Podcasts about biological sciences

Science that studies life and living organisms

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Latest podcast episodes about biological sciences

Outbreak News Interviews
Screwworm 101 with Lee Haines, PhD

Outbreak News Interviews

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 29:17


The New World screwworm has returned to the United States as the first case was reported in Texas on June 3, Since then, a number of additional cases have affected animals in Texas and New Mexico. What is the new world screwworm? How is it transmitted and how dangerous is it? And how will we get it under control? These are just a few of the questions I will pose to my expert guest. Joining me today is Lee Haines, Ph.D. Dr Haines is a medical entomologist and associate professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame.

The Stem Cell Report with Martin Pera

Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome (BAMS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting in babies born without a nose, along with eye and reproductive anomalies. Our guests today investigated the developmental basis of this distinct defect using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with BAMS. They assessed the differentiation potential of BAMS patient-derived iPSCs into cranial placode cells, a group of progenitor cells that contribute to the formation of the nasal epithelium. This allowed them to study the behavior of the nasal epithelial cells during early development. Their work uncovered cellular mechanisms underlying BAMS and provided new insights into the developmental processes that shape the human nose. GuestsShifeng Xue is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS). She received her Ph.D. in developmental biology from the University of California, San Francisco, where she trained with Maria Barna, and then completed her postdoctoral research at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore. She is the recipient of the 2018 Young Scientist Award of the Singapore National Academy of Science.  Vanitha Venkoba Rao worked as a Research Fellow at NUS from 2020 to 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from NUS and subsequently held research positions at inStem and Pandorum Technologies in India, before joining the Xue lab.HostJanet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports Supporting DocumentCranial placode differentiation defect in individuals born without a nose, Stem Cell Reports, 2026About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. X: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRAcross more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

Live Foreverish
351. Can Testing Your Genes Unlock Weight Loss & Metabolic Health Secrets? YES! - Life Extension

Live Foreverish

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 26:06


Genetic testing opens the door to truly understanding who we are in ways we never imagined. In this episode of Live Foreverish, Dr. Mike and Dr. Crystal sit down with Abby Harris, the Science Product Manager at Forgan Genomics US, to discuss a personalized weight and nutrition genetics test. She shares how this test fills in gaps and how it allows an individualized approach to managing health beyond family history to help individuals and clinicians prioritize effective interventions and improve adherence to health goals. #LELEARN #EDULFsocial Guest Bio: Abby Harris has a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Nutrition from Drexel University. She received additional graduate training in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has over a decade of industry and academic research experience in areas such as reproductive genetics and metabolism. Due to her passion for health and nutrition, she is currently working towards a master's in clinical nutrition. She greatly enjoys using her understanding of molecular biology, nutritional biochemistry, and research to manage report development and education at Fagron Genomics US. During her four-plus years with the company, The Personalized Weight and Nutrition Genetic Panel is one of the many projects for which she has led development.

AGELESS GLAMOUR GIRLS (AGG) PODCAST
The Life You Save Could Be Someone You Love | CPR, AEDs & Life-Saving Skills with Pamela Isom

AGELESS GLAMOUR GIRLS (AGG) PODCAST

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 58:22


Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 7 of the Ageless Glamour Girls™ Podcast!How many of you take care of your grandchildren or other youngsters - or occasionally babysit them? Come on - most kids love spending time with their grandparents. And what would YOU do if they - or someone you loved - suddenly stopped breathing... or started choking?It's a question most of us hope we'll never have to answer. But when an emergency happens, every second counts.Ahead of the official start of summer... and in recognition of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, Ageless Glamour Girls™ Podcast Host Marqueeta Curtis-Haynes sits down with Pamela Isom, President and CEO of ICE Safety Solutions, to discuss the life-saving skills every family should know.A former biologist turned entrepreneur, Pam shares her remarkable journey into the world of CPR, First Aid, and AED training, and explains why emergency preparedness isn't just for healthcare professionals. It's for all of us.In this episode, we discuss:• Why so many adults have never been trained in CPR• What CPR and AEDs actually do• Why people freeze during emergencies• Common choking emergencies involving children• What grandparents, caregivers, and families should know• Family reunions, church groups, and community preparedness• How to get started with CPR and First Aid trainingWhether you're a grandmother, an ageless auntie, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, this conversation could help you gain the confidence to respond when every second counts.Because the life you save could belong to someone you love.CHEERS to Healthy Aging and Joyful Living, Luvvies!************ GUEST BIO:Pamela Isom, President/CEO,  ICE Safety Solutions Est. 1999.  https://www.getice.com/  Since she was a young girl Pam had one focus:“To be sure no one around her became ill, injured or would lose a life”Pamela fell in love with safety when she was 16 years old while working as a lifeguard, where she was exposed to CPR Training. Her life changing moment came when she used her CPR skills to recognize her father was suffering congestive heart failure and she leaped into action!Ms. Isom earned a degree in Biological Sciences from University of California Davis, while also earning a 4-time NCAA All-American status in Cross Country and the 1500M and 3000M. Following her athletic career Pamela started her career as a scientist in Cardiovascular Pharmacology working on the popular anti- inflammatory Aleve and the antiviral Tamiflu.  After 8 years in research, she left her career with the birth of her daughter and started ICE Safety Solutions, with the focus on providing life safety training for corporations across the US. Fast forward 27 years, ICE Safety Solutions is a nationally ranked safety company executing innovative & transformational VR/AR safety trainings, safety plans, and PPE in the areas of emergency response planning, training, execution, evacuation, active shooter, natural disasters and medical emergencies. Notable clientele includes Salesforce, NBA, EY, Honda, Oracle, CA Water Service, Cupertino Electric, Truebeck Construction, Golden State Warriors, Allstate, Toyota & Honda Financial and other Fortune 1000 companies. In 2017, ICE Safety Solutions received national recognition as the National Minority Business Enterprise of the Year and in 2018 acknowledged by the National Association of Women Business Owners, California as Business of the Year and Woman Owned Business Northern CA in  2019, 2020 and 2021.  In 2024, Pamela Isom has been recognized by the Woman Owned Business Enterprise Council Pacific Northwest (WBEC Pacific) STAR award. 2025 NMSDC Supplier of the Year, Class II, Finalist.Support the showSupport Ageless Glamour Girls™:www.agelessglamourgirls.com        www.linkedin.com/in/marqueetacurtishaynes       https://www.shopltk.com/explore/AgelessGlamourGirls https://www.youtube.com/@agelessglamourgirls      Instagram @agelessglamourgirlsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/agelessglamourgirlsPrivate (AGG) FB Group: The Ageless Café: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theagelesscafeTikTok: @agelessglamourgirlsPodcast Producers: Ageless Glamour Girls™ and Purple Tulip Media, LLC  

Matters Microbial
Matters Microbial #131: What Cystic Fibrosis Reveals About Hidden Microbial Lives

Matters Microbial

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 62:40


Matters Microbial #131: What Cystic Fibrosis Reveals About Hidden Microbial Lives June 3, 2026 Today Dr. Sam Brown, Professor of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech University, joins the quality quorum today to discuss the social lives of bacterial pathogens. He will also discuss VERY recent research from his lab group exploring the specialist/generalist problem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and thoughts on cryptic convergent specialization! Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Sam Brown Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode An overview of behavioral ecology. An article describing evolutionary trade offs and game theory. A video describing Tinbergen's "Four Whys" involving behavioral ecology. A wonderful essay by Carl Zimmer relating lake ecology and microbial ecology in humans.  A Pseudomonas plush toy from Giant Microbes. The Pseudomonas contaminated eyedrops story told by Dr. Brown, as summarized by the CDC. An essay about sociomicrobiology. An overview of quorum sensing. An overview of biofilms. An article describing specialization versus generalism in ecology.  A description of a "confusion matrix" in data analysis. A somewhat dated overview of PCA (principle component analysis). The article about convergent cryptic specialization under discussion today on this podcast from Dr. Brown's research group (first author Mehlferber). A VERY interesting article from Dr. Brown's research team describing eco-evolutionary aspects of polymicrobial infections. Dr. Brown's faculty website. Dr. Brown's laboratory group website. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com

Matters Microbial
Matters Microbial #130: The Holobiont — Animals, Microbes, and Ecology

