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Grant funding by the National Science Foundation has been cut by more than half this year, bringing the foundation's science funding to its lowest level in decades. Katrina Miller, who covers science for the New York Times, joins Host Flora Lichtman to unpack the cutbacks and discuss where the funding changes might lead.And, the FDA has cleared a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The first-of-its-kind test measures the levels of amyloid and tau proteins in a patient's blood, two major biomarkers of the disease. Alzheimer's researcher Jason Karlawish joins Flora to explain this new diagnostic tool and what it means for patients.Guests:Katrina Miller is a science reporter for The New York Times based in Chicago.Dr. Jason Karlawish is a professor of medicine, medical ethics and health policy, and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and co-director of the Penn Memory Center, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.
Federal funding for research from the National Science Foundation is being awarded at the slowest rate in 35 years, according to an investigation from the New York Times. Since the start of Trump’s second term, cuts to National Institutes of Health and NSF grants have totaled more than 1.5 billion, according to the research publication Science. Republicans have justified these cuts by claiming the administration is rooting out wasteful spending, or left-wing ideology run amok. And these attacks, along with threats of funding freezes for universities, have reportedly created a culture of fear for researchers. It’s left scientists wondering: do I speak up about what’s happening? Or do I stay quiet, in hopes my funding might be restored? One Seattle researcher with a lot of experience in political communication and information systems is saying: speak up. Guest: Kate Starbird is the co-founder of the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public. She’s also a professor at the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE). Related stories: Trump’s ‘fear factor’: Scientists go silent as funding cuts escalate - Science Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades - NYT To understand right-wing media’s power, study improv and theater of influencers - Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TWiV reviews cuts in National Science Foundation budgets, cuts to Harvard University grants, judge blocks ban on Harvard enrolling international students, DOGE ordered cuts of NIH grants, endemic coronavirus infection induces Fc receptor binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, and inherited IFNAR1 deficiency causing adverse reactions to measles and yellow fever infectious vaccines. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Angela Mingarelli Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV NSF funding cut to lowest level (NY Times) 1,000 grants cut at Harvard University (Nature) Administration ban on international students at Harvard blocked (CNN) DOGE killed NIH grants (Nature) Endemic coronavirus infection induces FcR binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (J Virol) IFNAR1 deficiency and severe reaction to measles and yellow fever vaccines (J Exp Med) Letters read on TWiV 1221 Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Weekly Picks Angela – Contact lenses that give people infrared vision — even with their eyes shut (one, two) Alan – Autocrats are afraid of you – see the graphic, especially. Vincent – How One Company Secretly Poisoned The Planet Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your virology questions and comments to twiv@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.
This episode marks Part 1 of a special mini-series - produced by Middle Tech in collaboration with the GAME Change coalition. Over the course of three episodes, we'll explore how Kentucky and Tennessee are working to become a national hub for circular economy innovation and sustainable manufacturing. This initiative is part of a regional effort to secure a $160 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Engines Program.Two years ago, a small group of visionaries began mapping out a bold idea: to build the U.S. innovation hub for circular economy technologies right here in the Southeast Commerce Corridor. That idea has grown into GAME Change - a 400+ member coalition of universities, national labs, policy leaders, and private industry partners reshaping the future of manufacturing in Kentucky and Tennessee.Middle Tech has been closely embedded in this journey from the start, documenting key moments, stakeholder voices, and the growing momentum behind a new vision for regional economic developmentGAME Change WebsiteNSF Regional Innovation Engines ProgramAttend GAME Change's 5th summit on September 17, 2025 at Lexmark International, Lexington, KY
The National Science Foundation is observing its 75th anniversary this month, but is also facing deep cuts. On today's show, we ask one professor of biological sciences what the NSF has meant to his career. Also, tracking the possible effects of cuts to Medicaid on rural maternal health. Plus, road construction occurs on a less-busy University of Arkansas campus.
Does government-funded science drive progress or distort it? Peter Klein uncovers the hidden costs, cronyism, and political agendas behind the National Science Foundation and federal research funding.Recorded at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama, on May 17, 2025.
The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.About the guest authors:Jon Chandonnet is a life coach, author of Shadow Summit: A Journey from.M.S. to The Other Side of Impossible and found of VibrantU Academy. At thirty-three, Jon thought living a vibrant life meant setting goals and working long hours and hard days to make things happen. Living by that credo he accomplished a lot. He earned his master's from MIT, led teams to develop software to launch startups, ran a couple marathons, and scaled several 14,000-foot California peaks. Jon was well on his way—or so he thought—but he was a ticking time bomb.He'd been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years earlier. He ignored it completely and instead pushed himself to extremes. He lived in denial—ignoring his diagnosis in hopes of literally outrunning the disease. The running ended and the disease caught up. Jon's health declined and led him on an eight-year odyssey to understand life's essential elements. He wanted to find a way to minimize the impact of the disease. He wanted his health back and to create a full life despite the MS. During the journey, Jon found seven essential elements allowing him to track daily actions and habits in pursuit of the healthiest, most fulfilled, and joyful life possible. He realized others could benefit from the insights. Jon found a way to simplify life, strip away the chaos and unimportant to focus on what matters. The result was the 7 VIBRANTs ™ well-being system.About the host:Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup that built an AI book discovery platform with a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her latest book, Rose Girl: A Story of Roses and Resilience, a