June 15th, 2017
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Multi-Dimensional Brains, Solar Twins, Jupiter Is Old, Iced Out, Promiscuous Salamanders, Meerkat Paste, Human Transition, Wireless Energy, Deep Brain Stimulation, Two-Headed Space Worms, No-Spray Tan, Fungal Creeps, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
Are you tired?
I am.
But, still, we are here.
We’ve come here for camaraderie
and enrichment,
Or, at least that’s part of why I’m here.
Each week that I show up.
No matter how tired I am when we begin
The idea of science as a connector
an equilibrator
and, although some might protest,
a democratizer,
fills me with excitement and energy.
So, that I am able to bring you
things I find most exciting
here on This Week in Science,
Coming up next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For Me Lately…
“Science has played a huge role throughout my entire life because it offers a way for us to seek what’s most important; the truth. My fascination with science and the answers it brings has led me to become a mycologist. I get to analyze fungi for my job, and through this I can find new medicines and practical uses for the organisms that most people take for granted. Fungi for me represents the very aspect of science that is so intriguing and wonderful, and that is all of the mysteries hidden within it, just waiting to be discovered. Thanks again for the wonderful show, TWIS, and I look forward to your next episode!”
-Minion Greg
Multi-Dimensional Brains
The Blue Brain project has concluded that the brain forms tiny multi-dimensional structures when stimulated in synchrony, and that these ephemeral structures could be the basis of our intelligence.
Solar Twins
New evidence suggests that all sun-like stars are born with a twin.
Jupiter Is Old
An analysis of meteorite fragments determined that Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system.
Salamanders bring a whole new meaning to promiscuous
This species maintains its all-female makeup by mating with males of other species, and stealing bits of their genetics. Freaky, right??
Meerkat smell is all about the microbes.
Meerkat 1 to meerkat 2: nice to meet you, here is my card, I mean my bacterial scent.
Support us on Patreon!
Human Transition
New tool discoveries give insight into the Neanderthal to Human transition.
Wireless Energy
Stanford University researchers have managed to build a wireless energy transmission system that can power a moving object up to a distance of 3 feet.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Researchers published a possibe methodology for transcranial deep brain stimulation. We are skeptical.
Two-Headed Space Worms
Flatworms sent to the ISS underwent modifications for survival. One grew two heads.
No-Spray Tan
Researchers are developing a topical cream that induces the production of the pigment melanin in skin cells. If it is shown to be safe for humans, it could be combined with sunscreen to be a self-tanner with massive built-in cancer protection.
Mosquito Killing Fungus
Scientists have modified a fungus to produce spider and scorpion toxins that allow it to become a potent mosquito killer.
The fungal horror!
This week in nightmare juice, we aim to make you afraid of… THE FUNGUS AMONG US!
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in amphibians, animal behavior, animals, anthropology, archeology, astrobiology, astronomy, astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysics, biology, biotechnology, Blair's Animal Corner, cancer, chemistry, cognitive science, cosmology, ecology, emergent behavior, end of the world, energy, engineering, evolution, galaxies, global warming, ISS, KDVS, mammals, mathematics, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, paleontology, pharmacology, physics, physiology, planets, podcast, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexuality, sexy scientists, space, space exploration, stars, technology, therapies, worms, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
June 9th, 2017
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Interview w/ Adrienne Godschalx re: Plant Defenses, Confirming Einstein, Void Life, We’re All Moroccan?, Old Rock… Paintings, CAR-T Therapy Win, Monkey Cat!!!, Climate’s All Connected, Magic Of Mucus, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
There is an enemy of reason that seeks the destruction of us all…
It stalks the most casual of conversations…
Lurks in the shadows of common misconceptions
Gathers round the crowd to influence consensus
Permeates the peripheral of popular perception
Is present in the lowest acts of inhumanity
And at home in the highest most hallowed halls of government…
And this enemy,
invisible to most…
Has a name…
Ignorance…
It’s not a crime to be ignorant…
Nor is it a decent defense…
But it is understandable why it is such a dominant force in the world…
And how powerless we may sometimes feel to defeat it…
It seems an impossible task, when each of us is ignorant of something…
As if the alternative must be for everyone to be informed on every subject
To know everything, in full expert detail so that we may be sure reason is thriving…
That we understand correctly the things we casually speak about…
But the task is far less daunting than it may at first seem…
We don’t need each of us to know everything…
We only need to learn how much knowledge is required to know the things we do not…
By recognizing our own ignorance of a subject, we can be enlightened by those who are not…
So in an effort to become reasonably enlightened despite our own ignorance we offer you…
This Week In Science…
coming up next.
