Curious by Nature

For decades, the standard medical advice for treating a concussion was to go sit in a dark room, turn off your phone, and do absolutely nothing until you felt better. But modern science has completely flipped the script, revealing that hiding out in the dark might actually make your brain recover slower. Dr. Kouros Emami is a clinical and sports neuropsychologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he works on the cutting edge of head injury recovery. He treats everyone from elite athletes to everyday people, using active movement and specialized exercises to help the brain heal itself.

Dr. Brian Southwell is a Distinguished Fellow at RTI International, where he researches science communication, public trust, and the spread of misinformation. His work focuses on helping researchers and institutions better connect with the communities they serve.

Michael Schutz is a Professor of Music, Cognition, and Percussion at McMaster University, where he researches how auditory alerting systems in healthcare can be vastly improved. By applying centuries of musical composition insight and psychophysical research, he is exploring how healthcare sounds can be re-engineered to cut through critical room noise without being unnecessarily jarring.

Dr. Raihan Khan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at James Madison University, and Madalynn Nofplot is a JMU Honors College alumna and nursing student.  They launched a fascinating study to look into how different music genres affect the academic performance and GPAs of college students with and without attention deficit disorder.

Hypersonic vehicles travel a whole mile of sky in just one second. They can be missiles or aircraft, where the friction gets so ridiculously hot that the air around the vehicle literally turns into a blinding shield of electricity.  Dr. Ian Boyd is the Director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he researches multiple aspects of these hypersonic vehicles.

Dr. John Cooke, Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Research Fellow Dr. Shuang Li are using mRNA technology to heal this process from the inside out. By delivering a temporary molecular recipe, they prompt cells to produce telomerase, which rapidly accelerates DNA repair and restores telomeres. 

Dr. Mohammad Moghimi is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His team has developed a "chipless patch" that can sense the tiny electrical differences between healthy tissue and a tumor.

If a salamander loses a leg, it doesn't just heal, it grows a perfect new one. Humans, however, have seemingly lost this "instruction manual" for regeneration over millions of years of evolution. Dr. Josh Currie is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Wake Forest University. He studies axolotls and zebrafish to understand why these animals can regrow limbs and tails while we can't. 

Sandro Galea is the Margaret Ryan Dean and the Kahn Professor of Public Health at the Washington University School of Public Health. He shares his unique path and perspective on public health and shares ways that WashU is focusing on improving the health for many people locally and globally. 

Iron deficiency affects millions of people, especially women, yet many go years without knowing it, even though it’s one of the most treatable conditions. Dr. George Goshua is a physician-scientist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, where he studies how gaps in diagnosis and access to care can leave patients untreated. His work highlights how something as simple as iron levels can have long-term effects on energy, pregnancy, and even the next generation. The episode has also been shared with leadership at the American Society of Hematology (ASH), which is leading national efforts to improve awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of iron deficiency. Learn more through the ASH Iron Deficiency Initiative.

Shaun Davies, Associate Professor of Finance and Faculty Director of the Burridge Center for Finance at the University of Colorado Boulder, explains how financial markets respond to global instability and geopolitical conflict. For many of us, the constant stream of headlines about conflict in the Middle East can feel overwhelming and disheartening. From an economic perspective, consumers often worry about and struggle with rising food and gas prices. Meanwhile, do financial markets have the kind of checks and balances needed to withstand periods of high instability?

With AI now able to mimic voices, write convincing messages, and even fake video calls, telling what’s real online is harder than ever. Sebastian Schuetz is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studies how organizations manage cyber risk like data breaches and ransomware attacks. 

Eating healthy doesn’t mean spending more money. We often assume that more expensive food is better for us, but research shows that price has surprisingly little to do with nutrition. Professor William Masters is an economist at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition, where he studies how food prices relate to health and environmental impact. His work reveals that it’s possible to eat both nutritious and climate-friendly meals, without spending more.

What if your body is quietly guiding your food choices in ways you don’t even realize? Jeff Brunstrom is a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Bristol, where he studies how our brains, behavior, and environment shape the way we eat. His research suggests that we’re not just passively consuming food, we may have “nutritional intelligence,” where our bodies push us toward certain foods to meet our needs. But in today’s world of ultra-processed meals, that system can be disrupted, leading us to eat more without realizing why.