medieval, mystical thriller was awarded a Kirkus (starred) review and named Editors Choice from the Historical Novel Society. Holly lives on a houseboat near the Golden Gate Bridge with her daughter and Labrador retriever, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and pretending to surf. To learn more about her books and writing coaching services, please visit her at hollylynnpayne.com and subscribe to her FREE weekly mini-masterclass, Power of Page One, a newsletter on Substack, offering insights on becoming a better storyteller and tips on hooking readers from page one! (And bonus: discover some great new books!)Tune in and reach out:If you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode of Page One offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. I offer these conversations as a testament to the magic that happens when master storytellers share their secrets and experiences. We hope you are inspired to tune into the full episode for more insights. Keep writing, keep reading, and remember—the world needs your stories. If I can help you tell your own story, or help improve your first page, please reach out @hollylynnpayne or visithollylynnpayne.com. You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime. The Page One Podcast is created on a houseboat in Sausalito, California, is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community! Be well and keep reading,Holly Power of Page One, Substacka free weekly mini-masterclass@hollylynnpayne on IG Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com
https://www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pages/Statement-on-Legal-Challenge-to-NSF-Indirect-Cost-Cap.aspxJon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer are joined by Steven Bloom, ACE assistant vice president for government relations, about the Trump administration's escalating actions against higher education. Topics include a joint statement from more than 50 associations condemning political attacks on colleges and universities, deep funding and tax cuts proposed in the House reconciliation bill, legal efforts to block new restrictions on research funding, and recent developments on DEI, international students, and campus antisemitism. Here are some of the links and references from this week's show. You can contact Congress about the House reconciliation bill using this tool. Restoring the Compact with Higher Ed Community Joint Statement Calling on Trump Administration to Reforge Compact with Higher Education ACE | May 14, 2025 ACE, Others Call on Trump Administration to Reforge Compact with Higher Education ACE | May 14, 2025 Harvard Response to Education Secretary Linda McMahon McMahon letter Harvard's response Harvard Argues It Has ‘Common Ground' With Trump Administration The New York Times (sub. req.) | May 12, 2025 AJC, ACE Antisemitism Statement AJC, ACE, AAU, Others Unite Against Antisemitism, Caution on Federal Overreach Funding & Budget Landscape Tax Reform and Higher Education in 2025 Summary: Higher Ed Provisions in the Ways and Means Tax Reconciliation Tax Package Letter to the House on Proposed Medicaid Cuts Skinny Budget & Appropriations White House Office of Management and Budget Releases the President's Fiscal Year 2026 Skinny Budget White House FY 2026 Budget Proposal Targets Education, Science, and Civil Rights Funding ACE | May 9, 2025 What Trump's Proposed Budget Cuts Mean for Education, Research Inside Higher Ed | May 2, 2025 National Science Foundation Lawsuit Higher Education Groups File Lawsuit Against NSF Cap on Research Reimbursements ACE | May 5, 2025 Statement of AAU, ACE, and APLU Regarding their Legal Challenge to the National Science Foundation's Cut to Critical Research That Strengthens America
Repair shop owners today face a new kind of complexity: how to keep up with rapidly advancing vehicle technology without falling behind in training, tools, or talent.As modern vehicles become “computers on wheels,” the pressure to repair them properly is growing. Systems like ADAS and interconnected sensors demand up-to-date knowledge and precise calibration—raising the stakes for every technician in the bay.Join Matt Di Francesco and Pam Oakes, SME Auto technical app engineering consultant $ business intelligence, as they explore what it takes to stay ahead in a high-tech repair world—and why elevating the industry's image starts with investing in continuous learning.Matt and Pam also talk about:(02:23) The risks body shops face when repair protocols aren't followed(03:05) Why body shops should commit to training(05:24) The worst thing that a technician can ever experience(07:58) Why ASE Certification matters more than a recommendation(14:44) Why we won't see a fully autonomous car in the next 5 years(23:34) Why today's technicians are comparable to rocket scientists(24:12) How younger technicians bring fresh ideas to the shop(25:10) How can independent shops thrive in the future(27:46) An important reminder when searching for training onlineConnect With Pam OakesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamoakesase-eet/Website: https://www.autoINENG.ioEmail: autoINENG@gmail.comConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYoutube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Pam Oakes is a Subject Matter Expert Consultant in Automotive App Engineering and Business Intelligence at autoINENG.io, where she helps drive innovation across the automotive industry. With decades of hands-on experience, Pam specializes in ADAS and HVAC systems and serves on the National Science Foundation's NCAT advisory committee as well as the SAE International Task Force.In addition to her consulting work, Pam is a developer designer at Automotive Aids, where she and her team hold two pending patents for OEM sensors and have created a nationally recognized invention that is now available in major retail outlets like Ace Hardware. Pam is passionate about equipping the automotive industry with cutting-edge solutions and sharing her expertise to elevate standards and practices across the field.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, are found in virtually every corner of the world, including in most people’s bodies. These synthetic compounds have been linked to a wide range of health issues — from infertility to cancer to neurological problems — even at low levels of exposure. In a new book, They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals, investigative journalist Mariah Blake lays out how these toxic chemicals became so ubiquitous. Blake spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about a group of unlikely activists fighting back against those responsible and offers practical tips to protect yourself.For some resources recommended by Blake, go to the National Science Foundation’s page on PFAS in drinking water.
Late last month, the National Science Foundation, a U.S. federal agency that supports scientific research, terminated more than 400 grants that related to misinformation, disinformation and diversity, equity and inclusion. A proposed budget from the Trump administration would also cut the NSF budget in half. Kate Starbird is the co-founder of UW’s Center for an Informed Public. She joins us to share more about the broader impacts of these cuts.
