Science Magazine Podcast

Freelance science journalist Dina Fine Maron and guests discuss the harmful impact of rat poisons on wildlife, and the use of bioacoustics and AI to track animal populations. They cover the evolution of rodent control, challenges in identifying the effects of chemicals on animals, and the role of sound in monitoring ecosystems and species. The episode sheds light on the potential of AI in wildlife conservation and highlights specific projects using sound analysis.

First up this week, guest host Kevin McLean talks to freelance writer Andrew Zaleski about recent advancements in the world of synthetic blood. They discuss some of the failed attempts over the past century that led many to abandon the cause altogether, and a promising new option in the works called ErythroMer that is both shelf stable and can work on any blood type. Next on the episode, producer Zakiya Whatley talks to Aaron Weimann from the University of Cambridge about the evolutionary history of the deadly bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They discuss how more than a century’s worth of samples from all over the world contributed to new insights on the emergence and expansion of the pathogen known for its ability to develop antimicrobial resistance. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Kevin McLean, Andrew Zaleski, Zakiya Whatley Episode Page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.z1jhbqi About the Science Podcast: https://www.science.org/content/page/about-science-podcast [Image: Matt Roth, Music: Jeffrey Cook and Nguyen Khoi Nguyen] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how RNA-based pesticides are revolutionizing crop pest control, the vital role of ephemeral streams in clean waterways, and the future of money with author Rachel O'Dwyer. Erik Stokstad discusses targeting pests using RNA, Craig Brinkerhoff analyzes ephemeral streams, and Rachel O'Dwyer explores alternative currency in a cashless society.

Scientists are hunting for habitable exoplanets, worried about detecting atmospheres on turbulent stars. Urban air pollution in Los Angeles worsens due to volatile organic compounds from plants during hot days.

Ancient DNA unravels Maya child sacrifices and global malaria history. Dogs mirror human health impacts due to shared environment. Evolution of immunology in healthcare discussed by experts. Dogs serve as valuable health indicators and disease study models.

Exploring the mysterious cellular structures known as vaults, their potential in delivering cancer drugs and gene therapy. Delving into the evolution of brown fat as a heat-generating organ in mammals and birds. Discussing the unique characteristics of brown fat cells, their role in thermoregulation, and combating obesity. Unveiling the discovery and transcription of old music files with jazz influences and similarities to video game music.

Jennifer Couzin-Frankel discusses the pros and cons of cancer clinical trials, challenging the benefits. Lukas Vogelsang explores color vision in late-sighted kids. Claire Horn talks about growing babies without a womb in her book 'Eve: The Disobedient Future of Birth'.

Diana Liao, a researcher at the University of Tübingen, discusses teaching crows to count out loud. They explore the complexity of this behavior and how crows have the right vocal skills for it. Other topics include stepping on snakes for science and hunting ice age cave bears.

Learn about the intriguing connection between the immune system and psychosis, as well as how otters use tools to broaden their diet. Dive into the hunt for biomarkers in autoimmune disorders and discover how sea otters gain energy benefits by cracking open tough prey with tools.

This podcast discusses proposed protections for healthy human subjects in clinical trials and the history of volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io. Topics include the risks faced by participants in drug testing, establishing global standards for human study subjects, and using isotopic ratios to study Io's volcanic past.