This Week in What Has Science Done For Me Lately…
“I am an avid outdoors person, and live in eastern kentucky. Thanks to the biologists in Kentucky, in my life I have seen the return of the white tailed deer to Kentucky, along with turkey, otter, beaver, and elk. Black bear are working their way back, and hopefully grouse and quail will make a comeback soon…. currently they are battling diligently to stop white nose syndrome from destroying our bats, and to stop the emerald ash boarer from destroying our trees…… I am sure there is much more that I am forgetting”
–Minion Jeremiah Fuoss
Interview w/ Adrienne Godschalx on plants and their defenses
Adrienne moved to Portland in high school, and studied biology at Western Oregon University. She is currently a PhD candidate in Biology getting ready to defend her dissertation work, and a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow in the Ballhorn Lab at Portland State University.
Support us on Patreon!
Confirming Einstein
Data mining observations of stars orbiting black holes made by the Keck telescope has allowed physicists to confirm general relativity.
Void Life
We live in a cosmological void. Understanding this might help clear up some discrepancies in measurements of the expansion rate of the universe.
We’re all Moroccan?
New skull find take humanity back to 300,000 years old.
Earliest directly dated rock paintings from southern Africa
What was going on 3000-5000 years ago?
CAR T-Cell therapy
Latest trial sends multiple myeloma into lasting remission.
Monkey Cat!!!
Caught on video, the Monkey cat of lore has been sighted.
It’s all connected
Marine reserves could curb the effects of climate change – safe havens could make all the difference.
“It’s like having a runny nose, but on your lips…”
Scientists set out to discover “the magic of mucus” in feeding on corals
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Interview, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in agriculture, animal behavior, animals, anthropology, archeology, astronomy, astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysics, biology, biotechnology, Black Holes, Blair's Animal Corner, botany, cancer, cell biology, chemistry, clinical trials, cnidarians, conservationism, cosmology, ecology, emergent behavior, end of the world, evolution, exploration, fish, genetics, global warming, KDVS, mammals, marine biology, medicine, molecular biology, NASA, nutrition, paleontology, physics, podcast, relativity, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexuality, sexy scientists, space, space exploration, stars, technology, theoretical physics, therapies, Women in Science, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
June 1st, 2017
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Interview w/ Bill Schutt on Cannibals, Juno Science?, Off Kilter Enceladus, Groundwater On Mars, Massive Fail, Ancient Mummy DNA, Seed Spitting Goats, Pizza Fish, Kissing Macaques, The Methylome, Waste Not Water, Tasting Water, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
Control.
Sometimes you have it.
Sometimes you don’t.
Sometimes things happen as a direct result of your actions.
Sometimes things happen despite you.
Sometimes you feel like you are the wind.
Sometimes you are a leaf blowing at its mercy.
Sometimes people make decisions that you disagree with.
Sometimes those decisions won’t affect you,
but will affect your children and theirs.
Sometimes, for a moment, you feel powerless.
But, I’d like to remind you that you do have control.
You make choices for yourself.
You choose the path you follow.
You choose your own adventure.
You choose who to follow.
You choose to elect people you think will make the right choices for your grandchildren.
You choose evidence over fear.
You choose to be here for
This Week in Science.
Coming up next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For Me Lately…
“I have always been in awe of early societies and how they figured out solutions to problems that made their lives better. Such as, how to manipulate materials to be used in a manner that gave them shelter, protection and tools. I have been working with leather for 30 years and the science behind the tanning of the skin of an animal to be used for shelter and clothing makes me proud to be part of the family. Tanning was a huge jump that allowed our species to live in colder climates. My distant family used all the sciences, physic, chemistry, engineering and probably good old fashioned,”let Mikey try it he will eat anything,” trial and error method of testing.