The National Science Foundation is taking steps to slash its workforce, including reducing the number of senior executive service roles as well as temporary and non-federal roles, according to an internal memo to staff obtained by FedScoop. The memo was emailed to staff Friday afternoon by Chief Management Officer Micah Cheatham. It also included plans to require in-person work starting June 16 and the elimination of the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM in the next two months, which it announced publicly Friday as well. Details of the agency's workforce reduction plans come after its termination of hundreds of grants that don't align with President Donald Trump's policies, such as those that included diversity, equity and inclusion activities. Amid those actions, Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned his position as NSF's director. Panchanathan had been appointed by Trump during the president's first term. Per the memo, NSF began on Thursday a reduction-in-force of its senior executive service workforce, which is a designation for federal senior leadership and management officials. Of the 143 total SES roles — including vacant positions — that NSF had on Jan. 20, just 59 are needed under the agency's “new organizational structure and proposed future year budgets.” A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation last week that would scale back the Transportation Security Administration's facial recognition program, giving travelers the right to not have their faces scanned when passing through airports. The lawmakers say their push for the Traveler Privacy Protection Act comes as the Department of Homeland Security component seeks to expand the use of facial recognition at hundreds of airports. Specifically, the bill would require the TSA to clearly inform passengers of their right to not participate in the DHS facial recognition program and bar the agency from providing worse treatment to passengers that choose not to participate. The legislation would also forbid the TSA from storing traveler facial recognition data indefinitely and from using the technology to target people or conduct mass surveillance. Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., John Kennedy, R-La., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan., are co-sponsors of the bill. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as leader of the Roman Catholic Church Friday.USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how some Republican lawmakers are at odds as they work on a bill dealing with President Donald Trump's priorities.The National Science Foundation eliminates its equity division and cancels dozens more grants.India and Pakistan step up military strikes.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton gives us a peak of Untested. Listen to the exclusive series here.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As World War II wound to an end, President Franklin Roosevelt asked his top scientific advisor a question: How could the type of research that helped win the war be applied to peacetime? The advisor suggested a new agency to support basic research at colleges and universities. It took a few years to work out the details. But 75 years ago today, President Harry Truman signed the law establishing that agency: the National Science Foundation. Over the decades, its mission has expanded into many fields, from chemistry and physics to computers and materials science. The list also includes astronomy. NSF established the first national observatories in 1956 – optical telescopes in Arizona, and radio telescopes in West Virginia. Today, NSF-supported facilities span the globe. They include observatories that no one was even dreaming of when the agency started. They hunt for the ghostly particles known as neutrinos, and listen for gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars. NSF also is a partner in the Vera Rubin Observatory, which is scheduled to take its first peek at the universe this summer. Its giant telescope will scan a wide slice of the sky every night. It will discover exploding stars, asteroids, and other objects. It will map the Milky Way Galaxy. And it’ll provide new information about dark energy and dark matter – basic research that will teach us much more about the universe. Script by Damond Benningfield
Five former directors of the National Weather Service released a joint letter on Friday warning about the impact of major cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that they say will result in less accurate weather reports and storm warnings that could put lives at risk. NOAA is just one scientific organization facing widespread cuts. From NASA to the National Institute of Health to the National Science Foundation, public research institutions have taken massive blows. We talk with reporters and a former NSW director about the future of science in the Trump Administration and beyond. Guests: EW (Joe) Friday, former director, National Weather Service Katherine Wu, staff writer, The Atlantic Geoff Brumfiel, senior editor and correspondent, NPR's science desk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kourtney grew up in Southeast Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology & Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University. As an undergraduate she interned on the trail crew at Baxter State Park and fell in love with the state of Maine, so returned in 2010 to earn a Master of Science in Forest Resources from the University of Maine. Kourtney remained at UMaine and in 2016 became the first person to graduate with a PhD from the college's then newly inaugurated Anthropology and Environmental Policy doctoral program. As an applied environmental anthropologist, Kourtney has worked throughout Maine and Maritime Canada on a number of projects that she will describe today. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Wenner Gren Foundation, USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Henry David Thoreau Foundation, and more. This conversation was recorded in April 2025. ~~~~~The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle. The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker. To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate. Find us online:Maine Discovery MuseumMaine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky Maine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedInMaine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram © 2025 Maine Discovery Museum
On May 5, 2014 when I discovered 2014 JO25 with the Catalina Sky Survey's 60 inch telescope on Mt. Lemmon, Arizona it was the brightest, fastest asteroid I had ever seen. In April of 2017, 2014 JO25 returned to come within 1.1 million miles of us at 21 mi/s. This rare, very close approach by an asteroid, of 2014 JO25's size allowed scientists at NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar in California and the National Science Foundation's Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to obtain radar images of it. Amazingly these images showed that what we had observed as a solitary moving point of light and had assumed to be a single asteroid is actually two asteroids in contact with each other. This tight pair rotates about a common center of gravity about every 5 hours which in turn orbits the Sun in about three years. 41 days before its encounter with Earth, this tight pair was closer to the Sun than the planet Mercury.
Dr. Bob Davis in an internationally recognized scientist in his field. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Sensory Neuroscience from The Ohio State University, and served as professor of neuroscience at the State University of New York for over 30 years. Bob has published over 60 articles in scholarly journals, lectured at national and international scientific conferences, and was awarded several major research grants from the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation. Since his retirement, he has co-authored articles in the Journal of Consciousness Studies and the Journal of Scientific Exploration. Dr. Davis has written three books entitled: Unseen Forces: The Integration of Science, Reality and You, The UFO Phenomenon: Should I Believe? and Life after Death: An Analysis of the Evidence. Davis has also lectured on these topics at both national and international conferences. Website: www.bobdavisspeakes.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertdavislectures/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.
Ani, an intern at Caltech's KNI clean room, discusses her role in nanotechnology fabrication. Ani trained on various machines, including the Orion metal deposition equipment and an ellipsometer. Ani emphasizes the importance of protective gear and the challenges of working in a loud environment. She recounts her first day and the impact of the California fires on her personal and professional life, highlighting the support she received from the MNT-EC community. Ani plans to pursue a career in the cleanroom and encourages other students to give it a try.The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.Links from the show:Episode Web Page:https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/New story about the semiconductor pilot program at UCLA which prepares community college students for jobs in the growing industry: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/semiconductor-pilot-program-ucla-prepares-community-college-students-for-jobs
