June 12th, 2026
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Supersonic Planes, Galactic Winds, SpiderCam, Electric Squirts, Owl Brilliance, Neural Disappointment, Fructose Failing, Turning Left, and Much More Science!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
This program does not eject those who belong.
Not even for singing a song that isn’t to our liking.
If one’s behavior is consistent
with the rules of the community,
the ideas should be given time
and consideration.
Science doesn’t kick ideas out.
Evidence does that…
or, biased individuals threatened by contradiction.
Stay for all the ideas here on
This Week in Science!
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Quick Science News!
Supersonic Planes
Is this the origin of the sonic thump?
Galactic Winds
Do they put out stellar fires?
SpiderCam
Science spies with little spider eyes…
Electric Squirts
Can we use electricity to rejuvenate coral reefs?
Owl Brilliance
How do barn owls use light to help them hunt?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
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More Science with Kiki!
Neural Disappointment
Are some people wired for greater disappointment in life?
Fructose Failing
Is how we respond to fructose all in our heads?
Turning Left
Why do we do it?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, how does science go supersonic?)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed Sham Panel, Strategic Hawks, Chimps, Cucumbers, and Bats Fight Cancer, Napping Bees, and Much More!
This week 10 years ago TWIS discussed Bioluminescent Fishes, CRISPR on RNA, Deglaciating Bison, Pre-Columbian Trade, Fish Face, Fiber-Optic Eyes, Microplastic Bothers, Interview w/ Dr. Elizabeth Sibert on World Oceans, Slime Mold Problem-Solvers, Jumping Eels, Provisional Names!, New Chemical Rules!, Inbred Neander News, Not Lost City, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in aerospace, animal behavior, animals, arachnid, biology, birds, cell biology, cognitive science, computer science, ecology, energy, energy conservation, fuel cells, hypersonic flight, mammals, marine biology, medicine, NASA, neuroscience, physics, podcast, psychobiology, psychology, science, science and politics, Science Education, technology, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
June 5th, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:49:18 — 93.5MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: New Science Rules, Mosquitoes, Bad Food, Bad Gut, Wild Pigs, Pigeon Hypotheses, Bower Bird Bonanza, Octopus Mirror Attack, and Much More Science!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
The proposal has been submitted.
So many hours we thought it through.
We understand it might not land,
and although our aims were true.
Yet, an itch won’t let me rest.
Even though we tried our best
to explain the idea,
the methods, and evaluative schemes,
it’s possible our words won’t screen.
Did we mention diversity?
Or was it all American citizenry?
We’re blessed, I guess to not study sex,
but rather the homogeneity of science-ness.
And what if we win an award?
What will happen then?
Will the money come through?
Will the effort be allowed to pursue
all the things it wants to do?
Or, will this dream be pulled down the drain?
We propose you listen to This Week in Science.
HELP TWIS GROW! GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Quick Science News!
New Rules For Science?
Let’s hope not.
Are you training mosquitoes to bite you?
DEET may no longer be the silver bullet for insect bites
Bad Food Quality
What makes ultraprocessed foods so bad? A new study suggests that it’s not the food part that’s to blame.
Bad Gut Sequencing
A survey of gut cell genomes has discovered very important differences.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
Blair’s Animal Corner!
When wild pigs aren’t a pain
They might as well fly while they are at it!
The latest in pigeon hypotheses
IT’S THEIR LIVER!!
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Science with Kiki!
Bower Bird Bonanza
What kind of decorations do Bower birds like best? Definitely the shiny stuff made by people.
Octopus Mirror Attack
Octopodes can learn how mirrors work and use them to attack prey. Enough said.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, how does science need me?)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed Science State, Frogs, Light Limits, Trash Parrot Update, A Tiny Violin, Baboons and Rocks, Birds Flying Far North, Garbage Gull, Making Myelin, Mouth Tape, and Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS discussed Don’t Fear Your Phone, Virus Battles Cancer, Global Spin Marketing, To Catch A Cheater, Amphipod Claws, Interview w/ Sean Carroll about The Big Picture, Dancing Insect Hairs, Life From Comets, Of Peppered Moths And Butterfly Wings, Pot News, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Blair's Animal Corner, Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, Kirsten Sanford, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animals, biology, birds, Blair's Animal Corner, cell biology, cephalopod, cognitive science, genetics, mammals, marine biology, medicine, molecular biology, podcast, psychology, science, science and politics, Science Education, sexy scientists, technology, therapies, Women in Science, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
June 4th, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:15:42 — 139.7MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Interview w/Dr. Andrew Thaler, Watching Wildlife, New Octopus, Cucumber Bits, Backrooms, and Much More Science!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
UNDER THE SEA
IT’S NOT JUST WETTER
IT’S UNDER MORE PRESSURE
INHOSPITABLE TO HUMANS
WHILE A HAVEN FOR CRUSTACEANS,
TUBE WORMS, AND MORE.