Matters Microbial

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 63:25


Matters Microbial #130: The Holobiont — Animals, Microbes, and Ecology May 19, 2026 Today Dr. Kevin Kohl, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss how he and his colleagues study the interplay between animals, their resident gut microbes, and the overarching concept of the holobiont. Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Kevin Kohl Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode The One Health Microbiome Center at Pennsylvania State University. A very fine essay on the holobiont concept for non-microbiologists. A general introductory overview of the holobiont concept. The holobiont concept and the coral symbiosis.  A partial history of the development of the holobiont concept. Dr. Casadevall suggests that context and thus outcomes describes the term "pathogen," and a similar analysis applies to the holobiont. A very short description of the holobiont concept.  Another overview of the holobiont concept in general, coauthored by Dr. Kohl.  Some basic rules for thinking about the holobiont concept. A video introduction to the holobiont concept, by Dr. Seth Bordenstein. I highly recommend this essay by the science writer Carl Zimmer, "The Human Lake," to think of the connections between lake ecology and microbial interactions with humans. Another wonderful article recommended by Dr. Kohl, by Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai and coauthors, detailing the impact microbes have on animals over evolution and development.  The wood rat – creosote – microbiome connection to the holobiont concept, discussed on this podcast (coauthored by Dr. Kohl). The fascinating work by Dr. Kohl and colleagues showing the relationship between tadpole development and pond microbes discussed in this podcast.  A must read article by Dr. Kohl and colleagues, "Through the microbial looking glass: our shifting understanding of the holobiont and microbes as mediators of organismal biology," illustrates the development and influence of the holobiont concept. Dr. Richard Prum's book, "Performance All the Way Down," was discussed during this podcast. There is also a video where Dr. Prum discusses the ideas in this book, describing gene regulation as a performance.  Dr. Kohl's faculty website. Dr. Kohl's (very interesting) research website. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com

Immune
Matters Microbial #130: The Holobiont — Animals, Microbes, and Ecology

Immune

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 63:25


Matters Microbial #130: The Holobiont — Animals, Microbes, and Ecology May 19, 2026 Today Dr. Kevin Kohl, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss how he and his colleagues study the interplay between animals, their resident gut microbes, and the overarching concept of the holobiont. Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Kevin Kohl Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode The One Health Microbiome Center at Pennsylvania State University. A very fine essay on the holobiont concept for non-microbiologists. A general introductory overview of the holobiont concept. The holobiont concept and the coral symbiosis.  A partial history of the development of the holobiont concept. Dr. Casadevall suggests that context and thus outcomes describes the term "pathogen," and a similar analysis applies to the holobiont. A very short description of the holobiont concept.  Another overview of the holobiont concept in general, coauthored by Dr. Kohl.  Some basic rules for thinking about the holobiont concept. A video introduction to the holobiont concept, by Dr. Seth Bordenstein. I highly recommend this essay by the science writer Carl Zimmer, "The Human Lake," to think of the connections between lake ecology and microbial interactions with humans. Another wonderful article recommended by Dr. Kohl, by Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai and coauthors, detailing the impact microbes have on animals over evolution and development.  The wood rat – creosote – microbiome connection to the holobiont concept, discussed on this podcast (coauthored by Dr. Kohl). The fascinating work by Dr. Kohl and colleagues showing the relationship between tadpole development and pond microbes discussed in this podcast.  A must read article by Dr. Kohl and colleagues, "Through the microbial looking glass: our shifting understanding of the holobiont and microbes as mediators of organismal biology," illustrates the development and influence of the holobiont concept. Dr. Richard Prum's book, "Performance All the Way Down," was discussed during this podcast. There is also a video where Dr. Prum discusses the ideas in this book, describing gene regulation as a performance.  Dr. Kohl's faculty website. Dr. Kohl's (very interesting) research website. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com

Optimization Academy with Dr. Greg Jones
88. Chronic Inflammation Explained: Root Causes, Lab Testing & How to Heal

Optimization Academy with Dr. Greg Jones

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 55:56


Chronic inflammation explained—if you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or ongoing health issues, this episode uncovers the real root causes and how advanced lab testing can help you finally heal. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Clement Lee, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), to break down why so many people feel unwell despite “normal” lab results.In this episode, you'll learn how chronic inflammation impacts aging, energy, and cognitive function—and why it's often missed in standard healthcare. Dr. Lee also explains the importance of comprehensive lab testing, including deeper biomarkers and tools like the Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX), to assess long-term health risks and optimize recovery.We also explore cutting-edge therapies such as peptide therapy, ozone therapy, and regenerative injections, along with foundational strategies like sleep, hydration, and nutrition that are critical for reducing inflammation and restoring health.If you've been searching for answers to unresolved health issues, this episode provides a clear, science-backed roadmap to understanding chronic inflammation and taking actionable steps toward healing.

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers
865: Investigating How Frogs are Impacted by Climate Change, Fungal Disease, and Selection Pressures - Dr. Cori Richards-Zawacki

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 43:16


Dr. Cori Richards-Zawacki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Director of the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh. Cori studies topics in ecology, evolutionary biology, behavior, and conservation in frogs. In particular, she is working to understand how frogs use different body forms, colors, and other features to survive partially on land and partially in water. When she's not working and doing research, Cori enjoys spending time outside with her husband and two young daughters. She likes to play soccer, hike, go mountain biking, and do other outdoor activities. Cori received her Bachelor's degree in engineering and biology as well as her PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology both from the University of Michigan. She conducted postdoctoral research at the Smithsonian Institute and the University of California, Berkeley. Cori next served on the faculty at Tulane University prior to joining the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. In our interview, Cori shares more about her life and science.

Snake Talk
From Rattlesnakes to Terrapins

Snake Talk

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 57:46


In this episode Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Sarah Baker, who is an Assistant Professor of Biological Science at McNeese State University. They discuss her time studying Massasauga Rattlesnakes specifically their metabolic rate and various aspects of their reproductive biology. They then talk about her transition to working with turtles and the population ecology work her lab is engaged in with Diamondback Terrapins and Box Turtles. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you've been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Doggy Dojo
Healthy Dog Play with Karen B. London, PhD.

Doggy Dojo

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 36:58


Karen B. London, Ph.D. is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer who specializes in canine play and in the evaluation and treatment of serious behavior problems in domestic dogs, including aggression. She began working with dogs in 1997, and has spent years working with clients in one-on-one consultations in addition to teaching group training classes, and giving seminars about canine ethology for trainers, veterinary and shelter staff, and the public.She received her B.S. in Biology from UCLA and her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied the defensive behavior of neotropical social wasps, and a nesting association between two species of wasps. Her research and scholarly publications cover such diverse topics as interactions between species that live together, defensive and aggressivebehavior, evolution of social behavior, communication within and between species, learning, and parental investment.Karen is an award-winning author of eight books on dog training and behavior, five of them co-authored with her mentor, Patricia B. McConnell, PhD. Her most personal book is Treat Everyone Like a Dog: How a Dog Trainer's World View Can Improve Your Life. She writes the animal column, called The London Zoo, for the Arizona Daily Sun, wrote the behavior and training columns for many years for The Bark Magazine, and blogs for Kinship.com. Her most recent book is My Dog's Mystery Adventure: And Other Stories from a Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer.Karen lives with her husband in Flagstaff, Arizona, where they raised their two sons. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University, where she has taught tropical field courses in Nicaragua and Costa Rica called “Tropical Forest Ecology and Conservation” and a class for freshman about the importance of insects to society called “Sex, Bugs, and Rock ‘n' Roll”.Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice or professional services by either the host nor any of the guests. Here are the links to Karen B. London PhD. Books and Socials:https://www.dogwise.com/my-dog-s-mystery-adventure-and-other-stories-from-a-canine-behaviorist-and-dog-trainer/?srsltid=AfmBOoqfZ8acpo9-nLliZAgDfQ4eFmypWuxPwitdRmvE_qjWY1mn_F82https://www.dogwise.com/treat-everyone-like-a-dog-how-a-dog-trainers-world-view-can-improve-your-life/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq1YqJ-iTsXcoK7BZFylwMq-I3o0pbYrPj3Kx2uy2L3JtbJc1lhttps://www.amazon.com/Cows-Ants-Termites-Revealing-Newspaper/dp/1952960029/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0https://www.instagram.com/karen.london.dog.behavior/Thank you for listening to the Enlightened Pet Behavior Podcast. I hope that you and your beloved pets have found valuable insights for a more harmonious life together. Please remember that this podcast provides educational information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary or behavioral advice. If you need personalized support, please don't hesitate to contact me to explore how we can work together to achieve your pet behavior goals. You can reach me at www.enlightenedpetbehavior.com or via email at susan@enlightenedpetbehavior.com. Special thanks to Mac Light for composing the podcast's music; you can find him at www.maclightsongwriter.comIf you find the show helpful and enjoyable, please consider showing your support! Subscribing, following, rating, reviewing, and sharing with friends takes just a moment but significantly boosts the show's visibility, helping more pet parents discover it. Thank you for your support!