Chris Ruddy, founder of Newsmax, discusses the media company's growth, including its IPO success and expansion into various platforms. Newsmax is now the fourth-ranked cable news channel in the U.S. and has a streaming channel, podcasts, and a mobile app. Ruddy criticizes the biased legacy media and highlighted Newsmax's factual reporting. He also discusses Trump's economic strategy, emphasizing tariffs, deregulation, and lower taxes as key elements. Ruddy predicts a significant economic boost if Trump's trade deals and tax cuts are implemented. Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump, and current leader of foreign policy and security thinking at the Heritage Foundation, discusses the ongoing wildfires in Israel, describing them as a terror tactic by Palestinians. She expresses skepticism about Iran's negotiation sincerity, noting the regime's continued hostility and ongoing missile defense and uranium enrichment activities. Mike Benz, founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, talks recent wins against censorship. Benz highlights the global rise of censorship and the weaponization of political systems against conservatives and populists. Benz discusses recent U.S. victories, including the dismantling of the Global Engagement Center and the National Science Foundation's cuts to censorship grants. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented assault on American science. Thousands of workers have been dismissed from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Billions of dollars are being cut from the NIH and NSF. Talented scientists are leaving the field (or leaving the country). Clinical trials and longitudinal studies are ending without explanation. Major research universities are under direct attack, with billions more dollars being withheld for political purposes. Today, I want to do three things: First, I want to review what's happening to American science and why it's so serious. Second, I want to explore how we got here—how the American science system works, and where it came from. And third, I want to discuss what a real reformist agenda for American science would look like. So, for the first time, this is a triple-barreled podcast. First we speak to Holden Thorp, the editor-in-chief of Science and the prestigious Science journals. Second, we talk to Bhaven Sampat, a researcher and historian at Arizona State University, about the history of the NIH. And finally, we talk to Pierre Azoulay, a researcher at MIT, who has spent considerable time and energy studying how American science works and how it could work better. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guests: Holden Thorp, Bhaven Sampat and Pierre Azoulay Producer: Devon Baroldi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carter Razink is a product and technology leader with 8+ years in Web2 and Web3, blending deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial success. As a former co-founder of DropChain and current product lead at Spree, he has driven innovations in tokenomics, protocol design, and blockchain engineering. A National Science Foundation research graduate turned serial entrepreneur, Carter combines vision and proven expertise to shape the future of blockchain with Spree Finance. Simon chats with Carter to learn more about this new and exciting blockchain technology that Spree Finance is aiming to make a big splash in the travel and experience sectors. Carter Razink, Co-Founder Spree Finance podcast interview About Spree Finance Spree is a next-generation commerce and rewards platform that enables humans and AI agents to seamlessly spend crypto on everyday goods, services, and exclusive experiences starting with travel and experiential verticals. Spree combines payments, loyalty, and financing into one integrated Web2 and Web3 solution. With access to over 2M Web2 merchants and a growing network of curated experiences, Spree makes commerce easy while unlocking savings, rewards, and exclusive "money-can't-buy" opportunities. Spree is the Blockchain-native Commerce and Credit Infrastructure layer empowering decentralized payments, rewards, settlement, & credit for 2M+ top brands and merchants. This transforms crypto from speculative potential into tangible, real-world value and experiences. Spree goes beyond speculation by making digital assets genuinely useful. For users, it's an on-ramp to real-world utility. For merchants, it opens access to new customers, liquidity, and frictionless payments. For partners, it provides a transparent framework for tokenizing and financing receivables, from loyalty points to more complex instruments. By turning crypto into a driver of commerce, loyalty, and credit, Spree sets the stage for a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem where every participant benefits. Visit us at www.spree.finance for more. See more podcasts here.
The Secretary of Education's reference to AI as "A1" shifted attention away from substantive education discussions. President Trump signed an executive order promoting AI in K-12 schools, directing funding toward AI initiatives through the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. Despite the potential for AI in education, underfunded schools face mounting challenges that technology alone cannot solve. Investment in teachers and classrooms stands as a critical need, as current conditions include outdated resources, overworked staff, and basic necessities being unaddressed. AI implementation risks increasing inequality, benefiting affluent districts while failing to assist underserved areas. Teachers prioritize manageable class sizes, adequate pay, and mental health resources, emphasizing the importance of public investment over technological solutions. The alignment of funding with the actual needs of schools is essential to address the ongoing educational crisis.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Carter Razink is a product and technology leader with 8+ years in Web2 and Web3, blending deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial success. As a former co-founder of DropChain and current product lead at Spree, he has driven innovations in tokenomics, protocol design, and blockchain engineering.A National Science Foundation research graduate turned serial entrepreneur, Carter combines vision and proven expertise to shape the future of blockchain with Spree Finance. Simon chats with Carter to learn more about this new and exciting blockchain technology that Spree Finance is aiming to make a big splash in the travel and experience sectors.About Spree FinanceSpree is a next-generation commerce and rewards platform that enables humans and AI agents to seamlessly spend crypto on everyday goods, services, and exclusive experiences starting with travel and experiential verticals. Spree combines payments, loyalty, and financing into one integrated Web2 and Web3 solution. With access to over 2M Web2 merchants and a growing network of curated experiences, Spree makes commerce easy while unlocking savings, rewards, and exclusive "money-can't-buy" opportunities.
Dr. Daniel Gartenberg is a sleep scientist and the founder and CEO of SleepSpace, a company that develops innovative solutions for improving sleep quality and health. He has a PhD in cognitive psychology from George Mason University and more than 15 years of experience in sleep research and technology.Dr. Gartenberg has received over $3.5 million in grant awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Aging to create a connected smart bedroom system that uses natural remedies like sound, light, and temperature, along with wearable and nearable devices, to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. His current focus is on a solution for detecting and treating insomnia and sleep apnea, to reduce cardiometabolic risk and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. By leveraging recent advances in AI and sensor technology, Dr Gartenberg led the SleepSpace team to develop one of the most accurate sleep detection systems. The company also completed a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) on a new digital treatment for insomnia that works alongside a trained provider.Dr. Gartenberg has >20 peer-reviewed publications and a viral TED Talk with over 5 million views. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Penn State University in the Department of Biobehavioral Health, where he conducted research on sleep and cognition. He is a scientific consultant for a number of sleep related companies including Wesper, MDbiowellness, CPAP.com, Soltec Health, and more. SHOWNOTES:
Why is the center of a raging storm so… calm? Tumble listener Lydia wants to know what's really going on in the eye of a hurricane. To find out, we're flying into the storm — literally — with meteorologist Shirley Murillo! Shirley is a real-life “hurricane hunter” who flies in a specially equipped airplane to collect data from inside the hurricane itself! Discover how hurricanes form, and what keeps the center of the storm calm, and what Shirley learned while flying through Hurricane Katrina, one of the most impactful storms in U.S. history. Buckle up — it's going to be a wild ride! You can find a transcript of the episode and learn more about hurricane hunters on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com Send us your science questions to tumblepodcast@gmail.com and leave a review on Apple Podcasts with the help of a grownup! Support the show by becoming a Patreon member for just $1/month! This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2415575 - Culturally Situated STEM Podcasts for Kids.
