Science Friday

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.

Justin Garcia, evolutionary biologist and Kinsey Institute director, studies human mating and dating. He talks about why so many adults are single today. He explores how women’s independence, online dating, and longer courtships shape relationships. He also covers pair bonding, rising interest in consensual non-monogamy, and practical tips for dating apps.

Amalia Bastos, cognitive scientist at the University of St. Andrews who studies animal imagination, talks about experiments with Kanzi the bonobo. She recounts how researchers adapted child pretend-play tests into a tea-party task. They explain controls to rule out cueing and consider whether other apes or species might imagine. Personal reflections on Kanzi and what this means for ideas of human uniqueness are woven through the conversation.

Jenny Radesky, a developmental behavioral pediatrician focused on media and child development, and John Foxe, a neuroscientist studying adolescent brain changes, discuss how screen content and format shape kids' outcomes. They cover short-form reels and scrolling, large-scale longitudinal brain studies, links between heavy use and sleep/behavior/fitness, interactive media benefits, and the need for platform data and nuanced policies.

Chemists and perfumers recreate the scents of ancient Egypt and 5,000-year-old incense burners. They explain how molecules from mummification balms are identified and turned into modern fragrances. The team discusses museum scent cards that let visitors literally smell the past. The conversation explores perfume ingredients, trade in frankincense and myrrh, and limits of authenticity.

Dr. Devaki Bhaya, a molecular microbiologist at Carnegie Science who studies cyanobacteria and microbial communities. She discusses ancient cyanobacteria that shaped Earth, their extreme habitats and pigments, how they form cooperative biofilms, and the molecular strategies they use to store resources and survive changing conditions.

Dr. Gene Van Buren, a nuclear physicist at Brookhaven who studies heavy-ion collisions and quark–gluon plasma, reflects on RHIC’s final run. He recounts RHIC’s surprising discovery of a near-perfect liquid plasma. He explains why heavy ions were used, why RHIC is being repurposed, and plans to probe cold nuclear matter with electron collisions.

Dr. Kevin White, a wildlife ecologist who studies mountain goats and their behavior. Dr. Peter Hansen, a history professor and mountaineering scholar. They explore ski mountaineering’s mix of uphill skins, booting and technical downhill. They also marvel at mountain goats’ hooves, balance and cliff-climbing feats, and discuss avalanches, predation and climate-driven risks.

Laura Moy, a Georgetown law professor and tech policy expert who has testified in Congress, breaks down how everyday tech creates a detailed trail about us. She describes how phones, apps and cameras generate location and activity data. She explains where that data flows, how brokers combine records, and why federal privacy protections lag.

Alyssa Moran, a nutrition policy researcher and registered dietitian, and Laura Schmidt, a health policy professor focused on food policy and industry influence, unpack ultra-processed foods. They discuss how guidelines now call out highly processed items. They trace industry tactics, definition debates, health links, regulatory challenges, and policy ideas like school investments and marketing limits.