Science Friday

In a captivating discussion, health psychologist Dr. Kari Leibowitz, author of 'How to Winter', shares her journey from a winter skeptic to an advocate for embracing the season. She reveals how Arctic cultures leverage their harsh climates to thrive, employing practices like saunas and cold plunges. Dr. Leibowitz emphasizes the power of small pleasures—like cozy rituals and playful outdoor activities with pets—to reframe winter positively. She also discusses strategies for cultivating a joyful mindset and rebranding winter through uplifting language.

In this engaging discussion, neurologist Bruce Dobkin, a professor at UCLA Health, shares his personal journey with musical hallucinosis following a cochlear implant. He vividly describes hearing a relentless choir singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner' and how it connects to Oliver Sacks’ observations. Dobkin explains the brain's tendency to impose musical structure on sounds, the surprising prevalence of this condition, and shares coping strategies. His insights into sensory processing and neuroplasticity make for a captivating exploration of how our brains perceive music.

Join paleozoologist Dr. Darren Naish and paleoecologist Dr. Emily Lindsey as they dive into the fascinating world of Ice Age megafauna. They discuss the challenges of recreating strange creatures using CGI, like koalas with lion bodies and 8-foot-tall sloths. Emily shares discoveries from the La Brea Tar Pits, revealing a lush ecosystem filled with giant mammals. The duo also explores the reasons behind the extinction of these colossal animals, touching on the roles of climate change and human impact.

Jackie Fortiér, a health policy reporter at KFF Health News, and Arthur Allen, a senior correspondent and vaccine expert, delve into the drastic vaccine policy shifts of 2025. They discuss the CDC's controversial decision to alter hepatitis B recommendations and the implications for newborns. Both guests highlight the confusion around COVID vaccine guidance, practical barriers in pediatric vaccination, and worrying drops in overall vaccination rates. Their insights paint a picture of a changing landscape in public health, driven by new skepticism.

Join Dr. Stefanie Milam from NASA, who studies comets as a project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, an astrophysicist and CEO of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. They discuss the excitement surrounding comet 3I/Atlas, a rare interstellar visitor. Topics include its chemical makeup, the challenges of observing it, and the diversity of planetary systems it represents. They also explore the impracticality of sending the ISS into deep space and why public interest in aliens isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Angela Oliverio, a microbiologist from Syracuse University, shares the thrilling discovery of Incendiamoeba cascadensis, a heat-tolerant amoeba thriving at a scorching 145°F. She explains its unique survival traits and implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, Johanna Teske, a planetary scientist, delves into the lava planet TOI-561b, noting its unexpectedly low density and potential atmosphere as observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, and discusses the scientific significance of studying such extreme worlds.

James Vincent, a tech journalist known for his work with The Verge and The Guardian, dives into the world of humanoid robots. He discusses the hype surrounding viral robot videos and reveals the truth about teleoperation and selective editing. Vincent also explores why humanoids are gaining traction thanks to advances in AI and challenges with data transfer from language models. He contrasts industrial robots with the privacy concerns of home use, shares his awe from personal encounters with these machines, and quantifies the current gap between industrial arms and humanoid deployments.

Join Rosemary Mosco, an author and illustrator known for her bird-themed work, and Corina Newsome, a conservation scientist with a passion for bird behavior, as they explore the fascinating world of common birds. They discuss the surprising history of house sparrows introduced in the 1800s, investigate the clever mimicry of blue jays, and share delightful insights into titmouse vocalizations. Plus, learn about the majestic blackbird murmurations that defy superstitions and the heroic stories of wartime pigeons. Discover why ordinary birds deserve extraordinary appreciation!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tamsin Mather, a volcanologist from the University of Oxford, shares her fascinating insights from the world's volcanoes. She explains why tossing plastic in volcanoes isn't a viable solution due to toxic emissions. Tamsin also describes the potential of harnessing geothermal energy from volcanic heat and recounts the intriguing sensory experiences of an eruption. Plus, learn about the iconic Pele's hair and her favorite volcanoes, like Etna. A thrilling journey into the fiery world beneath our feet!

Margarita Díaz-Andreu, an archaeologist and ICREA professor at the University of Barcelona, and Rupert Till, a music professor at the University of Huddersfield, explore the fascinating intersection of sound and archaeology. They discuss how ancient humans utilized the acoustics of caves, measuring echoes and reverberations to uncover past experiences. Rupert shares captivating stories about vulture bone flutes and their role in ritualistic practices, emphasizing the emotional connection to sound and its significance in understanding prehistoric cultures.