The director of the National Science Foundation announced his departure Thursday after five years at the agency. In a brief public statement, Sethuraman Panchanathan said he was stepping down effective Thursday and called it “an honor and privilege to serve as the Director of NSF.” He also informed employees at NSF in an internal memorandum viewed by FedScoop. “I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership,” Panchanathan said in the public statement. Panchanathan assumed the role as NSF director during the first administration of President Donald Trump and carried on under Joe Biden. Under his leadership, the department launched its 27 AI institutes, began its Technology, Innovation, and Partnership Directorate, which has funded regional hubs for innovation across the U.S., and started the National AI Research Resource pilot project. His departure comes soon after the agency began terminating grants that didn't comply with the priorities of the current administration, including items related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and misinformation and disinformation. A bipartisan pair of House lawmakers are pushing for the reauthorization of the law that launched the Technology Modernization Fund. Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Nancy Mace, R-S.C., on Thursday reintroduced the Modernizing Government Technology Act, which largely mimics legislation introduced during the last Congress, just with an updated sunset date of 2032 instead of 2031. The bill revises and adds some additional requirements to the original Modernizing Government Technology Act, which passed in 2017. Connolly said in a press release that the reauthorization bill is a “welcome show of support for the [TMF] and the critical goal that drove its creation — bringing federal IT into the 21st century.” The bill looks to increase the TMF's effectiveness by creating new reporting requirements for the federal chief information officer and agency CIOs, requiring a list of high-risk legacy IT systems that are used, operated or maintained by the agency, according to the bill's text. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Last week, the website covid.gov looked very different, containing information on coping with covid and US research. This week it leads you to a White House webpage outlining lab-leak hypothesis – that the pandemic was the result of dodgy lab work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The scientific consensus however continues to suggest a zoonotic crossover event. And a preprint recently published by Zach Hensel of the New University of Lisbon and Florence Débarre of the Sorbonne adds new early sequences to the evidence base. As they suggest, it doesn't seal the debate, but it certainly doesn't surprise the scientists.As the Trump administration continues to rattle swords with US science, we speak with Lisa Fazio of Vanderbuilt University who found out abruptly her funding from the National Science Foundation is ending, and Don Ingber, founding director of Harvard University's Wyss Institute about the impacts they are feeling from the federal belt tightening.Finally we learn this week of an eerie species of Hawai'ian caterpillar moth. Not only is it carnivorous, but it ties small pieces of the indigestible remains of insects and bugs found in spider webs to its case, like a gruesome, camouflaged suit of armour. Why? As Dan Rubinoff of Hawai'i describes, it protects it from the hungry host spider, making it appear as the leftovers of yesterday's dinner, or perhaps the shed exoskeleton of the spider itself.Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alex Mansfield Production Coordinator: Josie Hardy(Image: The view of Huanan seafood market on February 9, 2021 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Credit: Getty Images)
As the demand for Career Tech education continues to grow in Ohio, Career Tech programs continue to struggle to attract and retain educators to serve students because of problems with the way most salary schedules are structured. Career Tech educators often have years or decades of prior experience in the private sector - and the expertise they can share with their students is invaluable as a result - but many do not have the advanced degrees that other educators who took a more traditional path to the classroom often do, so Career Tech educators' salaries often don't reflect the value they bring to our schools. The Greene County Career Center Education Association recently bargained a new kind of salary schedule and new contract language to change that, and now they're hoping other local associations will follow their lead.SEE THE GCCCEA COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND SALARY SCHEDULE | Greene County Career Center Education Association President Doug Picard is happy to show other local leaders what his association accomplished in its latest negotiations and share his insight about how it could be replicated for other educators across the state. You can reach Doug by email at douglaspicard@gmail.comLISTEN TO OUR PREVIOUS CONVERSATION | Regular Public Education Matters listeners may recognize Doug Picard from a previous episode this season. Doug reached out with the follow up discussed in this episode after an earlier conversation about the Growing Demand for Career Tech in Ohio. Click here to listen to that conversation in Season 5, Episode 17. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS | For too long, the federal Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions of the Social Security Act have unfairly hurt Career Tech educators, who often enter the education profession after private sector careers. At the end of 2024, Sen. Sherrod Brown's Social Security Fairness Act passed in Congress. Click here to read OEA's statement on the landmark legislation.Featured Public Education Matters guests: P.R. Frank, Greene County Career Center Education Association memberAn educator for 31 years, P.R. Frank came to CTE in 2007 after 15 years as a public school educator. He helped to start three successful Dayton schools, has led teacher professional development, and has taught in classrooms ranging from elementary to post-secondary education. Prior to joining a career technical school, P.R. enjoyed developing his own small business as a digital media creator in his spare time. He champions great curriculum design, excellent teaching, and giving students a step up in life pursuits.Doug Picard, Greene County Career Center Education Association President Doug Picard is in his sixth year as a manufacturing and engineering instructor at the Greene County Career Center (GCCC) in Xenia, Ohio. Before joining GCCC, he served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he taught in classrooms, developed avionics test programs, and authored technical policies. At GCCC, his teaching emphasizes human-centered design and adaptive technologies to support underrepresented communities. Picard has also collaborated with the University of Dayton and Central State University as a research mentor for their Global STEM Research Experience for Teachers where he studied engineering in developing areas in Ecuador and India. Over the next three years, he will work with these universities, along with Wright State University, on a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Teachers focused on electronics and semiconductors.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. The interview for this episode was recorded on April 14, 2025.
Members of the Department of Government Efficiency have made their way into the National Science Foundation, as grants throughout the agency are being terminated. Three DOGE affiliates are currently listed as working in the Office of the Director at NSF, according to multiple sources within the agency: Luke Farritor, a former SpaceX intern and AI engineer who has shown up at other agencies DOGE has entered; Rachel Riley, a former McKinsey consultant who has also appeared at the Department of Health and Human Services; and Zachary Terrell. As part of the arrangement, Farritor has a “Budget, Finance, and Administration” clearance, which a source said allows him to view and modify the agency's funding opportunity system. Farritor and Terrell are listed in an agency directory as consultants. On April 18, NSF published a statement that it was terminating grants and awards that don't align with the administration's priorities, including those related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and misinformation and disinformation. Alexis Bonnell has stepped down from her positions at the Air Force Research Laboratory and transitioned to a new job at OpenAI, the company responsible for the development of ChatGPT. In 2023, Bonnell was tapped to serve as AFRL's first-ever chief information officer and director of the laboratory's Digital Capabilities Directorate, where she led the lab's information technology strategy and overall modernization efforts. According to a Tuesday post on LinkedIn, Bonnell is now working at OpenAI as a partnership manager, a position she took on in March. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Michael Calhoun talk with Bio STL President Donn Rubin to talk about St. Louis hopes to get support from National Science Foundation to become hub for neuroscience research.