Science has given me a living and I am here.
Cheers”
–Minion Dan
Interview w/ Bill Schutt–
Bill Schutt is a biology professor at LIU Post and a research associate in residence at the American Museum of Natural History. Schutt has published over two dozen peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from terrestrial locomotion in vampire bats to the precarious, arboreal copulatory behavior of a marsupial mouse. His research has been featured in Natural History magazine as well as The New York Times, Newsday, The Economist, and Discover magazine. Schutt currently serves on the board of directors of the North American Society for Bat Research. We spoke with Bill about his first book, Dark Banquet: Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures, and after not too many years we are pleased to welcome him back to the show to discuss his latest non-fiction work, ‘Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History‘.
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Juno Science?
Science results are in from Jupiter’s Juno mission, and Jupiter is, well… weird.
JUNOCAM
Off Kilter Enceladus
A new analysis suggests that Enceladus might have been knocked off-axis at some point in the past.
Groundwater On Mars
Gale crater has signs of water much longer than previously believed, expanding the possible window for the development of life on the red planet.
Massive Fail
Could be a big win for astronomers! It’s possible astronomers have witnessed, for the first time, the birth of a black hole from a failed supernova.
Genome data from ancient Egyptian mummies
Yup, you read that right. Mummies have genetic secrets to tell.
Tree-climbing goats spit out seeds for science!
The famous tree-climbing goats of Morocco disperse seeds by spitting them out. This bad habit may explain how ruminants who are quite good at breaking down large seeds contribute to their habitat.
What does a piece o’ pizza and fish fin have in common?
That bend you make to get the cheesy goodness into your mouth could also prevent fish from being too floppy!
Kissing macaques
IS A TERRIBLE IDEA! Don’t think that macaques is sending out friendly signals of love. It will probably bite you.
The Methylome
Scientists are figuring out a new way to modify organisms without affecting the genes. This new study tracks the methylation marks on the rice genome to enable epigenetic modification.
Waste Not, want not
Let’s all agree to call it water resource reclamation instead of wastewater treatment, shall we?
How Many Taste Buds?
Looks like there might be 6th taste sense thanks to a new study in Nature Neuroscience that found taste receptors in the mouth that respond to water.
Cannabis For Epilepsy
When given CBD as a treatment for Dravet Syndrome, children had almost 50% fewer seizures in a month.
Beauty And Science
People think unattractive people do better science.
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Bill Schutt, Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Interview, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in amphibians, animal behavior, animals, anthropology, archeology, arthropods, astrobiology, astronomy, astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysics, biology, Black Holes, Blair's Animal Corner, cell biology, chemistry, clinical trials, cognitive psychology, cognitive science, conservationism, cosmology, ecology, emergent behavior, engineering, evolution, fish, genetics, KDVS, mammals, marine biology, medicine, molecular biology, NASA, neuroscience, nutrition, paleontology, pharmacology, physics, physiology, planets, podcast, reptiles, science, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexy scientists, space, space exploration, spacecraft, stars, stem cells, technology, therapies, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
May 25th, 2017
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Interview w/ Richard Prum, Synestia Is Biconcave!, Sperm In Space!!!, Huaca Prieta Find, Cockatools, Happy Friendly Snakes, Flamingo Legs, Whale Of A Tale, Fake Inch Worms, Volkswagen Code, Scary Viruses, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
The wilderness…
Is all around us…
At least it once was…
Full of predators and prey…
Elemental exposures of heat and cold…
Pokey things on the ground,
infectious things all around..
And other natural dangers of every sort…
We survived as a species in this dangerous world because we knew how to.
We found solutions for survival…
Learned from our mistakes…
And we passed knowledge on to future generations…
And while the wilderness has been banished to the fringes of most human society…
The civilized world remains a dangerous place…
And nothing can be more dangerous to a civilized world…
Than forgetting how we got here in the first place.
If we forget that we are here because of our ability to reason,
to learn and to find solutions…
Than we are doomed…
Doomed I tell you!