Why is brain cancer so hard to treat, and what if the brain itself is helping it spread?  Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, not because it forms a single tumor, but because it spreads like invisible threads throughout the brain, making it nearly impossible to remove completely.  Dr. Sheila Singh is a Professor of Neuro-Oncology and Neurosurgery at King’s College London, Co-Head of the School of Cancer (with Pharmaceutical Sciences), and Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, while also serving as a part-time Professor of Surgery and Biochemistry at McMaster University. Her research uncovers how brain cells may actually be helping cancer grow and spread, and how existing drugs could be repurposed to stop it.

Every year, researchers publish discoveries that could improve our lives, from health to technology to public policy. But much of that work never reaches the people who could benefit from it. It stays behind paywalls, written in technical language, and shared mostly within academic circles. Dr. Quan Xie is an associate professor of digital advertising at Southern Methodist University. Her research explores how scholars can better share their work using storytelling, digital platforms, and tools like AI to bring research beyond the journal and into the real world.

How do you know if you have a genetic condition that increases your risk of certain types of cancer?  For people with inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome, the risk of cancer is much higher, yet most don’t even know they have it.  Dr. Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez is a physician-scientist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, working on new ways to stop cancer early, including a vaccine designed to train the immune system to recognize and fight it. 

Newswise’s Jessica Johnson shares highlights from a recent trip visiting communications teams and researchers across universities in the southeastern United States. Below are some of the research stories featured in this episode. ARPA-H PRINT Program Supports WFIRM-Led Award to Create on-Demand, Bioprinted Kidneys, Published by Wake Forest UniversityHow Studying Yeast in the Gut Could Lead to Better Drugs, Published by North Carolina State University How health risk communication best practices can improve community flood risk communication, Published by RTI InternationalHealthy habits can make your brain age more slowly, study finds, Published by University of FloridaNew FAU Research Strengthens Evidence Linking Alcohol Use to Cancer, Published by Florida Atlantic UniversityEfficacy of Service Dogs with Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Community Reintegration, Published by Nova Southeastern UniversityThe Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Selected as U.S. Site for Neuralink Clinical Trial, Published by University of Miami – Miller School of MedicineNew Study Could Show How TikTok’s Algorithm Affects Youth Mental Health, Published by Georgia Tech

February brought a wide range of compelling research stories from universities across the country. From the University of Utah’s powerful study, “Banning Lead in Gas Worked. The Proof Is in Our Hair,” to the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine’s findings in “Pink Noise Reduces REM Sleep and May Harm Sleep Quality,” scientists are uncovering insights that directly impact our daily lives. We also saw Binghamton University, SUNY publish “Record-Breaking Antarctic Drill Reveals 23 Million Years of Climate History,” the University of Nebraska–Lincoln explore business strategy in “Research Shows Companies Can Gain Advantage by Prioritizing Customer Privacy,” and Johns Hopkins Medicine report on long-term brain health in “Cognitive Speed Training Linked to Lower Dementia Incidence Up to 20 Years Later.” Let’s take a closer look at what made these stories stand out this month.

Jeff Grabmeier who recently retired as the Senior Director of Research Communications at Ohio State University. Jeff spent decades working to help turn complex research into stories that informed and connected with the media and public readers.  Jeff is a goldmine of information and knowledge about research communications. But also, he has changed the lives of many researchers through his amazing communications efforts. If you are a researcher, scholar, or leader in higher education, Jeff is the type of person you want to be close by. 

Luca Ziegler, PhD Candidate at West Virginia University and Mental Performance Consultant, studies how psychological flexibility helps athletes and performers succeed under pressure. Everyone tells athletes and performers to “stay calm under pressure.” But what if the secret to peak performance isn’t staying calm at all? High-stakes moments, from championship games to career-defining opportunities, don’t just test skill. They test how well we handle pressure. In this episode, Ziegler explains how psychological flexibility, staying open, aware, and in control during stressful moments, can help athletes reach flow and clutch states when it matters most, offering insights that apply not only to sports but to high-pressure situations in everyday life.

Dr. Bruce Stamos, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, treats athletic injuries and studies how players recover and stay on the field during high-stakes competition. The Super Bowl isn’t just a battle of talent, it’s also a test of endurance and physical resilience. By the end of the season, many players are dealing with fatigue, lingering injuries, and the constant risk that one sudden movement, like an ACL tear, could change the course of the game. In this episode, Dr. Stamos pulls back the curtain on what professional athletes are dealing with behind the scenes, explaining how medical teams manage injuries, monitor recovery, and make strategic decisions to keep players performing at the highest level.