News has not been good lately for research universities in the United States. The Trump Administration has proposed slashing the National Institutes of Health Budget by about half – eliminating tens of billions of dollars for the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. The White House had earlier announced a 15 percent cap on indirect costs for NIH grants. That money goes towards facility maintenance at research institutions and university presidents say the move will greatly hinder their ability to do “critical” research. And the agency said it would freeze or cancel grants related to vaccine hesitancy, transgender health, and Covid. The White House has also targeted funding for HHS and the National Science Foundation, and it’s revoked more than a thousand student visas at schools around the country. As researchers at American universities face an uncertain future, other countries are doing their best to lure scientists away. Is the U.S, set to face a brain drain as top talent moves overseas or into other fields? Guests: Carl Bergstrom, Professor of Biology at the University of Washington Neel Patel, Opinion Editor at the New York Times Relevant Links: New York Times: America’s Brightest Minds Will Walk Away The Week: America's academic brain drain has begun WA State Standard: Trump’s research cuts threaten to set off a wave of university brain drain Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.About the guest authors:Clark Strand and Perdita Finn are the co-founders of the non-denominational international fellowship The Way of the Rose, which inspired their book The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary. Clark Strand is an American author and lecturer on spirituality and religion. A former Zen Buddhist monk, he was the first Senior Editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and is the author of six other books including: Meditation without Gurus, How to Believe in God, Waking the Buddha, Now is The Hour of Her Return, Seeds from a Birch Tree and Waking Up to The Dark. He moved to Woodstock, New York, to write and teach full-time. Perdita Finn is the author of several children's books has done extensive study with Zen masters, priests, and healers and she apprenticed with the psychic Susan Saxman, with whom she wrote The Reluctant Psychic. She is the author of the middle grades novels including the Time Flyers series for Scholastic Books, My Little Pony Books, among many others. In addition to being a ghostwriter, book doctor, copy editor and writing teacher, she has a lively Substack called Take Back the Magic inspired by her book Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World and teaches popular workshops on Collaborating with the Other Side, in which participants are empowered to activate the magic in their own lives with the help of their ancestors. She and Clark live in the Catskill Mountains of New York.About the host:Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup that built an AI book discovery platform with a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her latest book, Rose Girl: A Story of Roses and Resilience, a medieval, mystical thriller was awarded a Kirkus (starred) review and named Editors Choice from the Historical Novel Society. Holly lives on a houseboat near the Golden Gate Bridge with her daughter and Labrador retriever, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and pretending to surf. To learn more about her books and writing coaching services, please visit her at hollylynnpayne.com and subscribe to her FREE weekly mini-masterclass, Power of Page One, a newsletter on Substack, offering insights on becoming a better storyteller and tips on hooking readers from page one! (And bonus: discover some great new books!)Tune in and reach out:If you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode of Page One offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. I offer these conversations as a testament to the magic that happens when master storytellers share their secrets and experiences. We hope you are inspired to tune into the full episode for more insights. Keep writing, keep reading, and remember—the world needs your stories. If I can help you tell your own story, or help improve your first page, please reach out @hollylynnpayne or visit hollylynnpayne.com. You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime. The Page One Podcast is created on a houseboat in Sausalito, California, is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community! Be well and keep reading,Holly@hollylynnpayne on IG Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com
Critical Midlife Strategies to Prevent Age-Related Brain Decline: In this episode, Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” with a landmark study published in PNAS, highlighting the importance of a critical midlife window to prevent age-related brain decline. Conducted by scientists from Stony Brook University and other renowned institutions, the study reveals that brain aging follows a non-linear trajectory with key transition points starting as early as age 44. The research identifies neuronal insulin resistance and metabolic changes as primary drivers, suggesting dietary interventions like ketogenic diets during midlife can provide significant benefits. Leyla emphasizes the importance of early metabolic health monitoring and lifestyle changes to mitigate cognitive decline, addressing the growing concern of Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Sleep is not just a luxury—it's a foundational pillar of health that influences nearly every aspect of our well-being. Sleep deprivation doesn't just cause fatigue; it disrupts hormones, drives inflammation, damages metabolism, and accelerates aging. From the gut microbiome to stress hormones like cortisol, sleep is deeply intertwined with brain, immune, and metabolic health. Yet our modern world—filled with late-night screens, ultra-processed foods, and chronic stress—works against quality rest. In this episode, I discuss, along with Dr. Matt Walker and Shawn Stevenson, why we need to address sleep as a core health priority to unlock healing, prevention of chronic disease, and renewed vitality. Matthew Walker earned his PhD in neuroscience from the Medical Research Council in the UK, and subsequently became a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is currently a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. Matt's research focuses on the effect of sleep on human health and disease, brain, and body. He has published more than 100 scientific research studies and has received numerous funding awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Matt has given a main-stage TED Talk that has been viewed over 13 million times, has also created several TED Miniseries on sleep, a MasterClass series on sleep, and is author of the New York Times bestseller, Why We Sleep. Matt is also the host of the 5-star-rated, The Matt Walker Podcast. Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter, and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He's also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each month. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: How to Optimize Your Sleep with Dr. Matthew Walker How To Stay Asleep And Sleep More Deeply Hack Your Sleep
Ian, a maintenance technician at Polar Semiconductor in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, discusses his career path and work as a maintenance technician. Ian troubleshoots equipment and tools, including those for low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LP CVD) at high temperatures. Ian transitioned from running his own business to becoming a technician after obtaining a two-year degree in nano science technology at Dakota County Technical College. Ian emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and critical thinking in his role. He advises others to pursue technician education and career changes, regardless of age.The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.Links from the show:Episode Web Page:https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/Jobs at Polar Semiconductor: https://polarsemi.com/careers/
Chairman Biden and Dr. Fauci's Monster by Ronald Alfred Weitzman Amazon.com Ronaldweitzman.com This book describes how a charter member of Hillary Clinton's basket of deplorables views important issues that divide our country. Chapter 1 takes a critical look at the past, present, and future of the political left and right sides of that divide. Chapter 2 shows that abortion is properly a matter of religion rather than government. Chapter 3 pins the blame for the pandemic's cause and consequences solely on Dr. Anthony Fauci. Chapter 4 separates sex and gender into two different worlds. Chapter 5 examines how the flawed statistical modeling of global warming fails to disclose its causes or trajectory. Chapter 6 demonstrates the unconstitutionality and criminality of the 2020 presidential election. Chapter 7 reveals why this book ominously identifies the title of Joe Biden as chairman rather than president.About the author For the author of this book, Ron Weitzman, education made a gigantic difference in his family. Born outside the United States, Ron's father barely made it through the third grade here. Thanks to America's equality of opportunity, Ron worked his way with the help of scholarships and fellowships to a BA and MA from Stanford and a PhD from Princeton. He has received a Stanford Honors Fellowship; Psychometric Fellowship of Princeton and the Educational Testing Service; and two post-doctoral fellowships, from the National Science Foundation and the United States Public Health Service.
