Science Friday

Learn about hyperaccumulators, plants evolving to absorb metals for greener mining. Explore a tiny fern with the largest genome ever discovered. Dive into phytomining research, genetic mechanisms of metal uptake, and potential eco-friendly solutions for extracting metals from soils.

Guest Annalee Newitz discusses the history of psychological warfare, its use in modern politics, and the concept of 'psychological disarmament.' Topics include the influence of storytelling, the characteristics of psyops, and the impact of science fiction on propaganda operations.

Learn about the overlooked role of RNA in gene expression and medical breakthroughs, including the mRNA COVID vaccines. Explore RNA's potential in CRISPR technology and dark matter RNA. Discover how RNA may hold the key to understanding the origins of life and new scientific discoveries.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams discuss recent milestones in spaceflight, including successful launches of Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Starship. Topics also cover Hubble Space Telescope issues, Joro spider invasion, and Mexico's scientist president Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

Scientists study birds' syrinx to understand their vocal evolution; Common loons' calls inspire pop music hits. The syrinx allows birds to sing uniquely; Ostrich and hummingbird syrinxes explored. Loons' tremolo sound influences music genres; Bridging gap between extinct dinosaurs and modern birdsongs.

The podcast discusses the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty, highlighting historical exploitation of Indigenous communities' data and the need for control over data usage. Guests explore initiatives to reclaim data sovereignty, address issues of ownership and consent, and promote responsible drinking.

Science journalist Zoë Schlanger discusses the unseen world of plant intelligence, highlighting how plants communicate, store memories, and deceive animals. The conversation challenges traditional views on plant cognition and intelligence, shedding light on their unique perspective. Schlanger's book, 'The Light Eaters,' offers a new understanding of life on Earth through the lens of plant intelligence.

The podcast discusses the Right-To-Repair movement in the US, focusing on legislation allowing consumers to repair their own devices. It covers the opposition from companies like Apple and John Deere, the environmental benefits of repairing over replacing, and the challenges faced by farmers with broken tractors and lawsuits against manufacturers.

Boeing's Starliner crewed test flight back on schedule despite technical issues. Researchers rank animals' tolerance in urban areas using iNaturalist data. Solar region responsible for auroras returns, brain imaging techniques explored, and the impact of urbanization on biodiversity discussed.

Dr. Aditi Gurkar discusses how biological age can differ from chronological age. The podcast explores the markers of biological age, including metabolites and functional capacity, suggesting potential interventions to slow down the aging process.