Shine.FM Podcasts
The Home & The Maker: Episode 37 – The Importance of Wildflowers and Pollinators

Shine.FM Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 24:09


Why are pollinators, like bees and butterflies, so important to the garden, and how do we encourage their presence? And why are native plants and wildflowers so important, instead of just buying what might look pretty at the store? Dr. Parry Kietzman, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Olivet Nazarene University, and also co-director of the Olivet Biological Sanctuary, joins Megan on the podcast to answer all these questions with helpful tips to benefit pollinators!  

Matters Microbial
Matters Microbial #129: Microbes Reveal How Evolution Might Replay

Matters Microbial

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 67:54


Matters Microbial #129: Microbes Reveal How Evolution Might Replay May 5, 2026 Today Dr. Michael Travisano, Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the College of Biological Sciences of the University of Minnesota, joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss fascinating work from his lab group exploring evolutionary questions from a microbial perspective. Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Michael Travisano Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode Here is the link to the article we discussed during the podcast, authored by Dr. Travisano and Dr. Rainey. An overview of the concept of adaptive radiation. The ecological/evolutionary concept of "cheating" which applies to the mat forming bacteria discussed in this podcast. A link to an article by Dr. Jo Handelsman and colleagues about THOR, a simple microbial community that has shows great functional diversity. A wonderful essay about Dr. Rich Lenski's role in the LTEE. An essay from "Small Things Considered" describing "rewinding" evolution using microbial systems. A wonderful book by Stephen Jay Gould, "Wonderful Life" about evolution. Another book well worth your attention:  "Chance and Necessity" by Jacques Monod. An article about the challenges of multicellularity in bacteria. The wonderful short video example of "snowflake yeast" evolving within days. A link to another #MattersMicrobial podcast by Dr Will Ratcliff, about "snowflake yeast." An article by Dr. Travisano and colleagues describing conflict and cooperation in microbial societies discussed on this podcast. An article by Dr. Travisano and colleagues about the evolution of "snowflake yeast," discussed on this podcast. An article by Dr. Travisano and colleagues discussing the role of other microbes in the development of multicellularity, discussed on this podcast.  An article by Dr. Travisano and colleagues, on the repeatability of microbial adaptive evolution discussed on this podcast. A list of references authored by Dr. Travisano and colleagues. Dr. Travisano's faculty website. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com

Stuff You Missed in History Class
John Graunt

Stuff You Missed in History Class

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 36:40 Transcription Available


John Graunt was a shopkeeper in 17th-century London who followed his own curiosity to a rather grand result. His work gave rise to the fields of demography and epidemiology. Research: Berke, Olaf, et al. “Celebration day: 400th birthday of John Graunt, citizen scientist of London.” Environmental Health Review. 63(3): 67-69. 2020. https://doi.org/10.5864/d2020-018 Britannica Editors. "John Graunt". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Apr. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Graunt Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sir William Petty." Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Apr. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/money/William-Petty Clark, Andrew. “Aubrey’s ‘Brief Lives.’” Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1898. https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/briefliveschiefl01aubruoft/briefliveschiefl01aubruoft.pdf Connor, Henry. “John Graunt F.R.S. (1620-74): The founding father of human demography, epidemiology and vital statistics.” Journal of medical biography 32,1 (2024): 57-69. doi:10.1177/09677720221079826 Eschner, Kat. “People Have Been Using Big Data Since the 1600s.” Smithsonian. April 24, 2017. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/people-have-been-using-big-data-1600s-180962949/ Glass, D.V., et al. “John Graunt and His Natural and Political Observations [and Discussion].” Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences, Vol. 159, No. 974, A Discussion on Demography (Dec. 10, 1963), pp. 2-37 Published by: The Royal Society Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/90480 Graunt, John. “Natural and political observations mentioned in a following index, and made upon the Bills of mortality.” Oxford : Printed by William Hall, for John Martyn, and James Allestry, printers to the Royal Society MDCLXV [1665]. http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/2356017R KARGON, ROBERT. “John Graunt, Francis Bacon, and the Royal Society: The Reception of Statistics.” Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, vol. 18, no. 4, 1963, pp. 337–48. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24621352 Kelsey, Holly. “Sovereign and the Sick City in 1603.” Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Aug. 23, 2016. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/blogs/sovereign-and-sick-city-1603/ Lewin, C. G. "Graunt, John (1620–1674), statistician." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. August 08, 2024. Oxford University Press. https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-11306 Pepys, Samuel. “The Diary of Samuel Pepys.” GEORGE BELL & SONS. London. 1893. Accessed online: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/4200/pg4200.txt Smith, R.M. (2008). “Graunt, John (1620–1674).” The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_758-2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out of the Blue
Fish nesting and parental care, with Professor Bob Wong

Out of the Blue

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2026


Woven from seaweed, scultped from sand and carefully blown into bubbles, fish nesting and parental care is breathtaking in its diversity, and offers a glimpse inside the minds of our little finned friends. On today's show, Tessa Campisi speaks to Professor Bob Wong of the school of Biological Sciences at Monash University about the breathtaking nest building behaviours of fish.Bob's Lab: www.bobwonglab.org Image: An illustration of the nine-spined stickleback weaving a nest from seaweed (attribution: Emil Walter)

Climate Cast
How a Minnesota research team finds carbon a home in retired croplands

Climate Cast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 4:26


Burning fossil fuels is one of the primary drivers of climate change, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing changes including increased temperatures and extreme weather events here in the Midwest. But recent research took advantage of a 40-year ongoing experiment at the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve to study how this carbon is being stored in retired croplands.MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with Eric Seabloom, a professor at the University of Minnesota College of Biological Science who was an author on the research.

Sidedoor
Tapir Caper

Sidedoor

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 34:03


When a Smithsonian archaeology intern opened a dusty box of bones in a Panamanian warehouse, she didn't expect to find a mystery, let alone a potential crime scene. But Nina Hirai's discovery of a tapir skull riddled with what appeared to be bullet holes sparked an investigation that would lead her several miles up the Panama Canal and nearly forty years into the past. Join us as we unspool the strange, unresolved story of a tapir named Alice, and ask what it means to live with uncertainty when the past refuses to explain itself.Guests:Nina Hirai, former archeology intern at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Nicole Smith-Guzmán, archeology curator at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Ashley Sharpe, research archeologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Aureliano Valencia (“Yeyo”), archeological research technician at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Phyllis (Lissy) Coley, professor emerita in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah and research associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute  Monica Brenes Lynan, former veterinarian at Parque Municipal Summit in Panama Andres Ramos, lider de guardabosques del Monumento Natural Barro Colorado / head park ranger at Barro Colorado Island  

Birds of a Feather Talk Together
136: Horned Larks with Nick Mason

Birds of a Feather Talk Together

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 60:46


This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by Dr. Nick Mason, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Curator of Birds at the Museum of Natural Science at LSU, for an in-depth and engaging conversation all about the fascinating Horned Lark.Widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts on Horned Larks, Nick brings incredible insight into this unique grassland bird—from its behavior and evolution to what makes it so special among North American birds. With strong ties to hosts John Bates and Shannon Hackett through LSU, this episode is filled with great stories, shared history, and plenty of laughs along the way.Perfect timing, too—the Horned Lark has just been named the ABA Bird of the Year, making this a must-listen for birders and nature lovers alike.If you're into birding, ornithology, migration, and bird conservation, this episode dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet remarkable birds in North America.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Dr. GPCR Podcast
Why Mosquitoes Hunt You: The GPCR Behind the Bite

Dr. GPCR Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 51:05


Conserved neuropeptide Y GPCRs orchestrate both feeding and mating behaviors in mosquitoes, with direct translational parallels to human gut-brain signaling.Quick SummaryLearn how receptor internalization and neuropeptide GPCR signaling underlie the regulation of mosquito host-seeking and reproduction. Dr. Laura Duvall details the use of CRISPR-based assay development and fluorescence-driven phenotyping to connect molecular manipulation to whole-animal behavior. Her approach provides actionable insights for gpcr drug discovery and tools to dissect homologous pathways across model systems, with implications for pharmacology research targeting vector-borne disease transmission.Key TakeawaysNeuropeptide Y GPCRs modulate both host attraction and mating in Aedes aegypti.CRISPR and fluorescence assays enable precise behavioral phenotyping in vivo.GPCR-targeted compounds designed for humans can modulate mosquito receptors.NPY receptor expression in mosquito gut mirrors mammalian gut-brain signaling axes.Automated behavioral assays combined with machine learning sharpen data resolution and reduce human bias.Dr. GPCR Links & ResourcesExplore essential resources:Dr. GPCR EcosystemMembership & PricingWeekly NewsAdvance your research—discover the power of Dr. GPCR Premium.About the GuestDr. Laura Duvall earned her B.A. in Biochemistry and Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a PhD at Washington University in St. Louis, where she explored neuropeptide regulation of circadian behavior in Drosophila. Transitioning from fruit flies to mosquitoes, she pursued postdoctoral research at Rockefeller University with Leslie Vosshall, focusing on the molecular regulation of feeding and mating behaviors in Aedes aegypti. In 2019, she established her independent laboratory at Columbia University's Department of Biological Sciences and the Zuckerman Institute. Dr. Duvall's work is recognized by awards including the Beckman Young Investigator Award, Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship in Neuroscience, and the Pew Scholars Program, reflecting her drive to unravel the complex signaling mechanisms that govern mosquito and broader animal behavior.Guest on The WebLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-duvall-28a03485/Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Vk3KGSoAAAAJ&hl=enLab: https://www.duvalllab.com/