Was there ever nothing in the universe? What is nothing? That's what listener Aviva wants to know. We turned to particle physicist Dr. Jessica Esquivel to find out! She takes us on a mind-bending journey to ask what existed before the universe began, and how a quantum dance party might have started the Big Bang! This story about subatomic particles, giant magnets, and quantum physics is something that will blow your mind. You can find a transcript of the episode and learn more about the particle party in nothing on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com Send us your science questions, ideas and songs to tumblepodcast@gmail.com Support the show by becoming a Patreon member, or making a tax-deductible donation to Tumble Education, a 501c3 organization. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2415575 - Culturally Situated STEM Podcasts for Kids.
The Trump administration has ordered some 20,000 workers in Health and Human Services to leave their jobs, and has cut billions of dollars for research from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. To protest, a coalition of unions called for a nationwide Day of Action on April 8 to Kill the Cuts. Unions representing researchers at UCSB rallied at Davidson Library and marched to Cheadle Hall. KCSB's Ray Briare has this story.
When Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, one of his priorities was to roll back progressive policies from the Biden administration. Among the main targets were scientific projects—many of which now risk losing funding if they include certain terms related to social or environmental issues. According to The Washington Post, an internal document from the U.S. National Science Foundation flagged over 120 words, including ‘activism', ‘equity', ‘inclusion', ‘women', ‘stereotypes', and ‘trauma'. These terms have effectively been blacklisted, threatening research in fields like ecology, gender studies, and racial equity. Why is this happening? And how has the scientific community responded? Could this mark a turning point for academic freedom in the U.S.? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the harrowing experience of Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd in Antarctica during the winter of 1934. Byrd, already famous for his polar explorations, volunteered for a solo mission to collect meteorological data in a tiny buried shack during the Antarctic winter. With temperatures plummeting to -70°F in perpetual darkness, Byrd's scientific dedication was tested when his poorly ventilated stove began leaking carbon monoxide, slowly poisoning him over months. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued his meteorological observations and initially concealed his condition during radio check-ins to prevent endangering potential rescuers. After a failed first attempt, a rescue team led by Dr. Thomas Poulter finally reached Byrd, finding him emaciated but alive. Byrd's ordeal, which he later documented in his book "Alone," not only contributed valuable scientific data but influenced isolation studies for military and space programs and led to the prohibition of solo Antarctic missions. The episode presents a remarkable testament to human endurance in one of Earth's most unforgiving environments. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: Antarctica, 1934 01:00 Meet Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Bird 01:27 Bird's Polar Expeditions 04:25 The Second Antarctic Expedition 06:14 Bird's Solo Winter Mission 07:52 Life in Isolation 12:08 The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide 18:04 Struggling with the Stove 19:17 Bird's Deteriorating Condition 19:52 Maintaining the Facade 22:04 Rescue Mission Begins 25:25 Second Rescue Attempt 27:53 Bird's Return and Recovery 30:36 Legacy and Impact 33:18 Epilogue and Final Thoughts Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Sources Byrd, Richard E. (1938). Alone. G.P. Putnam's Sons. [Byrd's personal memoir of his five months at Advance Base] Byrd, Richard E. (1935). Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Byrd, Richard E. (1930). Little America: Aerial Exploration in the Antarctic, The Flight to the South Pole. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Poulter, Thomas C. (1935). "The Advance Base Rescue." Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 79(4), 593-609. [First-hand account of the rescue mission by Dr. Poulter] Byrd Antarctic Expedition Papers, 1925-1938. Ohio State University Archives & Special Collections. [Includes original journals, logbooks, and correspondence] Secondary Sources Hoyt, Edwin P. (1968). The Last Explorer: The Adventures of Admiral Byrd. John Day Company. Rose, Lisle A. (2008). Explorer: The Life of Richard E. Byrd. University of Missouri Press. Goerler, Raimund E. (1998). To the Pole: The Diary and Notebook of Richard E. Byrd, 1925-1927. Ohio State University Press. Beekman, Daniel (2014). "The Worst Journey in the World: Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Lonely Antarctic Winter." Weatherwise, 67(5), 18-25. Murphy, David Thomas (2002). German Exploration of the Polar World: A History, 1870-1940. University of Nebraska Press. [Provides context for international polar exploration] Darack, Ed (2011). "Against the Cold: Admiral Byrd's Dangerous Antarctic Winter." Alpinist, 13, 54-61. Demas, Coleen (2016). "Searching for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Advance Base." Antarctic Sun, National Science Foundation. [Information on the 2016 search for the Advance Base] Johnson, Charles W. (1971). Antarctica: First Person Accounts. Dodd, Mead & Company. Pyne, Stephen J. (1986). The Ice: A Journey to Antarctica. University of Washington Press. [Contextual information on Antarctic exploration] Sullivan, Walter (1957). Quest for a Continent: The Story of Antarctic Exploration by the Men Who Did It. McGraw-Hill.