Doomed in so many ways,
but worst of all,
it will be an ignorant sort of doom…
The most boring doom possible…
One that never sees the threats coming…
and so takes no action…
But thankfully,
there are plenty of un-boring people left in the world…
And right now they are all tuned into…
This Week In Science…
coming up next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For Me Lately…
“Hello Dr. Kiki. Science influences all aspects of our lives, so it was difficult to think of just one thing. I decided to choose my job.
I just graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and I am currently a self-employed private tutor and child care worker in Alabama. Technology allows me to not only reach out to families and get hired, but to also conduct fast background checks and write lesson plans. Without the internet, I would not have access to a lot of testing and educational services. Thank you science!”
-minion Joanna Gobbell
Interview w/ Richard Prum, author of “The Evolution of Beauty – How Darwin’s forgotten theory of mate choice shapes the animal world – and us”
RICHARD O. PRUM is the William Robertson Coe Professor of Ornithology at Yale University, and Head Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. He has conducted field work throughout the world, and has studied fossil theropod dinosaurs in China. He received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2010.
Support us on Patreon!
Synestia Is Biconcave!
UC Davis researchers discover a new form of proto-planetary body, henceforth dubbed the synestia.
Sperm In Space!!!
A Japanese study launched mouse sperm into space aboard the ISS for 9 months. When returned to Earth, although damaged at the level of the DNA, health offspring were produced. Good news for people who want to procreate in space!
Huaca Prieta getting even older
Analysis of a core from the earth beneath the site found remains dating back to possibly 15,000 years ago.
Cockatoos take good care of their tools
When using tools, these birds are quite good at keeping track of them, and keeping them within reach. This brings tool use to a whole new branch!
Snakes hunt in groups!
Cuban boas in caves make a snake curtain, ensuring the capture of a meal. Snakes may not be so solitary after-all…
Flamingos are yoga masters
But it is mostly due to their anatomy, so don’t feel too sad you can’t sleep standing on one foot…
Whale of a tale to tell ya…
Climate change might have enabled whales to grow to the sizes we see today.
Fake Inch Worms
Researchers planted fake clay inch worms all over the world and discovered that there is a higher predation risk for insects in the tropics.
Computer code released
This is the code that Volkswagen used to cheat emissions tests, and it is massively incriminating.
Antibodies For Ebola
Two antibodies isolated from a human survivor of the 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic prevented infection in mice and ferrets by the three strains of Ebola that ususally cause outbreaks.
Zika Evolution
Why is Zika spreading in the Americas when it has gone relatively unnoticed in the rest of the world for so long? Looks like one specific mutation is driving its infectious surge.
Tabby’s Star Is Up To Something
It looks as though it is dimming again, which offers a chance for scientists to gather more data on the mysterious star.
Killing ants with seaweed
Biodegradable seaweed compound might make for a safer and more effective poison against Argentine ants.
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Interview, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, animals, archeology, arthropods, astrobiology, astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysics, australia bashing, biology, biotechnology, birds, Blair's Animal Corner, cognitive science, diy tech, ecology, emergent behavior, evolution, genetics, infectious diseases, insects, ISS, KDVS, mammals, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, NASA, paleontology, parrots, pharmacology, physicists, physics, physiology, planets, podcast, psychobiology, science, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexuality, sexy scientists, space, technology, therapies, whales, z-Broadcasts | 1 Comment »
May 18th, 2017
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Our Earth Bubble, Historical Nuke News, Zeno’s Quantum Phone, Genetic Origins, All The Dad Feels, Crazy Lady Flies, Be Random!, Microbial Regulation, Trees On The Move, Common Ideas, Big Old Bite, Salty Plastics, Stress Animals, Bees Love Detroit, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
Intelligence…
Is the one thing we depend on in modern society, more than any other…
With it…
we are healthier, more prosperous, more secure, and more free…
Without it…
we will be sicker, poorer, at greater risk, and beholden to others…
And of all the intelligence out there…
the most important, the most precious…
The most pluripotent with potentiality…
Is that which was not known before…
Hidden knowledge,
that once revealed by science can make up for our prior lack of intelligence about an issue… and propel us along a path unseen to us previously.