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers
854: Studying How Disruptions in Circadian Control of Cell Division May Cause Cancer - Dr. Carla Finkielstein

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 40:36


Dr. Carla Finkielstein is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences within the Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech. She is also Director of the Integrated Cellular Response Laboratory at Virginia Tech, a Member of the Executive Committee of the Susan G. Komen Blue Ridge Board, and past member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. Carla is interested in understanding the mechanisms cells use to measure time to regulate cell division. She hypothesizes that cancer may occur when the clocks within cells signal to the cell to divide too frequently. Carla's goal is to understand how this process occurs so that we can fix the issue, detect the problem early to provide treatment, or prevent it from happening. Outside of science, Carla's favorite hobby is cooking. She loves making new and creative dishes that bring together different colors, flavors, and taste profiles. Cooking is relaxing for her, and it's fun to share dishes she creates with her friends and family. In addition, Carla enjoys reading a wide variety of books about history. Carla received her B.S. and Ph.D. both in Molecular Biology from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Afterwards, she worked as a Research Associate at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Carla then conducted further postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center before joining the faculty at Virginia Tech. Carla has been recognized for her research accomplishments with the L. Chely Award for Best PhD Thesis, a Howard Hughes Institute Fellowship for Research, an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Karin Noss Scholarship for Research Advocacy in Breast Cancer, the Susan G. Komen Award for Junior Investigators, and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award. In our interview Carla shared more about her life and science.

Herding Her Story Podcast
Episode 49 – Dr. Betsey Boughton: The Science Behind the Land, and the Woman Leading It

Herding Her Story Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 42:27


Dr. Betsey Hermanson Boughton is originally from Michigan and now resides in Sebring, FL. She graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Central Michigan University and earned her PhD from the University of Central Florida in Conservation Biology. Her roots run deep at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch (BIR). She first started as an intern and she now serves as the Director of Science. Her research at BIR is focused on the quantification of multiple ecosystem services provided by working ranches, understanding how ranch management practices affect multiple ecosystem services and disservices, and the drivers and threats to ecosystem services, such as invasive species and climate change. Dr. Boughton serves as an integral part of the scientific community, helping to bridge the gap between science, conversation, and ranching.

Georgia Tech Research Podcast
ATRP--Episode 30: Collaboration Between GTRI's ATRP and GT's Diggle Lab to Fight 'Superbug'

Georgia Tech Research Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 45:27


The latest Georgia Tech Research Podcast episode for the Agricultural Technology Research Program (ATRP) focuses on the Georgia Tech Diggle Lab (www.thedigglelab.com). This episode discusses cross-campus collaboration between GTRI's ATRP and GT's Diggle Lab.  The Lab's director is Dr. Steve Diggle (hence, the name).  The Diggle Lab is based in the Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection (part of the School of Biological Sciences) at Georgia Tech.  Its primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of microbial interactions and social behaviors, with a focus on their impact on virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the development of therapeutic strategies. A prominent project is an investigation of the antibiotic-resistant superbug, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified as a "critical threat" in health care environments. GTRI and the Diggle Lab collaborated on research focused on bio-based wound dressings and antibiotic resistance. The collaboration has led to has developed piacens, protein-based antimicrobial structures that target specific bacteria without causing resistance.  The lab also explored ancient biotics, recreating a 1,000-year-old recipe that effectively treated Staphylococcus aureus. The collaboration aims to address antibiotic resistance and biofilm issues in poultry and industrial settings, leveraging piacens' precision and stability.

Chef AJ LIVE!
How To Delay Death with Water Only Fasting & Does it Promote Inflammation with Drs Goldhamer & Myers

Chef AJ LIVE!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 66:02


Transforming your health is more fun with friends! Join Chef AJ's Exclusive Plant-Based Community. Become part of the inner circle and start simplifying plant-based living - with easy recipes and expert health guidance. Find out more by visiting: https://community.chefaj.com/ ORDER MY NEW BOOK SWEET INDULGENCE!!! https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248 or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144514092?ean=9781570674242 MY BEST SELLING WEIGHT LOSS BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570674086?tag=onamzchefajsh-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=1570674086&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1GNPDCAG4A86S Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. Please get the book here now! To get a copy signed by Dr. Goldhamer: https://www.healthpromoting.com/can-fasting-save-your-life To buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570674191?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzchefajsh-20&creativeASIN=1570674191&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1GNPDCAG4A86S&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin Dr. LIsle and Dr. Goldhamer's book The Pleasure Trap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570671974?tag=onamzchefajsh-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=1570671974&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1GNPDCAG4A86S Dr. Alan Goldhamer is the co-founder of TrueNorth Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility that provides medical and chiropractic services, psychotherapy and counseling, as well as massage and bodywork. He is also director of the Center's groundbreaking residential health education program. Dr. Goldhamer has supervised the fasts of thousands of patients. Under his guidance, the Center has become one of the premier training facilities for doctors wishing to gain certification in the supervision of therapeutic fasting. Dr. Goldhamer is speaking at the NHA Virtual Conference (June 27-30, 2024). Use this link to get your tickets now: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/nha-conference-2024/registration?utm_campaign=Chef+AJ&utm_source=Affiliate For coaching services: https://www.healthpromoting.com/clinic-services/health-services/coaching-services To register for a stay at TrueNorth: https://www.healthpromoting.com/registration Dr. Toshia Myers is a clinical biologist and the Director of the TrueNorth Health Foundation (TNHF). Under her leadership, TNHF has developed a pioneering research and training program that conducts clinical trials investigating the real-world effects of prolonged water-only fasting followed by a whole-plant-food diet on human health. She is the co-author of over 20 peer-reviewed articles on prolonged water-only fasting, along with numerous popular articles, a textbook chapter, and the book Can Fasting Save Your Life? Dr. Myers holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Columbia University and completed postdoctoral fellowships in immunology at the CDC and epigenetics at BRIC. An advocate of natural living, she enjoys spending time with her family among the oaks and redwoods of Northern California. Her own experiences with prolonged water-only fasting have deepened her awareness of the body's innate ability to heal and enhanced her overall well-being in a way that is not easily quantified. She encourages anyone who can safely fast to explore this potentially life-changing experience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/toshia.myers.2/bibliography/public/ https://www.healthpromoting.com/store/book/can-fasting-save-your-life https://www.fasting.org

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
BITESIZE | What Hunter-Gatherers Can Teach Us About Movement, Exercise and Ageing Well | Professor Daniel Lieberman #624

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 23:36


Why do we find it so hard to exercise despite knowing how good it is for us? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I'll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today's clip is from episode 514 of the podcast with Professor of Biological Science and Professor in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, Daniel Lieberman. Daniel is the author of the brilliant book Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved To Do is Healthy and Rewarding. In this clip, he reveals a fascinating truth: we didn't evolve to exercise, but movement is key to living well. He challenges some common beliefs that exist around exercise and we discuss simple, practical ways of building sustainable movement habits into our daily lives. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/514 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

UNTOLD RADIO AM
Untold Radio AM #283 What's Watching Us in the Woods With Kayla Christine

UNTOLD RADIO AM

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 182:18


EPISODE 283 WHAT'S WATCHING US IN THE WOODS WITH KAYLA CHRISTINEJoin hosts Doug Hajicek and Jeff Perrella on the Untold Radio AM show as they dive deep into one of the most compelling sides of the Sasquatch phenomenon—its profound effect on the human mind and spirit.This week's guest is Kayla Christine, an Alberta-based researcher with a BSc in Biological Sciences and Psychology. Since 2023, Kayla has been fully immersed in the Sasquatch world, and she's convinced beyond doubt that people are witnessing something truly extraordinary in the woods. What sets her apart? Her deep fascination with the emotional and psychological aftermath of encounters—the fear, awe, confusion, life-altering shifts, and even the need for support that many experiencers feel long after the sighting.Kayla shares her own powerful experiences, discusses why these events hit so hard on a mental level, and talks about her mission to help others through her growing platform: the Cerebral Sasquatch YouTube channel and website (cerebralsasquatch.com). If you've ever wondered how a Bigfoot sighting can change someone's entire worldview—or if you're an experiencer looking for understanding—this episode is for you.From Alberta's vast wilderness to eyewitness psychology, science-backed curiosity, and the untold human stories behind the legend, this conversation bridges the gap between biology, mind, and mystery.