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we're talking to Alex Psomas, assistant professor of computer science in Purdue University's College of Science. Alex is an expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence. He utilizes these tools to help solve societal issues like food insecurity by outsourcing decision-making to AI — starting right here in Indiana. In this episode, you will: Gain key insights on AI and machine learning and see how algorithms have rapidly evolved and what it means for you. Learn about his collaboration with the Indy Hunger Network and how he automated the redistribution of rejected food away from landfills and into food pantries. Hear about the use of open source code, which can help other organizations around the country automate the distribution of vital resources like food. Discover how Purdue's pioneering computer science program and the Purdue Computes initiative are at the forefront of multidisciplinary AI research. Hear about Alex's journey from his home country of Greece to advancing his career in the U.S. and eventually becoming a Boilermaker. Explore Alex's encouraging approach to mentoring his students and how he's committed to getting them excited about research. Find out how awards from the National Science Foundation and Google have accelerated his research, forged collaborations with other faculty and inspired future work. Don't miss this episode featuring a Purdue professor and researcher who is using AI to fight hunger and support food pantries.
Members of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency now have access to technical systems maintained by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to a recent memorandum viewed by FedScoop. The memo, which was sent from and digitally signed by USCIS Chief Information Officer William McElhaney, states that Kyle Shutt, Edward Coristine, Aram Mogahaddassi and Payton Rehling were granted access to USCIS systems and data repositories, and that a Department of Homeland Security review was required to determine whether that access should continue. Coristine, 19, is one of the more polarizing members of DOGE. He previously provided assistance to a cybercrime ring through a company he operated while he was in high school, according to other news outlets. Coristine worked for a short period at Neuralink, Musk's brain implant company, and was previously stationed by DOGE at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The memo, dated March 28, asks DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar to have his office review and provide direction for the four DOGE men regarding their access to the agency's “data lake” — called USCIS Data Business Intelligence Services — as well as two associated enabling technologies, Databricks and Github. The document says DHS CIO Antoine McCord and Michael Weissman, the agency's chief data officer, asked USCIS to enable Shutt and Coristine's access to the USCIS data lake in mid-March, and Mogahaddassi requested similar access days later. A bipartisan bill to fully establish a National Science Foundation-based resource aimed at providing essential tools for AI research to academics, nonprofits, small businesses and others was reintroduced in the House last week. Under the Creating Resources for Every American To Experiment with Artificial Intelligence (CREATE AI) Act of 2025 (H.R. 2385), a full-scale National AI Research Resource would be codified at NSF. While that resource currently exists in pilot form, legislation authorizing the NAIRR is needed to continue that work. Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., who sponsors the bill, said in a written statement announcing the reintroduction: “By empowering students, universities, startups, and small businesses to participate in the future of AI, we can drive innovation, strengthen our workforce, and ensure that American leadership in this critical field is broad-based and secure.” The NAIRR pilot, as it stands, is a collection of resources from the public and private sectors — such as computing power, storage, AI models, and data — that are made available to those researching AI to make the process of accessing those types of tools easier. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Professor Sara C. Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate (Hachette Go!, pub date: April, 2022) and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. (Workman). She is passionate about understanding how the brain works through her research into sleep and the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Mednick's seven-bedroom sleep lab works literally around-the-clock to discover methods for boosting cognition by napping, stimulating the brain with electricity, sound and light, and pharmacology. Her lab also investigates how the menstrual cycle and aging affect the brain. Her science has been continuously federally funded (National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, DARPA).Dr. Mednick was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. She received a BA from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, in Drama/Dance. After college, her experience working in the psychiatry department at Bellevue Hospital in New York, inspired her to study the brain and how to make humans smarter through better sleep. She received a PhD in Psychology from Harvard University, and then completed a postdoc at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and UC San Diego. She resides in San Diego, CA. SHOWNOTES:
In this episode, Therese Markow discusses the impact of budgetary cuts on scientific research and the Nations Report Card from the Department of Education. She explains what the funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation supports, and argues how cutting overhead costs to 15% shuts down scientific progress. She also highlights the importance of the Nations Report Card, which has tracked student performance since 1969, for informing educational policy. Markow urges listeners to contact their representatives to reinstate funding for the National Report Card. Key Takeaways: Laboratories are in buildings - buildings with plumbing, lights, air conditioning, heat, power to operate equipment, and more that all require maintenance, These are paid for by the overhead, not from the research grants Test results are critical for understanding where improvements need to be made in education, both private and public. We want our students to be competent. When people aren't reading, they are missing information that is vital to their wellbeing and the well-being of their communities. "When you hear complaints that these overhead costs are excessive or a rip-off, think about it. Clearly, they're essential and they shouldn't be cut." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Connect with Therese: Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net Threads: @critically_speaking Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
What does it take to become an inventor? To find out, we spoke with an inventor named Josh Miele about one of his greatest inventions: tactile maps! Tactile maps use braille technology to help blind people explore their neighborhoods with their fingers first. But how does Josh create brand-new inventions? Tune in to find out how inventors bring new ideas to life, and stick around to find out whether birds like wearing denim. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. If you want to learn more about Josh and all his inventions, go to our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, where we've got lots of awesome resources! If you want to make a recurring $5 donation to Tumble, you can go to bit.ly/donatetumble. Or you can support us at any level you like by going here. Or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Tumble is brought to you with support from IXL Learning. For a special discount for tumble listeners, go to IXL.com/tumble!
Changes limiting programs, grants, and even the nature of studies are already underway at the NIH, NSF, FDA, CDC, and more.On President Trump's first day in office, he signed an executive order to end what he calls “illegal and immoral discrimination programs,” referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the federal government. The repercussions of this are already being felt across science agencies.Things are changing fast: Last week, a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked parts of the DEI purge from being carried out. At the same time, federal research agencies have already made changes. For example, the National Institutes of Health suddenly pulled a program that provides grants to PhD students from marginalized backgrounds, and has already canceled studies mid-project, like one on LGBTQ cancer patients. The National Science Foundation has begun reviewing active research science projects that may not comply with Trump's executive orders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took down resources for HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ health, contraception, and more—then partially restored them, as ordered by a judge. And the Food and Drug Administration pulled its guidance on the importance of having some diversity in clinical trials, like those to test drugs and medical devices.So, what does banning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts mean for medical research? And what does it mean for our health?Host Flora Lichtman talks with Dr. Rachel Hardeman, director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis; and Dr. Melissa Simon, an ob-gyn at Northwestern Medicine, and director of the Center for Health Equity Transformation in Chicago.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.