THOUSANDS OF SPECIES
BIODIVERSITY GALORE.
YET, THAT’S NOT THE DRAW
IN OUR TECH OBSESSED AGE.
WE SOMETHING SHINY.
COULD IT MAKE SOMEONE MONEY?
PROBABLY A LOT MORE THAN
WE MAKE HERE ON
THIS WEEK IN SCIENCE!
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The Interview!
We’re starting the show off with an interview tonight.
Our guest, Andrew Thaler, PhD, is a Deep-sea ecologist investigating how humans shape and reshape the most remote parts of our world. Connect with him on Instagram & Bluesky!
Founder and CEO of Blackbeard Biologic: Science and Environmental Advisors.
He is also a Conservation technologist developing open-source tools to help communities study and understand our changing oceans. Ocean educator creating novel tools to help students learn and interact with marine ecosystems.
This is a fun and fascinating interview you’ll want to listen to again and again!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
Blair’s Animal Corner
While watching wildlife, are we the show?
How does the presence of humans impact animals, even when all we are doing is minding our own business?
New octopus just dropped!
Look what researchers found via ROV! Tiny blue guy!!
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Science with Kiki!
Cucumber Bits
What makes sea cucumber cells tick? Researchers want to know more about their persistent epidermis.
Backrooms Go Front Stage
What are Backrooms and why do we obsess over them so much?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, are unicorns really real??)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed CRISPR, Government-Sanctioned Mass Extinction, Bugs in Space, Shrinking Clownfish, Bees Sleep, Dolphins Talk, Blocking Cell Death, Toothy Origins, and Much More Science!, and Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS A Force of Nature?, Red Geysers, Maladapted Marshmallows, Beetle Genitals, Spider Gifts, Dolphin Snot, Venomous Drugs, CLOUDs From Trees, Egyptian Takeovers, Cockroach Magnetism, Of Antibiotics And Beetles, Birdie Colors, Monster Croc, and Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Blair's Animal Corner, Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Interview, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, animals, anthropology, biology, Blair's Animal Corner, botany, cell biology, cephalopod, Cetaceans, cognitive science, conservationism, crustaceans, ecology, emergent behavior, end of the world, endangered animals, fish, global warming, mammals, marine biology, oceanography, podcast, psychology, science, science and politics, Science Education, sexy scientists, sponges, technology, worms, z-Broadcasts, z-Science-Videos | No Comments »
May 22nd, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01:50 — 122.4MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Urban Animals, Human Birth, Happy Mice, Eye Plants, Bug Killing Medicine, Colossal Shells, and Much More!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
I was going to read a disclaimer for
the guest tonight,
but I don’t know about this,
so I’m going to make one up on
the spot right now.
Humpty Dumpty sat on the science.
Don’t you wish that it was an appliance?
No, you don’t.
You just like that it’s science.
Technology is the application of science,
and science is the act of questioning
everything in a very well-controlled manner.
I don’t know.
It’s a process.
It’s a method.
Science is not a collection of facts.
If you sit on it,
can you break it?
Maybe we’ll talk about that and more
tonight on This Week in Science.
HELP TWIS GROW! GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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Blair’s Animal Corner
Urban animals are harder
They grew up on the mean streets, and it shows
Human birth isn’t so bad
Ugh is this for real? All animals have to deal with this??
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
More Science with Kiki!
Happy Mice
Could we be using contact lenses to treat depression someday?
Plant In Your Eye
Why would you want to stick plant cells in your eye?
Medicine Kills Bugs
Did we expect that bacterial populations in indigenous populations would remain high with medical treatments?