Matters Microbial
Matters Microbial #123: What Whooping Cough Can Teach US

Matters Microbial

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 67:32


Matters Microbial #123: What Whooping Cough Can Teach Us February 6, 2026 Today Dr. Seema Mattoo, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss the fascinating molecular genetics of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which can cause the human disease whooping cough. Host: Mark O. Martin Guest: Seema Mattoo Subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Become a patron of Matters Microbial! Links for this episode Here is a link to Tiffany Ard's fine science related art. CDC information regarding Whooping Cough also called pertussis. An overview of the causative agent of whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis. A video about pertussis and its symptoms and treatment. More detail about B. pertussis and close relatives. Recent outbreaks of pertussis. An overview of vaccine development and its history for B. pertussis. An article about vaccine hesitancy and the return of childhood diseases like pertussis. Information on "whole cell" versus "acellular" vaccines. An article discussed today, demonstrating that the same molecule (a fragment of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan) can be a factor for disease in humans, and facilitate symbiotic light organ development in the Hawai'ian Bobtail Squid More information of B. pertussis' trachael cytotoxin, or TCT.  An overview of bacterial effectors interacting with our physiology in general. The concept of virulence factors. IgA versus IgG responses to infections. An overview of Type III Secretion Systems. An overview of sigma factors in bacteria. ECFs as  sigma factors. Partner-switching studies. Fic genes. An overview of post translational modification. An essay on Theodosius Dobzhansky and his famous maxim. Protein misfolding and disease. The role of mentorship in science. The Hypothesis Fund and its aims. An article by Dr. Mattoo and colleagues discussed today about partner switching and Type III Secretion Systems. An article by Dr. Mattoo and colleagues discussed today about Fic proteins and adenylation. An article by Dr. Mattoo and colleagues discussed today about Fic proteins, post translational modification, and Parkinson's Disease. An article by Dr. Mattoo and colleagues discussed today about AMPylation, Fic proteins, and sensing misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Dr. Mattoo's faculty website. The fascinating laboratory website of Dr. Mattoo and colleagues. Intro music is by Reber Clark Send your questions and comments to mattersmicrobial@gmail.com

Farming Today
16/01/2026 Cambridge University vet school, artisan cheese, barrister farmer

Farming Today

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 13:40


Students and staff are campaigning against recommendations to end vet training at the University of Cambridge. The recommendation comes from the School of Biological Sciences which says there is no viable future for undergraduate vet courses at the university. We speak to a student who'll graduate next year and one of the faculty's professors who are campaigning to keep the course going.All week we've been talking about cheese, today we meet a cheese monger who founded the Real Cheese Project. It supports independent cheese makers and works with dairy farmers across the UK and Ireland to champion small-scale producers. Farmer Iain Colville breeds cows and sheep on the family farm in County Down, but when he's not wearing his wellies, he dons his a wig for hearings in London where he works as a barrister.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Everyday Martial Artist
Addison Plaisance – Tae Kwon Do – EP254

Everyday Martial Artist

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 70:07


My guest today is a lifelong martial artist whose journey into self-defense began not with trophies or titles, but with necessity, responsibility, and a deep desire to protect others. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1987, Addison Plaisance is a true child of the '90s—raised on Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, and the belief that real strength comes from discipline, purpose, and service. His childhood was far from easy. Growing up with an abusive older brother, Addison learned early how to de-escalate danger, remain calm under pressure, and shield the people he cared about. Those formative experiences shaped his view of martial arts—not as a tool for dominance, but as a path toward peace and responsibility. At just 13 years old, Addison began training at Silver Dragon TaeKwonDo Academy in Morgan City, Louisiana under Master Raymond Rutledge and Master Brian Rutledge. There, he learned far more than techniques. Master Ray instilled resilience, humility, and the importance of keeping one's guard up—physically and spiritually. By age 18, Addison earned his 1st-degree black belt before heading to Louisiana State University, where he continued training, led the LSU TaeKwonDo club, competed in national qualifiers, and expanded his knowledge through Judo. Along the way, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and a Master's in Plant Pathology. His career eventually brought him to Fargo, where he managed greenhouses for NDSU and unexpectedly stepped into one of his most meaningful roles—becoming a devoted single father. Years later, while simply driving around in search of an arcade, fate intervened. Addison and his daughter discovered Red River Traditional TaeKwonDo, and just like that, he found himself back where he belonged—training, assisting, and giving back to the martial arts community. Today, Addison teaches a dedicated Friday sparring class, not for money or recognition, but because he believes service is the highest calling. As he reminds his students—and himself—the “Do” in TaeKwonDo is the Way: the way we live, the way we serve, and the way we strive to become better human beings. Please welcome my guest today, Addison Plaisance. Addison PLAISANCE | Bioinformatician | Master of Science | North Dakota State University, Fargo | NDSU | Department of Plant Pathology | Research profile Social Media Destruction: Plaisance, Addison: 9781796073751: Amazon.com: Books

Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Why do skunks stink?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 30:49


Skunks can stink, no doubt about it. But that stink is actually a superpower! Join Molly and co-host Diya as they find out how these critters use their smell to scare away enemies, what the smell is made of, and how to make your own de-skunking potion. Plus, Wombat Pete drops by to promote his new music festival, we speak to some skunk experts, and we try our best to guess a new Mystery Sound. Don't forget the de-skunking potion mnemonic: 4 Cats Had Problems Queen Coughed Beside Suzie's Tenth Lasagna, Don't Sneeze Translation: 4 Cups hydrogen peroxide Quarter Cup baking soda Teaspoon Liquid Dish Soap Guest: Marie Tosa, Research Scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Guest: Ted Stankowich, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and CSU Long Beach. Want to support Brains On and all of the shows in the Brains On Universe? Sign up for Smarty Pass. You'll get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus content, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and more! Click here for a transcript of this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science Salon
Rethinking the Discovery of DNA

Science Salon

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 81:54


Francis Crick is best known as one of the figures behind the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, but the familiar story leaves out as much as it explains. Historian of science Matthew Cobb looks closely at how Crick's life actually unfolded, revealing a career shaped less by inevitability than by luck, conflict, false starts, and a series of highly contingent moments. The double helix itself may have been waiting to be found, but what followed was anything but predetermined. Crick's influence came from asking uncomfortable questions about what the structure of DNA implied for genetics, evolution, and life itself. Along the way, myths hardened around personalities, credit, and rivalries, especially in the case of Rosalind Franklin, whose role has been both misunderstood and oversimplified. The conversation also traces Crick's later turn away from molecular biology toward the problem that fascinated him from the beginning: consciousness. From visual perception to the search for neural correlates of experience, his ambition was to push back against mystical explanations and insist that even the most elusive aspects of the mind belonged to the material world. Matthew Cobb is a professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester. He is the author of numerous works of science and history. His new book is Crick: A Mind in Motion, a biography of the legendary scientist Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA.

The Dissenter
#1196 Walter Veit: A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness

The Dissenter

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 70:52


******Support the channel******Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedissenterPayPal: paypal.me/thedissenterPayPal Subscription 1 Dollar: https://tinyurl.com/yb3acuuyPayPal Subscription 3 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ybn6bg9lPayPal Subscription 5 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ycmr9gpzPayPal Subscription 10 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y9r3fc9mPayPal Subscription 20 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y95uvkao ******Follow me on******Website: https://www.thedissenter.net/The Dissenter Goodreads list: https://shorturl.at/7BMoBFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedissenteryt/Twitter: https://x.com/TheDissenterYT This show is sponsored by Enlites, Learning & Development done differently. Check the website here: http://enlites.com/ Dr. Walter Veit is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Philosophy at the University of Reading, where he is also the director of the PPE program as well as the philosophy MA program. His interests are broad, but he works primarily in and at the intersections of (i) the Philosophy of Cognitive and Biological Sciences, (ii) the Philosophy of Mind, and (iii) Applied Ethics. Much of his recent writing has been on animal minds, welfare, and ethics, as well as evolution. He is the author of A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness. In this episode, we focus on A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness. We talk about what the science of consciousness is lacking, and a Darwinian approach to consciousness. We discuss phenomenological complexity, and how we can explore the phenomenology of other animals. We discuss whether the hard problem of consciousness can be solved by science. We talk about the example of gastropods, and the challenge of arthropods. We discuss whether any current theory of consciousness is right.Finally, we talk about biopsychism.--A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PER HELGE LARSEN, JERRY MULLER, BERNARDO SEIXAS, ADAM KESSEL, MATTHEW WHITINGBIRD, ARNAUD WOLFF, TIM HOLLOSY, HENRIK AHLENIUS, ROBERT WINDHAGER, RUI INACIO, ZOOP, MARCO NEVES, COLIN HOLBROOK, PHIL KAVANAGH, SAMUEL ANDREEFF, FRANCIS FORDE, TIAGO NUNES, FERGAL CUSSEN, HAL HERZOG, NUNO MACHADO, JONATHAN LEIBRANT, JOÃO LINHARES, STANTON T, SAMUEL CORREA, ERIK HAINES, MARK SMITH, JOÃO EIRA, TOM HUMMEL, SARDUS FRANCE, DAVID SLOAN WILSON, YACILA DEZA-ARAUJO, ROMAIN ROCH, YANICK PUNTER, CHARLOTTE BLEASE, NICOLE BARBARO, ADAM HUNT, PAWEL OSTASZEWSKI, NELLEKE BAK, GUY MADISON, GARY G HELLMANN, SAIMA AFZAL, ADRIAN JAEGGI, PAULO TOLENTINO, JOÃO BARBOSA, JULIAN PRICE, HEDIN BRØNNER, FRANCA BORTOLOTTI, GABRIEL PONS CORTÈS, URSULA LITZCKE, SCOTT, ZACHARY FISH, TIM DUFFY, SUNNY SMITH, JON WISMAN, WILLIAM BUCKNER, LUKE GLOWACKI, GEORGIOS THEOPHANOUS, CHRIS WILLIAMSON, PETER WOLOSZYN, DAVID WILLIAMS, DIOGO COSTA, ALEX CHAU, CORALIE CHEVALLIER, BANGALORE ATHEISTS, LARRY D. LEE JR., OLD HERRINGBONE, MICHAEL BAILEY, DAN SPERBER, ROBERT GRESSIS, JEFF MCMAHAN, JAKE ZUEHL, MARK CAMPBELL, TOMAS DAUBNER, LUKE NISSEN, KIMBERLY JOHNSON, JESSICA NOWICKI, LINDA BRANDIN, VALENTIN STEINMANN, ALEXANDER HUBBARD, BR, JONAS HERTNER, URSULA GOODENOUGH, DAVID PINSOF, SEAN NELSON, MIKE LAVIGNE, JOS KNECHT, LUCY, MANVIR SINGH, PETRA WEIMANN, CAROLA FEEST, MAURO JÚNIOR, 航 豊川, TONY BARRETT, NIKOLAI VISHNEVSKY, STEVEN GANGESTAD, TED FARRIS, HUGO B., JAMES, JORDAN MANSFIELD, CHARLOTTE ALLEN, PETER STOYKO, DAVID TONNER, LEE BECK, PATRICK DALTON-HOLMES, NICK KRASNEY, RACHEL ZAK, AND DENNIS XAVIER!A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PRODUCERS, YZAR WEHBE, JIM FRANK, ŁUKASZ STAFINIAK, TOM VANEGDOM, BERNARD HUGUENEY, CURTIS DIXON, BENEDIKT MUELLER, THOMAS TRUMBLE, KATHRINE AND PATRICK TOBIN, JONCARLO MONTENEGRO, NICK GOLDEN, CHRISTINE GLASS, IGOR NIKIFOROVSKI, AND PER KRAULIS!AND TO MY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS, MATTHEW LAVENDER, SERGIU CODREANU, AND GREGORY HASTINGS!

Peak Performance Life Podcast
EPI 231: How To LIVE LONGER With Dr. Valter Longo. The Optimal Diet For Longevity, Fasting Done The Wrong & The Right Way, And How The "Fasting Mimicking Diet" Works

Peak Performance Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 51:47


Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:56) Dr. Longo's surprising path from music student to aging expert (2:00) Early yeast studies and the 10x lifespan breakthrough (3:56) Launching the Fasting Mimicking Diet and supporting clinical trials (6:15) The dangers of long-term calorie restriction and yo-yo dieting (12:18) Why 12-hour fasting is safer than 16+ hours (18:22) Key differences in fasting for women (20:52) What's actually in the Fasting Mimicking Diet (23:41) How often to do it and who benefits most (28:47) Regenerating organs with stem cells and fasting (34:55) The Longevity Diet (38:11) Legumes, protein levels, and real-world advice (45:08) Fasting and cancer: what early research shows (48:15) Where to learn more from Dr. Longo (49:00) Outro   Who is Dr. Valter Longo?   Dr. Valter Longo is the Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, a leading center for aging and disease research. Trained in biochemistry at the University of North Texas and UCLA, with postdoctoral work under longevity pioneers Roy Walford and Caleb Finch, Dr. Longo has built a multidisciplinary research career spanning genetics, immunology, endocrinology, and molecular biology. His laboratory has identified key genetic pathways that regulate aging and demonstrated how targeting these pathways can reduce disease risk and progression in both animal models and humans, including novel dietary and genetic strategies that protect healthy cells while making cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment.   Dr. Longo is widely known for developing the fasting mimicking diet, a five-day periodic dietary intervention shown in randomized clinical trials to reduce markers associated with aging and chronic disease, while promoting stem cell–based regeneration and longevity. His work has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Glenn Award for Aging Research, and in 2018 he was named one of Time Magazine's 50 most influential people in health care. Deeply committed to public health and accessibility, Dr. Longo donates all proceeds from his bestselling books, including The Longevity Diet and Fasting Cancer, to research and education through his foundations in Milan and Los Angeles, advancing affordable strategies to prevent disease and extend healthy lifespan. Connect with Dr. Longo: Website: https://valterlongo.com/                 https://l-nutra.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profvalterlongo/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/prof_valterlongo/   Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/4h4mspmt                        https://tinyurl.com/j23u989b Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers
843: Breaking Down the Mysteries of Digestion in Animals With Unusual Diets - Dr. Donovan German

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 38:39


Dr. Donovan German is Associate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Donovan aims to better understand how materials move through the gut, which enzymes are secreted during digestion, what microbes are present, and what role these microbes play. In particular, Donovan focuses his research on animals with unusual diets, such as fish that eat wood or algae, to understand how these foods are digested and how animals can survive on these lower quality foods. Beyond his interests in science, Donovan loves sports and music. He played football through college, and he now enjoys coaching his kids' baseball and soccer teams. Donovan played bass in a band during college, and he also plays the guitar and drums. Donovan received his B.A. in Marine Science from the University of San Diego, his M.S. In Biology from California State University in Fullerton, and his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Florida. Afterwards, he conducted postdoctoral research at UC, Irvine before joining the faculty there in 2011. Donovan's awards and honors include receipt of the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship, the UCI School of Biological Sciences Dean's Award for Postdoctoral Excellence, and the UCI School of Biological Sciences Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Fostering Undergraduate Research. In our interview Donovan shares more about his life and science.

Mid-faith Crisis
Episode 353: The birds and the bees with Ros Gleadow

Mid-faith Crisis

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 41:48


Joe talks to Professor Ros Gleadow, Emerita Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University, Australia. They discuss the scale and impact of the climate crisis and, crucially, what we can do to make a difference. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Ros Gleadow - Wikipedia

Life's Essential Ingredients
Season 5 Episode #25 Brandi Acevedo is Living Life with Discipline and Purpose!

Life's Essential Ingredients

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 62:27


Send us a textC4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We work with businesses, sports teams, hospitals, churches…anyone looking to RISE TOGETHER.  We also write children's books and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 5 Episode #25 Brandi Acevedo is coming from Los Angeles, Ca (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Brandi via Instagram @zola_x_bAbout our guest: Brandi is a proud graduate of UC Davis and USC with degrees in Biological Sciences and a Doctorate of Pharmacology from USC.  In her pharmacist role, Brandi is a strategic and results-driven Clinical Manager with over 15 years of experience in hospital pharmacy, clinical program development, and cost containment.  Brandi is a master of building cross-functional relationships with hospital leadership and clinical teams that drive innovation, compliance, and operational excellence. Brandi's expertise extends to many aspects of life including personal training, nutrition, mindfulness, resiliency work, discipline, and overall mental, physical and spiritual well-being.  Brandi, thanks for sharing your many gifts with people and patients, thanks for continuing to be a positive role model in the fitness and nutrition space and for being our guest on Life's Essential Ingredients – welcome to the show!TOTD – “I am rooted, but I flow.”  Virginia WoolfBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life's essential ingredients?PolypharmacyThe body follows where the mind leadsResilience and Discipline beat motivationEvery rep starts in your headAthleteMindsetReign WarriorHealthFitnessNutritionPolypharmacyAI in your world..ISSA Certified Personal TrainerLegacy 