Dr. Danielle Dick, Director of the Rutgers Addiction Research Center and Professor at Rutgers University, studies how genetics and environment interact to influence substance use and addiction across the lifespan. Most people will encounter alcohol or other substances at some point in their lives. For many, that use remains occasional and manageable. For others, it becomes something far more disruptive. Understanding why substance use leads to severe challenges for some but not for most has become a central question in addiction research. In this episode, Dr. Dick explains how the answer may lie in the complex interaction between our genes and our environments, unfolding from childhood into adulthood. By identifying genetic risk factors and tracing how they influence mental health and addiction outcomes, researchers hope to develop better strategies for prevention, early intervention, and treatment.

Every January, we promise ourselves this will be the year we finally change. Better habits, bigger goals, stronger willpower. And yet, by February, most of those resolutions are already gone. So what’s really going on?  We are joined this week by Dr. E.J. Masicampo of Wake Forest University to talk about the psychology behind why New Year’s resolutions fail, and the surprisingly simple strategies that actually make change stick. If you’ve ever wondered why motivation fades or how to work with your brain instead of against it, this conversation is for you.

Dr. Robert Haley of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, has spent years researching the unexplained illnesses affecting veterans of the first Gulf War. For more than 30 years, many veterans have reported persistent symptoms including fatigue, cognitive problems, vertigo, and chronic pain, often without a clear medical explanation. Early theories struggled to solve the mystery, but advances in brain imaging are now providing new clues.

In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Johnson, the founder of Newswise. Roger launched Newswise in the early days of personal computing with a simple but powerful idea: make credible science and research news easier for journalists to find and use. We explore the origins of Newswise, the role of curiosity in journalism and science, and how early technology reshaped the way information is shared. We also talk about creativity, asking better questions, and what the future may hold for science communication in an evolving media landscape.

Dr. Jessica Troilo of West Virginia University, Associate Professor in Child Development and Family Studies and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs in the College of Applied Human Sciences, studies how families build healthy relationships and navigate everyday challenges. During the holidays, families often connect in more ways than just gathering around the table. Quality time can create opportunities for meaningful interaction and shared experiences, but it can also bring stress, expectations, and sometimes tension.

Dr. Edward Yoon of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, Chief of Interventional Radiology, is working on new ways to treat chronic back pain using advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures. For millions of people who suffer from back pain, finding lasting relief can be an ongoing struggle. Traditional treatments like epidural injections often provide only temporary relief and don’t always address the root cause of the problem. Dr. Yoon explains how combining high-tech imaging with minimally invasive techniques can offer a more effective approach to treatment, helping patients find longer-lasting relief while considering the broader landscape of musculoskeletal care.

Professor Parke Wilde of Tufts University, Professor of Nutrition Policy and Food Economics, studies the economics of nutrition assistance programs and how food affordability affects communities. Questions about food prices have become increasingly urgent for many Americans, especially during the holidays. As families make decisions about how to stretch their grocery budgets, food insecurity becomes a growing concern.

Dr. Cory Haltman, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, studies the psychology behind gift-giving and how people make decisions when choosing presents. Gift-giving can be enjoyable, but it can also become stressful when we start overthinking it. Many people worry about finding the “perfect” gift, giving it at the right time, or making sure it feels meaningful enough. Dr. Haltman explains what research reveals about the psychology of gift-giving, why people often worry about the wrong things, and what actually matters most to the person receiving the gift.

Dr. Pooja Budhiraja, Transplant Nephrologist and Living Donor Medical Director at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, focuses on protecting the health and well-being of living organ donors while expanding access to transplantation. Every day, thousands of people are waiting for a life-saving transplant, and for many, that wait can last years. While the demand for organs continues to grow, one of the most powerful solutions comes from living donors, individuals who choose to donate a kidney or part of their liver to someone in need.

Dr. Chen Wang, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southern Methodist University, studies privacy and security in modern communication technologies. Video calls have become part of everyday life, and most of us assume we’re safe when the camera is turned off. But Dr. Wang’s research shows that even small sounds during a call can reveal surprising details about a person’s surroundings. Dr. Wang explains how audio signals from platforms like Zoom and Teams can expose information about where someone is located, and why stronger privacy protections may be needed as virtual communication becomes more common.

Dr. Tiana Woolridge, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery, studies how factors like sleep, stress, and mindset influence injury risk and recovery in young athletes. When it comes to sports injuries, recovery isn’t just physical. Mental health, rest, and emotional resilience also play a critical role in how athletes heal and return to play. Dr. Woolridge discusses how the connection between physical health and mental well-being can shape recovery, and why helping athletes build resilience both on and off the field can lead to stronger, healthier outcomes.

