie Owens Advised by: Amy Gilson, Prof. Sheila Jasanoff Special thank you to Jean Francois Gauvin and the Center for Historical Scientific Instruments at Harvard for making this wonderful live recording happen. If you happen to be in the Boston area, please do check out the exhibit! Sit'N Listen (S&S) Producers: Amy Gilson and Vinidhra Mani

We’re back with a new episode of Sit’N Listen!, this time all about the world’s most deadly animal: MOSQUITOES. Tune in to learn about the history (and future!) of some of the infamous diseases mosquitoes spread, as well as new tools scientists are using in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Featuring: Fernanda Ferreira, Elizabeth Jaensch, and Tianli Xiao Special thanks to Amy Gilson for audio production help. We will post show notes with references and script on our website: sitn.hms.harvard.edu. Feel free to send us any comments, questions, or topic suggestions at sitnpodcast@gmail.com. All the best, The Sit’N Listen team: Amy Gilson, Elizabeth Jaensch, Vini Mani, and Angela She

SIT'N Listen! Presents its first episode in a recurring series of podcasts on Science and Society, where graduate students and other experts across various disciplines- science, public policy, design, history, you name it- discuss a wide range of topics- from gender to climate change. After all, these are topics scholars in many disciplines are contributing to. This series is largely a collaboration between Science in the News and the program in Science, Technology and Society at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Today's episode is a bit of navel gazing, analyzing our motivations in communicating science. We will post show notes with references and script on our website: sitn.hms.harvard.edu. Please email sitnpodcast@gmail.com with any questions, comments or feedback! Cheers, Vini Mani, Matthew Sample, Warren Hagist, Amy Gilson, and Elizabeth Jaensch Special thanks to Prof. Sheila Jasanoff of Harvard University for her insights and feedback through our process of creating this podcast. Cheers, Vini Mani, Elizabeth Jaensch, Amy Gilson, Angela She SIT'N Listen Producers

Following up on our GMO episode we sat down with Dr. Larry Gilbertson who's been a scientist at Monsanto for about 20 years, and Vance Crowe, Monsanto's Director of Millennial Engagement. Can you drink genetically modified beer in England? Do Amish farmers grow GM crops? Find out right here! Stay tuned for our first episode of Sit'N Society, our new series made in collaboration with Harvard's Science, Technology, and Society program, which will explore the complex relationship between science, technology and society. Thanks to Larry and Vance for joining us. Watch Larry at Boston Skeptics in the Pub: https://vimeo.com/132447651 Read NPR's interview with Vance here: http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/10/29/359836350/monsanto-hired-this-guy-to-help-it-win-over-millennials Listen to Talking Biotech. Here's a link to the episode on citrus. greening.: http://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/?p=137 Cheers, Vini Mani, Elizabeth Jaensch, Amy Gilson, Angela She

Allergies: the bane of people who can’t snack on peanut butter and banana sandwiches, who can’t cuddle up to our favorite furry companions on a bad day, and who want to love spring or autumn but are assaulted on all sides by annoying, invisible particles. Allergies plague people seemingly indiscriminately, and symptoms can vary from an itchy nose and watery eyes to hives or difficulty breathing. So what are allergies and why do we get them? What are they doing to our bodies, and how do we treat that? Can we, maybe, prevent them? Happy Listening and Happy 2016! Vinidhra Mani, Amy Gilson, Angela She, Elizabeth Jaensch SIT'N Listen Producers We'd like to acknowledge Amy Gilson for her heroic editing efforts and Marie Siwicki for her contributions to research and script writing. Voices on this podcast: Angela She, Vinidhra Mani, Amy Gilson, Andrew Marantan

Science in the News at Harvard University has just launched our first podcast, titled "Sit'N Listen!" Each episode of Sit'N Listen, we'll bring you scientists' perspectives on intriguing and newsworthy science. In this episode we discuss CRISPR, its origins and roles in genetic editing for therapeutics and research. For a healthy yet tasty snack for the brain, we hope you'll join us here at the Sit'N Listen podcast! Sincerely yours, The Sit'N Listen team: Amy Gilson, Elizabeth Jaensch, Vinidhra Mani, Angela She

Science in the News at Harvard University has just launched our first podcast, titled "Sit'N Listen!" Each episode of Sit'N Listen, we'll bring you scientists' perspectives on intriguing and newsworthy science. In this episode we discuss how Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are developed in the lab and a new law that would change how GMOs are regulated. For a healthy yet tasty snack for the brain, we hope you'll join us here at the Sit'N Listen podcast! Sincerely yours, The Sit'N Listen team: Amy Gilson, Elizabeth Jaensch, Vinidhra Mani, Angela She Special thank you to the following individuals: Angela She (editing) Kelsey Sakimoto (theme music) Mary Gearing Heather Landry SITN Signal to Noise Editorial Staff Eric Hamilton