Colossal Shells
Why would anyone make a chicken without an egg?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, Humpty Dumpty Sat On the Science what does that mean??)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed CRISPR, Government-Sanctioned Mass Extinction, Bugs in Space, Shrinking Clownfish, Bees Sleep, Dolphins Talk, Blocking Cell Death, Toothy Origins, and Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS Massive Mastodon Hunts, Origami Belly Bots, Biodiversity Is Everything, Bad Panda Poop, The Cuckoo Mafia, Progress For Math, Simultaneous Hermaphrodites Take Turns, Bad Antibacterial Guts, Satisfied Lady Gorillas, Good For Overpasses!, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Blair's Animal Corner, Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Interview, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, animals, bioethics, biology, birds, Blair's Animal Corner, Chronic disease, cognitive science, conservationism, ecology, end of the world, energy conservation, evolution, fish, genetics, geology, global warming, mammals, marine biology, Medical technology, medicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, oceanography, podcast, Pregnancy, psychology, reptiles, science, Science Education, science history, Sexual Health, sexy scientists, technology, therapies, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
May 14th, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:42:17 — 162.3MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Interview w/Alaina Levine, Science Unicorns, Cancer Gone, Carnivorous Plants, Outdoor Cats, Carnivorous Rice, Gluca Gone, Insect Pain, Wings, Sleepy Time, and Much More!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer
Hantavirus has reared its head,
but do not fear its reported spread.
The Noro is another beast.
Not much to do.
Just wash your hands
and brush your teeth.
Will Legionnaires be next?
In this cruise ship hall of fame?
And truly, who is to blame?
Certainly not you
Who buys your berths
and then complain
about the heat
as you dine on crab
and sleep like sardines.
We’ll definitely have thoughts here on
This Week in Science.
HELP TWIS GROW! GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
The Interview!
We’re starting the show off with an interview tonight.
Our guest, Alaina Levine is an international professional speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, STEM career coach and consultant, TEDx speaker, science journalist, and corporate comedian. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Her newest book, the forthcoming Your Unicorn Career, named after her successful column in Science, empowers anyone to create a customized career that honors your authenticity and values; allows you to define impact and success in a meaningful and personal way; and use skills and solve problems that bring you joy. Her first book, Networking for Nerds (Wiley, 2015), beat out Einstein (really!) for the honor of being named a Top 5 Book of 2015 by Physics Today.
As President of Quantum Success Solutions, LLC, Alaina is a prolific speaker and writer on career development and professional advancement for STEM Nerds (engineers, scientists, and technical leaders) and Word Nerds (journalists, communicators, writers, and PR Professionals).
Craft Your Unicorn Career.
This is a fun and fascinating interview you’ll want to listen to again and again!
Quick Science News!
Your Cancer Gone
Does this method really promise treatment for more than the most dire cases?
Carnivorous plants and wasps – strange bedfellows indeed
It would appear that even though pitcher plants will eat wasps, the wasps get their air supply from the pitcher, too. Is this mutualism and not predation?
Iron Space Rain
How does Earth happen to have so much Iron-60, the kind that comes from big stellar explosions?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR UNICORNS, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
Blair’s Animal Corner
Outdoor cats are teeming with disease
Or at least carry as much as a feral cat, despite having a home to come home to…
Carnivorous rice
Rice plants and Venus flytraps share something in common
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
More Science with Kiki!
Gluca Gone
How do GLP-1 drugs lead to weight loss?
Insect Pain
How do we know that insects feel pain? We test it!
Gives You Wings
Why are VR researchers making people flap their arms?
Sleepy Time
How much sleep do you get? Is it in the sleep sweet spot?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR UNICORNS OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, are unicorns really real??)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed Knowledge, & Power, Forever Chemicals, AI Exaggeration, Internal Inference, Prey Trapping, Labile Language, Librarians Saving Democracy, and Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS Kepler Finds More Planets!, Martian Oxygen???, Earth’s Thin Atmosphere, Oldest Axe Ever, Loud Moths, Interview w/ Josiah Zayner re: Microbiome Transplantation, Lizard Tail Tales, Deadly Reptiles, Conservation By Kids, Sea Star Resurgence?, Memory Genes, Sleep Science, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Blair's Animal Corner, Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, Interview, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in agriculture, animal behavior, animals, biology, Blair's Animal Corner, cognitive science, cosmology, ecology, evolution, genetics, GLP-1, insects, mammals, Medical technology, medicine, podcast, science, science and politics, Science Education, space, technology, Toxoplasma, Weight Loss, Women in Science, z-Broadcasts, z-Science-Videos | No Comments »
May 7th, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:44:36 — 158.6MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Guest Host Philip Shane, Death Of A Great Mind, Plastic Heat, Fish Filth, Swedish Power, Double Trouble, Sweet Myelin, Folding Proteins, Baby Mom Yawns, and Much More Science!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
What kind of legacy does a great mind leave
When it shifts from this mortal coil?