The following hour of programming contains such previously unknown intelligence that
If shared with the adversaries of the United States of America,
Could lead to greater dialog on important issues that affect all mankind…
Issues that put into perspective tensions over trade and territory minutia
Issues like global warming, disease prevention, sustainability, and our common origins…
Like how a half dozen different hominins once walked the earth together,
and have you seen the billions of galaxies that recently came into Hubble’s view?
So, if you find yourself in casual conversation behind closed doors with potential adversaries…
And wish to tout the intelligence you are privy too…
Look no further than…
This Week in Science,
Coming Up Next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For Me Lately…
“At the end of July 2015 I checked myself into hospital because I couldn’t breathe. Five days later, after an emergency tracheostomy, the diagonosis of larageal cancer was confirmed. I call August 17th the day of the short knives, when two highly skilled professionals cut my throat. After the total laryngetomy the anatomy of my neck has been drastically reconstructed.
So what has science done for me lately? Well, Let’s see. I breathe through a whole in my neck between my collarbones… but I’m still breathing. I count that as a win.
Be well.”
–minion Julian Sammy
Our Earth Bubble
Very low frequency radio transmission from people on Earth has created a barrier to radiation coming from space.
Historical Nuke News
Declassified data from atmospheric nuclear explosions during the Cold War are informing scientists about how humans can affect space weather and potentially protect satellites from damaging solar storms.
Zeno’s Quantum Phone
Chinese scientists sent an image between two places without sending any particles. This is the first report of what is called direct counterfactual quantum communication.
Origin of Life on earth…
A phylogenetic analysis of the genes shared by organisms has taken researchers back to the ones that were most important at the beginning.
What makes a good dad?
It may all be in the hormones!
It’s just something about him… it makes me crazy!
It might be his sperm, controlling you from WITHIN. At least, if you are a fruit fly. Something in sperm makes females agressive after mating. Thanks, guys….
Tadpoles say, any port in a storm!
Tadpoles will jump on any frog’s back, even one of another species, to escape their cannibalistic siblings!
Support us on Patreon!
Be Random!
But, only 10% random in your behavior if you are an AI bot.
Microbes can regulate your genes
A new study shows the influence that microbes hold over our guts.
Trees On The Move
Tree populations are splitting up, with some deciding to move north and others heading west.
Tracking Drought
California’s groundwater supply ebbs and grows depending on the state of saturation. Drought and irrigation have historically reduced the state’s groundwater reserves, but more recently tree crops like almonds have led to large ground water reductions even with reductions in irrigation.
Atheism more common than once thought
Atheists might make up to 1/4 of the US population.
Big Old Bite
T-rex had one of the strongest bites in history according to a new analysis based on lassoing crocodiles.
Salty Plastics
Your sea salt has plastic in it. Not a lot, but it’s there.
Dogs help kids feel less stressed
Having their family dog in the room kept children calm when tasked with public speaking, even more than their parents did!
Bumble bees take over Detroit
It’s basically due to lots of fallow land.
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, animals, anthropology, arthropods, artificial intelligence, astronomy, biology, Blair's Animal Corner, cell biology, cognitive psychology, cognitive science, computer science, conservationism, ecology, emergent behavior, engineering, evolution, fish, genetics, global warming, insects, KDVS, mammals, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, NASA, paleontology, physics, podcast, quantum physics, reptiles, robots, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexuality, sexy scientists, space, space exploration, technology, world robot domination, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
May 12th, 2017
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Fewer Insect Bodies, Size Matters, Weed For Aging?, New Naledi Find, “I’d rather die”, Cuttlefish Love, Dirty Kitchens, Flies, Flies, Flies, Beavers And Oysters, World Robot Domination, Ghostbusters Dino, And Much, Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
Nothing… you are about to hear,
will prepare you for what comes next.
