Science Friday

Dr. Andy Miller, a former EPA scientist with 30+ years on air pollution and climate change and an original author of the 2009 endangerment finding. He explains why that finding mattered legally for regulating greenhouse gases. He recounts its creation, reactions to its rescission, the legal rationale used, and how science and law intersect in this fight.

Dylan Williams, a molecular and genetic epidemiologist at UCL who studies APOE and Alzheimer’s risk. He outlines APOE’s role in lipid transport and its three variants. He explains how much APOE contributes to cases, its population impact, links to plaques and symptoms, and prospects for APOE-targeted therapies and screening guidance.

Joe Hong, an investigative data reporter who tested NYC snowbanks for contaminants, and Dr. Cinnamon Bidwell, a cannabis clinical psychologist at CU, discuss hemp-derived THC legal gray areas. They unpack how the 2018 Farm Bill created loopholes and the difference between hemp and marijuana. They also cover emerging cannabinoids, testing gaps between gas stations and dispensaries, and what snow reveals about urban pollution.

John Krystal, a Yale psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher, explains why clear biological tests for depression, PTSD, and other disorders remain elusive. He discusses the brain’s complexity, limits of tissue sampling, overlaps across diagnoses, and promising tools like imaging, blood tests, genetics, and behavioral data. He also considers whether diagnostic manuals are ready to include biomarkers.

Dr. Caroline Fyfe, an epidemiologist who studied autism diagnoses across Sweden, and Dr. Rachel Moseley, a psychology researcher and autistic woman, discuss how prevalence appears even across sexes but diagnoses often come later for people assigned female at birth. They explore shifting diagnosis patterns by age, how male-focused criteria miss many people, and the personal and societal impacts of late or missed identification.

Michael Osterholm, director of CIDRAP and leader of the Vaccine Integrity Project, explains why an independent vaccine review process was created. He discusses filling the scientific gap left by changes at federal advisory panels. He outlines partnering with the AMA, the review’s scope for flu, COVID, RSV and pregnancy, and how the reviews will reach clinicians and medical societies.

Brad Udall, a Colorado State water and climate scientist, and David Condos, a Southern Utah reporter covering local water impacts, discuss a severe snow drought in the West. They talk about vanishing snowpack, how higher temperatures worsen water shortages, strains on the Colorado River and reservoirs, and the political and agricultural tensions around huge cuts in water supply.

Deborah King, a biomechanics professor who studies figure skating, breaks down the sport with scientific flair. She explores how skaters generate rapid rotation, the physics behind the quadruple axel, and the huge g-forces on landings. She also explains body shape, blade mechanics, and how on-ice skills transfer to other sports.

Stacy Fischer, a geriatric and palliative care specialist running a large psilocybin trial for cancer-related anxiety. Alejandro Galva, a Colorado Public Radio editor reporting on the state’s psychedelic therapy rollout. They describe what sessions feel like, screening and integration practices, costs and access challenges, business and licensing models, early safety data, and practical advice for people considering state-run programs.

Dr. Amber Fyfe-Johnson, pediatric epidemiologist studying early-life microbiomes. Dr. Jack Gilbert, microbiologist focused on environmental microbes and health. They explore how soil, pets and outdoor play seed kids’ microbiomes. They discuss outdoor preschools, social sharing of microbes, and practical safety tips for nature exposure.