What is left after all has been done and said?
What remains of the hopes and dreams
when people remember the man who had been?
Is it the buildings?
The centers?
The labs?
The papers?
Is it the many presentations upon so many stages
That leaves the rest of humanity to guess
What would have been done next?
Or is it the students?
The colleagues?
The nemeses and friends?
Will those who speak now
forever create the space
You inhabit in our minds?
Or, is what is said here on
This Week in Science.
HELP TWIS GROW! GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Quick Science News!
Death Of A Great Mind
Last week, Craig Venter, the spearhead of synthetic biology, died. What comes next?
Plastic Heat
Are microplastics accelerating the warming of our planet?
Fish Filth
How long can Norwegian fish farms last if they’re swimming in filth?
Swedish Power
Why is Sweden digging a giant pit in the ground?
Double Trouble
When the “Big One” hits, will it take both California & Oregon?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
Blair’s Podcast Corner
Fantastical Field Guide
Finding the real-world inspiration for the fantastical creatures from your favorite fiction
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
More Science with Kiki!
Sweet Myelin
How does the body know when to build myelin?
Folding Proteins
Is your multivitamin helping your proteins get folded?
Baby Mom Yawns
Why do babies yawn when their moms do???
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, What Is Science Worried About?)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed Tiny Life, Human Fungus, Honeyguides, Survey Says, Vaccines and Menstruation, Art with Porpoise, Cuttlefish, Shrimp, Brain Computer Interface, Neanderthals, Tiny Town, On Being, and Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS How Ketamine Lifts, Weight Loss Gains, Dinos And Dung Beetles, Traumatic Insemination, Interview w/ Dr. Amro Hamdoun from UCSD, Rok Runestone Re-Read, Rhino Seed Vault?, 1 Trillion Friends?, Robo-Clicker For Dogs, How To Boil Water On Mars, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
If you love TWIS, and all the news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, Interview, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animals, artificial intelligence, biology, cell biology, cognitive science, computer science, earthquakes, end of the world, fish, geology, global warming, microbiology, molecular biology, podcast, psychology, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, sexy scientists, z-Broadcasts, z-Science-Videos | No Comments »
April 30th, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16:20 — 73.2MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Bye-Bye Science Board, Fluoride, Coffee, Bees Love Viruses, Sexist Birds, Yawns, Melatonin, and Much More Science!
Become a Patron!
Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch.
And remember that you can find TWIS in all the podcast directories. If you are looking for science podcasts on Spotify, we are there! Science podcasts on Google? We are there! Are you looking for science podcasts on iTunes or science podcasts on Apple? We are there, too! Just look for This Week in Science!
Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
We know that we need to be nice
if we want to have this conversation.
But, sometimes we just feel so frustrated
at what appears to be a choice on your part
to ignore valuable evidence
in favor of a story
you heard from Aunt Mabel.
Now, Aunt Mabel did have an experience,
And wow, did it change her mind.
But, Mabel is just one person
when the tens of thousands in clinical trials
are mighty.
But, we know you don’t know them.
You only know who know.
We only wish you would trust us
when we tell you what we know.
So, we’ll take a breath,
and take a step back.
We aren’t here to change your mind
with just one conversation this week.
But, maybe you’ll enjoy the banter.
Maybe you’ll find some fun.
And, maybe you come back every week
to join people who want to talk with you
here on This Week in Science.
HELP TWIS GROW! GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Quick Science News!
Bye-Bye Science Board
Last Saturday, President Trump fired all the members of the National Science Board with a brief email.
Fluoride Is Fine!
If the evidence doesn’t matter, this story means nothing.
Shocking Coffee
It’s the electrochemical profile of that cup that matters…
3D-MIND
It’s a three-dimensional brain in a dish that is wired up for computation!
Bees Love Viruses
Why do they prefer food containing viruses?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A TWIS SHIRT OR MUG, OR OTHER ITEM OF TWIS MERCHANDISE, CLICK ON THE ZAZZLE LINK TO BROWSE OUR STORE
Kiki’s Animal Corner!
Sexist City Birds?
Do birds really prefer human males over females?
DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
More Science with Kiki!
Yawns Are Good
What could a yawn possibly do for you?
Get Sleepy
How does melatonin work? Apparently, by inhibiting the effects of sensory stimulation.
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Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed Black Start, Bird Flu, Zoo Life, Blonde Beer, Anti-Microbiotic, Hippie Spiders, Real Pokemon, NIH, Musically Speaking, Screaming Trees, Electrome Eclipse, and Much More!
This week 10 years ago TWIS Interview with Dr. Cat Lutz from the Jackson Lab, Stabby Animals, Needy Nightshade, Alien Oceanography, Brain Thesaurus, Addictive Genes, Antibiotic Progress, Fragile X Memory, Soil Bacteria, Dirty Wine, Corvids Are Smart, A New Moon, Old Climate Records, And Much More! Take a blast into the past with TWIS!
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Tags: Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
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April 23rd, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58:14 — 109.7MB)
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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast?
This Week: Interview W/Sara Kobilka, Slowing Currents, Hard Freeze, It’s All Connected, Plant Lives, Cocaine Salmon, This Is New, Mars Stuff, and Much More Earth Science!
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Disclaimer, Disclaimer, Disclaimer!!!
Just how much is all this worth?
This planet of ours. This Earth?
In 1997, our global ecosystems were valued at just $33 trillion dollars annually.
give or take $17 trillion dollars.
At the same time, people globally were pumping out somewhere around $18 trillion,
or maybe $28 trillion,
or was it $31 trillion, as according to the WHO?
Later, in 2011, people profit was thought to be around $75 trillion,
while the planet was producing $125 trillion in benefits to people.
That number while shifting through time
decreases as environments are degraded by those activities
that push those profits ever higher.
How high can they get
lest we forget that our future is tied to this planet?
In 2024, nominal GDP was just $111 trillion.
Our population is nearly 8.3 billion.
There are so many reasons to value our planet,
Earth,
and to pay attention to This Week in Science!
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The Interview!
We’re starting the show off with an interview tonight.
Our guest, Sara Kobilka, is a Renaissance Woman and lifelong learner known for her multidisciplinary approach to both work and life. A self-identified multipotentialite and generalist, her career spans television news, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and entrepreneurship, giving her a uniquely broad and adaptable perspective.
Guided by values such as honesty, authenticity, curiosity, and mutual respect, Sara brings an interdisciplinary mindset to everything she does. Based in New York’s mid-Hudson Valley, she balances her professional pursuits with a vibrant personal life as a mother, wife, and enthusiast of gardening, fitness, wine, and theater.
This is a fun and fascinating Earth day interview you’ll want to listen to again and again!
Quick Science News!
Slowing Currents
Is our biggest climate disaster movie fear coming true?
Hard Freeze
Frost or Freeze? Why and when? Does how we talk about it matter?
It’s All Connected
Does the forest have an internet of sorts?
Plant Lives
Are plants really listening to the world around them?
Cocaine Salmon
What is all our cocaine doing to fish?
This Is New
Did we just find a new DNA replication process?
Mars Stuff
What do these organic molecules mean?
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DON’T FORGET TO GET FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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This Week in Science Questions!
Do you have questions that you want us to answer? Send us your questions (Like, what is the earth actually worth!?!?)! We will do our best to have answers!
Remember, everyone, we need you to write in with your questions!
Leave us a message on our Facebook page, email Dr. Kiki, or find us on Mastodon Social if you can!
Support is the secret to more TWIS!
WANT TO HELP TWIS? LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR TWIS ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM TODAY!
Take a blast into the past…
What were we discussing at this time last year? This time last year We discussed an Interview W/Natan Shahar, Carbon Capturing, Gator Biting, Fur Babies, Cow Burps, Climate Change Cost, Canceling Women Studies, Life in Spce, Deathbots, And Much More Science!
This week 10 years ago TWIS we discussed Bad Bleaching Down Under, Earth Day Plus, Dutch Decisions, Moving Forward, Stinky Lemurs, Mice On Ice, Panamanian Primate, CRISPR Mushrooms, CRISPR Advances, Iron Eaters, Ant Rafts, Interview w/ Jess Pelaez from Blueprint Earth, And Much More!
If you know and love TWIS, and all the science news we present each week, please consider making a donation to the This Week in Science podcast.
Tags: Dr. Kiki, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Kirsten Sanford, Interview, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, STEM, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
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