Often…
what comes next will be expected…
It may still surprise you…
Despite the fact that you knew it was coming…
But not for long…
There’s a little bit of permeating mental apathy in all of us,
That thinks every what’s next
Looks just like the last what’s it that came and went…
And there’s nothing you can do about it…
It comes from the steady state of object permanence in a predictable universe…
There is however a way to get mental apathy to put its predictive powers on pause…
Dance across the mind like mental floss stories of unimagined reality,
Insights…
outside of current knowledge,
And a rapid unveiling of riveting mysteries,
that at times solve puzzles millions of years old…
If you are already tuned into this show…
all you have to do is…
Nothing…
We’ve got it from here…
on…
This Week In Science,
Coming Up Next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For You Lately…
“I’m a registered nurse and I work in an infectious disease clinic at an academic hospital. Everyday we battle epidemics, save lives and prevent death, disease and disability.
All of this would never exist without…SCIENCE! Science gives us the tools and structure to screen for, assess, diagnose, treat and monitor disease. Modern scientific practices of medicine, the bio-chemical wonders of pharmaceuticals, the basic laboratory sciences of common blood and body fluid tests…all of this thanks to science. Science guides me daily and is a critical component of the ‘Art and Science of Nursing practice’.
Thank you Science!
And thank you TWIS team, I’m a TWIS addict for several years now. Thank you for all you do to educate and entertain.”
-minion Brian Hedrick
Fewer Insect Bodies
A group of mainly amateur entomologists in Germany has been recording insect numbers and types for over 30 years, and is now working with scientists to report their recent findings of dramatic population decreases.
Size Matters
An analysis of overall brain size versus size of 30 discrete brain areas in 58 songbird species representing 20 taxonomic families decreed that overall all size matters most and came first in the evolution of cognitive abilites.
Weed For Aging?
We’ve helped out mice again. This time we’ve discovered that getting them pretty pipped on pot keeps the brains of again mice on par with the young.
New Naledi find…
helps round out the picture
“I’d rather die”
That’s what the female dragonfly said to the male at his advances, and then she did. Or did she??
Cuttlefish love is messy
They aren’t concerned about causing a scene! For the first time in the wild, researchers saw a first-hand instance of male competition, sizing each other up for combat, just like many vertebrates.
Support us on Patreon!
The joy of eating in a kitchen with severe health violations…
Welcome home!
Human Fly Brains
A brain circuit controls protein cravings in flies according to a new NIH-funded study.
Fly Eyes
They’ve got a newly discovered light-sensing molecule!
Human Fly Genes
A new study provides more evidence to the reason why sex is so great – it’s all about the negative selection! We are not so different from flies.
Beavers and Oysters and global warming…
This is GOOD news!!!
World Robot Domination
Robots teaching robots, thanks to humans.
Ghostbusters Dino
Named after the demon Zuul from Ghostbusters, the well-preserved specimen of Anklyosaur found in Montana, probably used its clubbed tail to defend its 2500 kg self.
Babies And Boobies
A recent study in JAMA found that 30% of babies’ gut bacteria came from their mother’s breastmilk, and only 10% from the skin on the breast and nipple.
Warm Lizard Bellies
Increasing temperatures might wreak havoc on lizard digestion.
Sometimes evolution is a fickle mistress.
Fruit flies immune to pesticides are also garbage in the sack. Sorry boys, mother nature will show you out…
Ancient bacterial beauty secret
On your face!
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, anthropology, archeology, arthropods, artificial intelligence, biology, Blair's Animal Corner, cell biology, cephalopod, cognitive science, computer science, ecology, emergent behavior, endangered animals, engineering, evolution, global warming, insects, KDVS, mammals, marine biology, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, paleontology, physiology, podcast, recreational drugs, reptiles, robots, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexuality, sexy scientists, technology, therapies, world robot domination, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
May 4th, 2017
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:52 — 88.2MB)
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Science Budget, Cooperative Antibiotic, Cassini Dives, DNA From Dirt, Everybody Poops, Symbiotic Species, New Dino Discovery, Brain Communication, Wine Protection, Two Language Time, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
“We have a new technique…”
It’s one of the most exciting phrases…
A cluster of words we love to hear in science…
That eureka moment when a new scientific tool is discovered…
Because a new technique for inquiry…
Hints that hidden knowledge is about to be unveiled…
Is pregnant with the promise of potential discovery…
Should send shivers of anticipation down the spines of any vertebrate science fan…
And just as every discovery in science leads to still further finding farther down the road…
Each new tool of science is just the beginning
of what our research capabilities will be tomorrow…
And while tomorrow is always just a day away
Now is the moment in which you can do
And right now you are about to delve into another exciting cluster of words we call…
This Week In Science…
Coming Up Next…
What has Science Done For me Lately???