The EMG GOLD Podcast
S11 E04: The gender health divide: Driving change

The EMG GOLD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 12:07


  In Part 3, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, explores how the pharmaceutical industry can become part of the solution. She highlights why leadership diversity matters, how trial design still excludes too many women and why embedding sex- and gender-aware science from day one could accelerate fairer, more effective care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

Talking Apes
The Truth About Female Evolution with EVE Author Cat Bohannon | Episode 74

Talking Apes

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 84:06


Join us for a lively, curiosity-filled deep dive with author and researcher Cat Bohannon, whose award-winning book Eve reframes 200 million years of evolution through the female body. Cat brings her signature blend of science, storytelling, and humor to Talking Apes, guiding us through the missing pieces in our evolutionary story and the surprising role that female biology plays in shaping everything from mammal reproduction to primate societies.In this episode, we explore how scientific blind spots took hold, why female behavior and anatomy were overlooked for so long, and what happens when you return the female body to the center of the evolutionary narrative. From gynecology as the original technology to rethinking ape sociality and the hidden histories behind everyday traits, Cat illuminates a world that's been hiding in plain sight.Expect laughter, big ideas, and a refreshingly human conversation about what our bodies can teach us, and what we've missed by ignoring half the story. Watch the full episode on our Apes Like Us YouTube Channel, or listen on our website at talkingapes.org.More about Cat's work: https://www.catbohannon.comSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

The EMG GOLD Podcast
S11 E04: The gender health divide: Bias in practice

The EMG GOLD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 16:48


In Part 2, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, breaks down the systemic forces driving inequity, from diagnostic bias to the lack of women in key specialties like cardiology, and explains how historical clinical trial exclusion continues to skew the science. Discover why representation isn't just a workforce issue: it's a scientific necessity, and the first barrier we must dismantle to ensure better care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

The EMG GOLD Podcast
S11 E04: The gender health divide: Tracing the gap

The EMG GOLD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 8:09


This week, Isabel sits down with Carol Pitcher-Towner, Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programmes, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, to unpack the gender inequities that continue to tarnish modern healthcare. Together, they explore the realities behind unequal outcomes and the steps needed to build a more inclusive future for patients. In Part 1, Carol eveals the personal experiences that made gender inequity impossible to ignore and uncovers where today's biggest gaps still exist. From disease areas where women are routinely misdiagnosed to the persistent blind spots shaping clinical practice, this episode exposes the uncomfortable truths that are still costing lives, and why fixing them can no longer be optional. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
336 | Anil Ananthaswamy on the Mathematics of Neural Nets and AI

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 74:11


Machine learning using neural networks has led to a remarkable leap forward in artificial intelligence, and the technological and social ramifications have been discussed at great length. To understand the origin and nature of this progress, it is useful to dig at least a little bit into the mathematical and algorithmic structures underlying these techniques. Anil Ananthaswamy takes up this challenge in his book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI. In this conversation we give a brief overview of some of the basic ideas, including the curse of dimensionality, backpropagation, transformer architectures, and more.Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/11/24/336-anil-ananthaswamy-on-the-mathematics-of-neural-nets-and-ai/Support Mindscape on Patreon.Anil Ananthaswamy received a Masters degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle. He is currently a freelance science writer and feature editor for PNAS Front Matter. He was formerly the deputy news editor for New Scientist, a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT, and journalist-in-residence at the Simon Institute for the Theory of Computing, University of California, Berkeley. He organizes an annual science journalism workshop at the National Centre for Biological Sciences at Bengaluru, India.Web siteAmazon author pageWikipediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beyond The Lens
103. Bryan Grieg Fry: Welcome to the Dark, Strange and Dangerous World of the Venom Doctor

Beyond The Lens

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 61:21


Bryan Grieg Fry is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland. He's a herpetologist and venomologist who leads the Venom Evolution Laboratory, working on venoms from a wide range of reptiles, centipedes, insects, scorpions, spiders, and venomous mammals. He's also known as the “Venom Doc.”Dr. Fry completed his undergraduate training in molecular biology, scientific philosophy, and psychology at Portland State University, and he received his PhD from the University of Queensland, where he now works and lives.He was the recipient of the 2011 Fenner Medal from the Australian Academy of Science for his research, and he is a member of the elite adventure society The Explorers Club.In addition, Dr. Fry has been featured in documentaries on Animal Planet, the BBC, the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic TV.He's also the author of two books: the textbook Venomous Reptiles and Their Toxins and his memoir Venom Doc: The Edgiest, Darkest, Strangest Natural History Memoir Ever.*****If you're looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you've got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack. It's like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox.Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I'm sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more.It's straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way. So if that sounds like your vibe, head on over to beyondthelens.fm/go and prepare to take your creative game to new heights. *****This episode is brought to you by Kase Revolution Plus Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I've tried all of them, but in recent years I've landed on Kase Filters.Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, Ultra-Low Reflectivity, zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

The Live Diet-Free podcast
355. How to Maintain Mental Health in a Social Media World with Jessica Maren

The Live Diet-Free podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 44:43


Jessica Maren, speaker, writer, and entrepreneur, joins me to talk about how to protect your mental health in today's social media-driven world.We dig into the four primary habits you need to change for healthier, more intentional online use, plus user-friendly ways to build these habits into your daily life.Jessica Maren is a successful speaker, writer, entrepreneur, director, executive, and investor. An expert at being a beginner, Jessica is passionate about inspiring and empowering others to move forward into their bright future, even if it's only an inch at a time.Holding a Master's in Biological Sciences, Bachelor's in Marketing, and Minor in British Literature, she recognizes the power of combining art and science to make big things happen. It is through this potent combination that Jessica is able to embolden others to see what is possible with the right habits and a strong dose of resilience.Check out Jessica's:Website: www.jessicamaren.com Substack: https://jessicamaren.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.maren/Check out Esther's website for more about her speaking, coaching, book, and more: http://estheravant.com/Buy Esther's Book: To Your Health: https://a.co/d/iDG68qUEsther's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther.avantEsther's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheravant/Learn more about 1:1 health & weight loss coaching: https://madebymecoaching.com/coaching 

World Building for Masochists
Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. NIA DAVENPORT

World Building for Masochists

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 64:52


So, you've decided it's time to turn up the heat on your worldbuilding. Maybe you're writing a full-on romantasy, or maybe it's a smaller component of your overall plot, but if your characters are getting down and dirty, how do you make sure they're getting their freak on in a way that reflects the culture they exist in? Guest Nia Davenport joins us to explore all the angles -- and positions. When we're thinking about the culture of sex (and sexy cultures), there's a lot to unpack, particularly because of our own society's various hang-ups, preconceptions, and puritanical history. So how have social forces exerted pressure on ideas about the expression (and perhaps exhibition) of desire within your invented world? How can you use your characters to challenge or subvert conceptions of promiscuity, chastity, gender roles, and power dynamics? [Transcript for Episode 167] Our Guest: Nia "N.E." Davenport is an award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy author who writes stories that blend magic, mayhem, and deadly heroines. She attended the University of Southern California and studied Biological Sciences and Theatre Arts. She also has an M.A. in Secondary Education. She teaches English and Biology to amazing students. When she isn't writing, she enjoys vacationing with her family, skiing, and being a huge foodie. She's an advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. You can find her on Twitter @nia_davenport, or on Instagram @nia.davenport, where she talks about binge-worthy TV, killer movies, and great books. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids.