“Thanks to science I have allergy medication to relieve my stuffy head and coughing.
Also thanks to science I have clean water to take my pill with”
–David Vaughan
Science Budget
Science actually came out ok in the recent budget deliberations. Thank you, Congress!
Cooperative Antibiotic
Studying fungal species in tandem allowed researchers to discover a potent antibiotic that destroys MRSA.
Cassini Dives
It’s onto dive number two out of 20 for the little space craft that could, as it explores the rings of Saturn.
DNA… from dirt
Technique makes it possible to extract the DNA from hominids preserved in sediments.
Everybody Poops …In 12 seconds.
So says a study with very little data.
Symbiotic Species
What does the salamander gain from having algae in it’s cells?
Support us on Patreon!
New dino discovery
What’s up with this dino’s little arms?
Brain Communication
The thalamus appears to play a necessary role in helping you keep thoughts in your mind.
How wine protects the brain…
indirectly via your gut bacteria!!!
Time For Two Languages
Language affects your perception of time.
3D In Space!
Who won the ISS 3D Design Challenge? engineer Andy Filo won with a design for a femtosatellite launcher.
Artificial Intelligence Reigns Supreme
At least in predicting Supreme Court decisions. An algorithm is now officially better than people at making predictions about the highest court in the US, but not by much.
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Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Dr. Kiki, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in amphibians, animal behavior, animals, anthropology, archeology, artificial intelligence, astronomy, astronomy, bioethics, biology, biotechnology, cell biology, chemistry, cognitive psychology, cognitive science, computer science, ecology, emergent behavior, evolution, exploration, genetics, ISS, KDVS, linguistics, mammals, microbiology, molecular biology, NASA, neuroscience, paleontology, physics, physiology, planets, podcast, psychology, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexy scientists, space, space exploration, spacecraft, technology, z-Broadcasts | No Comments »
April 27th, 2017
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Science March Recap, Lamb Bags, Super Supernova Discovery!, Hobbit Origins, Hungry Hungry Caterpillars, Drunk Invertebrates, Buggy Bidding, No Air No Problem, Feet Hitting Pavement, Nutritional Issues, Phages Vs. Bacteria, Whispering Whales, And Much More…
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DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER!!!
Don’t give up…
I understand,
believe me I get it…
somehow, nothing makes sense…
But so what?
So what if not all the puzzle pieces fit…
So what if the data sets seem a bit screwy…
The time line’s totally topsy-turvy…
So what if the conclusions you’ve come to,
conform to no prevailing theory…
If you’ve done things the right way…
Allowed the right method to motivate the mode of inquiry…
Followed facts as they were found…
Recorded results as they were revealed…
Then chances are…
you’ve got it right…
And if you’re wrong…
well that’s ok too…
Because regardless of how things began,
they’ve at least led you to…
This Week in Science…
coming up Next…
This Week in What Has Science Done For You Lately…
came from Minion Mike Hampton:
“You can have your TV, your computers, your internet, your electricity, etc. How about the most obscure or taken for granted technology? Like the greatest influence of science in the past 20 years has been pay at the pump (when buying gas). Just think of all the countless hours that are saved every single day by not having to go into the convenience store to pay for your gas (which should never take more than 20 seconds) and having to inevitably always stand there for 5+ minutes stuck behind 3 other people who are buying cigarettes and scratch off lottery tickets at the register. Yea yea.. first world problems and all that. 🙂 It’s a basic technology that everyone takes for granted and no one ever thinks about, but no one would want to go back to not having it.”
Science March Recap
Thousands marched world-wide generating varying amounts of media attention from many different viewpoints. We will see what happens next? Will science become politicized as many have predicted? Or, will science eventually find its proper place in political decision-making?
Lamb Bags
Fetal lambs at an age approximately equivalent to a 23-week old human fetus developed normally in artificial womb environments called Biobags for up to 4 weeks raising the possibility of eventually using this technology to support extremely premature babies.
Super Supernova Discovery!
A distant galaxy is gravitationally bending the light from a type 1a supernova. But, that’s not all, the gravitational warping created four separate lensed images that astronomers are using to test calculations of the expansion of the universe itself.
Origins of Indonesian hobbits
It’s an out-of-Africa story that adds to the rich diversity of human evolution.
Caterpillars could eat us out of our plastic problem
And no, they aren’t just chewing it into tiny pieces!
Social crayfish are drunken crayfish
Crayfish exposed to alcohol had higher sensitivity when brought up in a social environment. What does this mean for humans??
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Gut bacteria “speak” to the brain
And, they tell us what to eat.
No Air No Problem
Naked mole rats just got weirder… they can change their metabolism to survive without oxygen for up to 18 minutes.
“>Walking, running, but not bicycling, good for the brain…
There is something about feet landing on solid ground that triggers brainy benefits.
Nutrition Science Highlights Problems
This past week several studies and articles were published within the sphere of nutritional science, which we report on here at TWIS regularly. However, as a whole, they highlight trouble – not just with understanding how to apply the science to your daily lives, but with the scientific practice itself.
To start, a cohort study looked for links between sugar or diet soda drinks and stroke and dementia. The result are being reported all over as a reason to throw away your diet sodas, but the reality is that their statistical analysis seems more like a search for anything statistically significant at all rather than well-reasoned tests.
A second study brings data from 60 year old dusty cardboard boxes back to life with a finding that goes against the common idea that saturated fat is bad and should be replaced by unsaturated vegetable oils, and is a historical tale that should be a warning to scientists about cherry-picking data to fit hypotheses. This comes as doctors argue that the evidence supports a rethinking of our stance on dietary saturated fats.
And, finally, an analysis of a few papers by a prominent nutritional psychology researcher has come up with some inconsistencies that might lead to a deeper review of the scientist’s entire body of work – it was sparked by a blog post made by the scientist intended to inspire grad students to look for opportunities, but instead revealed questionable research practices.
None of this should tell you that science is generally bad, but remind us that science is currently under a period of intense self-scrutiny and evolution… hopefully, to a stronger and more efficient form.
Phages Vs. Bacteria
For the first time in the US, phage therapy was used to treat multi-drug resistant bacterial infection.
Whispering whales
Mothers and calves “whisper” to one another, possibly to avoid predators.
From the TWIS mailbag:
“There is a major difference between hemp plants used for fiber, and marijuana used for THC. Marijuana plants make very poor fiber plants and hemp doesn’t have thc in useable quantities.
Growing strategies are also very different. in marijuana you want to keep all the leafy female plants in hemp the tallest make plants give the best fiber because the vast fiber is what holds the plant up and you want long straight fibers.
Here’s a link for more information.
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/16/5-differences-hemp-marijuana/
I do spinning demos at a folk art festival in Seattle, WA where marijuana is legal medically and recreationally. I get a ton of questions.
Love the science,
Sara Faulds”
If You love TWIS, please consider making a donation below.
Don’t forget to tell a friend about TWIS, and to check out our Patreon page!
Tags: Blair Bazdarich, Dr. Kiki, Justin Jackson, Kirsten Sanford, new media, news, Patreon, podcast, radio, science, science news, science podcast, science policy, science radio, talk, technology, This Week in Science, TWIS
Posted in animal behavior, animals, archeology, arthropods, astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysics, biology, biotechnology, Blair's Animal Corner, cell biology, cognitive science, conservationism, cosmology, crustaceans, ecology, emergent behavior, engineering, evolution, galaxies, infectious diseases, insects, KDVS, mammals, marine biology, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, NASA, neuroscience, nutrition, paleontology, physics, physiology, podcast, science, science and politics, Science Education, science history, Science Music, sexy scientists, space, stars, technology, therapies, whales, z-Broadcasts | 2 Comments »