The Field Guides
Ep. 77 - Mite-y Cool: The Amazing, Unseen World of Feather Mites

The Field Guides

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2025


In this episode, Bill and Steve dive into a tiny, bustling world - a world that's hiding on the feathers of the birds we see every day. Joined by Dr. Alix Matthews, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, she reveals the strange lives of feather mites — how these barely-visible hitchhikers feed and get around, and whether or not they're helping or hurting their avian hosts. It's an episode that proves there's a whole world hiding on every wing.This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025 at Walton Woods in Amherst, NY.Episode Notes and LinksCheck out Dr. Matthews's website and research here.And watch a presentation on mites she did for Audubon Arkansas in October 2025.Sponsors and Ways to Support UsGumleaf Boots, USA (free shipping for patrons)Thank you to Always Wandering Art (Website and Etsy Shop) for providing the artwork for many of our episodes.Support us on Patreon.Check out the Field Guides merch at our Teespring store. It's really a great deal: you get to pay us to turn your body into a billboard for the podcast!Photo CreditDr. Alix Matthews - https://matthewsalix.weebly.com/feather-mites.html

Cultivating Place
FINAL ARTOBER Conversation -The Ecology of Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets, Mary Jackson

Cultivating Place

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 64:46


This week we finish up Artober on CP, in conversation with artist, Mary Jackson, a renowned sweetgrass basket weaver known for combining traditional methods with contemporary designs.  Based in the Low Country of South Carolina, Mary is the descendant of generations of Gullah basket weavers. Born in 1945, in 2008, Mary was awarded a MacArthur Foundation fellowship (“Genius Grant”) for "pushing the centuries-old tradition in stunning new directions”.  From the 1970s through to the early 2000s, Mary became something of an accidental Gardener, environmental restorationist, and economic driver, when she recognized the dwindling supply and access to the signature native sweetgrass that her cultural art and tradition relied on. This diminishing resource was due in part to booming development along the U.S. Southeast coasts, the fragmentation and destruction of delicate coastal ecosystems, and the increasing exclusion of Gullah basketmakers from traditional harvest sites. Mary took it on herself to organize the basketmaking community, and working in collaboration with this community and Robert DuFault, of the Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences, her initiative led work to secure sustainable availability and access to native sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia sp.) for the traditional basket makers, and future of this traditional art, craft, and cultural symbol. Gullah Sweetgrass baskets are an over 400-year tradition in the U.S. Southeast, first as a highly prized skill and centuries, if not millennia-old, passed-down knowledge of enslaved West Africans being brought to the colonies. These skills and knowledge directly contributed to the success specifically of rice farming in the region, where highly developed and precisely crafted utilitarian baskets were used for everything from carrying, harvesting, winnowing, to fine household tasks.  Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets are a continued symbol of the City of Charleston, South Carolina, and for over a century, these skilled artists and their basketry have been an economic and cultural mainstay in the region. All depending on healthy and abundant native sweetgrass, palmetto, and loblolly or longleaf pine ecosystems and supply. The “access” Mary catalyzed in response to this contraction of the health and supply of sweetgrass ultimately included: research into successful germination of sweetgrass at scale and teaching basket makers how to grow sweetgrass at home; the enventual introduction of Muhlenbergia species to the plant and garden trade, making it now a staple of the ornamental grass and native plant movements; large-scale plantings of the grasses on private and public grounds with permission for basketmakers to harvest and tend; and, finally, Army Corps of Engineers and coastal developments working to replant and restorate inter-tidal beach dunes with the stabilizing native sweetgrass.  All of this from one woman's impulse to cultivate plants with an eye to protecting the legacy of her people, and the future of their craft. Now an elder, Mary agreed to be one of the interview subjects of our 10 Cultivating Place Live events in 2024 and 2025. For the CP LIVE events, which will be included in the final Cultivating Place: The Power of Gardeners documentary film series, Jennifer interviewed Mary Jackson, Robert Dufault, and next-generation artist and Sweetgrass basket leader, Corey Alston in front of a public audience in Theodora Park, Charleston, SC. This week's podcast conversation was an interview with just Mary and Jennifer filmed and recorded live by EM EN in Mary's Studio, on John's Island, outside of Charleston. Enjoy!

Audacious with Chion Wolf
What it's like to win a Nobel Prize with Andrea Ghez and Martin Chalfie

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 49:09


It’s 2 a.m.; the phone rings. The caller ID says Stockholm, Sweden. The voice on the other end of the line says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been awarded a Nobel Prize!” What goes through your mind in a moment like that? Meet two people who received that life-altering call. Discover not only the incredible doors it opened for them, but the unexpected challenges that came with such a prestigious honor. This episode originally aired on October 18, 2024. Suggested episodes: Laugh and then think: What it's like to win the Ig Nobel Prize What it’s like winning a little or a lot on The Price Is Right, Wheel Of Fortune, and Jeopardy! GUESTS: Andrea Ghez: Along with Reinhard Genzel, she was awarded half of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics “for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy”. She is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur E. Levine chair in Astrophysics, at the University of California, Los Angeles Martin Chalfie: Along with Osamu Shimomura and Roger Tsien, he was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and development of green fluorescent protein (GFP). He is a University Professor and former chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University. Prof. Chalfie is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a foreign member of the Royal Society Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science Magazine Podcast
Hunting ancient viruses in the Arctic, and how ants build their nests to fight disease

Science Magazine Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 26:38


First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Kai Kupferschmidt takes a trip to Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago where ancient RNA viruses may lie buried in the permafrost. He talks with host Sarah Crespi about why we only have 100 years of evolutionary history for viruses such as coronavirus and influenza, and what we can learn by looking deeper back in time. Next on the show, Nathalie Stroeymeyt, senior lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol, joins freelancer producer Elah Feder to talk about how humans aren't the only species that takes public health measures to stop outbreaks. To keep their colonies healthy when threatened with infectious disease, ants socially distance and even make architectural changes to their nests' organization. This week's episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doc Talks Fishing Podcast
#44 || Julie Charbonneau: Hooked on Hyperstability - When Good Fishing Masks a Crisis

Doc Talks Fishing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 62:04


Catch rates may look good on paper—but what if they're lying to us? Julie Charbonneau is a member of the Earth to Ocean Research Group, in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Frazer University and she joins us today to explain how high angler catch rates can hide serious population declines. Learn about the phenomenon of hyperstability, the dangers of relying on catch data, and what it all means for the future of British Columbia's iconic steelhead. Catching more fish doesn't always mean there are more fish to catch.Send us a message

DocsWithDisabilities
Episode 120: The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students

DocsWithDisabilities

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 48:23


Interviewee: Bassel Shanab, BS is a fourth-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine.  Interviewer:  Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Description: This episode of Stories Behind the Science sits down with Bassel Shanab (Yale School of Medicine), co-first author of “The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students,” part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. We move beyond prevalence rates to the lived realities behind them—and why hunger so often hides in plain sight in elite training environments. Bassel shares the personal experiences that shaped his questions, the multi-institutional data that sharpened the answers, and the practical moves any school can make now: screen routinely, get cost-of-living estimates right, normalize help-seeking, and invest in evidence-based campus supports. Along the way, we talk flourishing (not just “fixing”), student-led research networks, and why transparency beats stigma every time. Whether you're a dean, DRP, faculty member, or student, this conversation offers a humane roadmap from surviving to thriving. Links to the open-access article, and related tools are in the show notes. Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/184LJqvcAgHGmpHyOcaxOxRw4yetR7qrGPPin0HDX7i4/edit?usp=sharing   Bios:   Bassel Shanab, BS is a fourth-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Global Health Studies from Northwestern University, graduating with distinction. His academic interests include medical education, cardiovascular health, social determinants of health, and health policy. Key Words:   Food insecurity Medical students Disability Race and ethnicity Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) Low-income background Intersectionality Student well-being Academic performance   Resources:  Article from Today's Talk The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students   Nguyen, Mytien MS; Shanab, Bassel M.; Khosla, Pavan; Boatright, Dowin MD, MBA, MHS; Chaudhry, Sarwat I. MD; Brandt, Eric J. MD, MHS; Hammad, Nour M. MS; Grob, Karri L. EdD, MA; Brinker, Morgan; Cannon, Caden; Cermack, Katherine; Fathali, Maha; Kincaid, John W.R. MS, MPhil; Ma, Yuxing Emily; Ohno, Yuu MS; Pradeep, Aishwarya; Quintero, Anitza MBA; Raja, Neelufar; Rooney, Brendan L.; Stogniy, Sasha; Smith, Kiara K.; Sun, George; Sunkara, Jahnavi; Tang, Belinda; Rubick, Gabriella VanAken MD; Wang, JiCi MD; Bhagwagar, Sanaea Z.; Luzum, Nathan; Liu, Frank MS; Francis, John S. MD, PhD; Meeks, Lisa M. PhD, MA; Leung, Cindy W. PhD. The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S113-S118, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006156   https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2025/10001/the_intersection_of_disability,_race,_ethnicity,.12.aspx The Docs With Disabilities Podcast https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers
826: Visualizing Molecules to Understand Links Between Structure and Function - Dr. Beth Stroupe

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 43:14


Dr. Beth Stroupe is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University (FSU). She is also Director of the Molecular Biophysics Graduate Program there. Research in Beth's lab focuses on understanding what molecules and proteins look like. This is important for better understanding how these molecules work, both from a basic science perspective and with an eye towards controlling molecules for clinical applications. They use a variety of different techniques that allow them to visualize these very tiny molecules. When she's not working, Beth and her partner enjoy spending quality time with their two cats, as well as growing black-eyed peas and other vegetables in their garden, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. Beth completed her undergraduate training at Wake Forest University where she majored in chemistry and minored in music. She was awarded her PhD in biochemistry from the Scripps Research Institute. Afterwards, Beth conducted postdoctoral research at Brandeis University before joining the faculty at FSU where she is today. In our interview, Beth shares more about her life and science.