Jennifer Nardine, Teaching and Learning Liaison Librarian at Virginia Tech, helps students and researchers explore the origins of ideas, cultures, and traditions. In this special Halloween episode, we take a closer look at the history behind one of the most beloved holidays of the year. When early American settlers from Celtic regions of Europe brought their pagan traditions to the New World, those customs blended with seasonal harvest festivals and religious observances, eventually shaping the Halloween we celebrate today. Jennifer guides us through the origins and evolution of Halloween, exploring how folklore, history, and cultural traditions combined to create a holiday where costumes, storytelling, and imagination allow us to express a different side of ourselves.

Professor Junling Guo of Sichuan University is developing innovative ways to reduce fat absorption in the body using edible plant-based compounds. Imagine being able to reduce your body’s absorption of fat simply by ingesting tiny microbeads made from natural plant polyphenols. Professor Guo’s lab recently created edible microbeads designed to trap dietary fats in the gut, allowing them to pass through the body instead of being absorbed. We explore how this new approach could help with weight management. In animal studies, rats fed high-fat diets and given the microbeads lost about 17% of their body weight compared to controls, while also showing reduced fat tissue and lower stress on the liver. Researchers hope this method may offer a safer alternative to traditional fat-blocking drugs.

Dr. Alan Levinovitz, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at James Madison University, explores the surprising relationship between language, belief, science, and medicine. Does naming a disease help the patient heal? When dealing with a mysterious illness or a difficult diagnosis, research suggests that the sense of relief that comes with finally identifying the condition can actually help people feel better, even when there is no clear treatment or cure. Together with psychiatrist Dr. Awais Aftab, Dr. Levinovitz coined the term “The Rumpelstiltskin Effect.” Their study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Bulletin, found that patients often feel seen, understood, and more connected to a community when they hear an official name for what they are experiencing.

Dr. Julie Kolesar, Research Engineer at Stanford University’s Human Performance Lab, studies how small changes in human movement can improve joint health and reduce pain. Would you ever imagine that simply changing the way you walk could reduce knee problems? New research suggests that subtle adjustments in how we move, even something as simple as changing the angle of your foot, may help reduce pain and slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. She explains how these small biomechanical changes could offer a drug-free, non-surgical way to help the more than 20% of adults over 40 who suffer from knee osteoarthritis live more comfortably.

Dr. Claire Raphael, Interventional Cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, studies the hidden causes of heart attacks that often go undetected, particularly in younger adults and women. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death worldwide, but many people don’t realize that younger adults, especially women, are also at risk. Too often their symptoms are dismissed, or the real cause is missed entirely. In a 15-year study, Dr. Raphael uncovered several hidden causes of heart attacks, including artery tears, coronary spasms, and other conditions that standard tests don’t always detect. These findings help explain why many young women are misdiagnosed and why some cases are missed until it’s too late.

Dr. Gregory Tarlé, Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Kevin Croker, Assistant Research Scientist at Arizona State University and Affiliate Faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, are exploring a bold new theory about black holes that could reshape our understanding of the universe. Their research examines the extreme physics that occurs when massive stars collapse and form black holes, regions of space where gravity is so powerful that not even light can escape. By studying the interactions between gravity and matter on these enormous cosmic scales, they are asking new questions about the origins and evolution of the universe. In this episode, we discuss their revolutionary ideas about black holes, what scientists can learn from the collisions of these mysterious objects, and how new observations may help explain one of the biggest puzzles in cosmology: why the universe appears to be expanding faster and faster over time.

Dr. Sahen Gupta, Senior Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology at the University of Portsmouth and a PhD in Sport and Performance Psychology from Glasgow Caledonian University, studies how people perform and recover under pressure. Sports psychologists often examine the intense demands placed on professional athletes because sports provide a natural setting to study how humans respond to failure, pressure, and constant evaluation. In these environments, mistakes happen frequently and resilience often determines who thrives and who burns out. Dr. Gupta discusses how resilience develops in high-pressure environments, not only in sports but also among musicians, pilots, and other high performers. His research explores how emotional control, mindset, and recovery from setbacks can help individuals perform better and build resilience that extends far beyond the game.

Dr. Christopher Roos, Professor of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University, studies the long history connecting people, fire, and landscapes. Wildfires are often seen only as destructive, but history tells a more complex story. For centuries, Indigenous communities used fire intentionally to shape ecosystems and manage the land. Using tree-ring science and archaeology, Dr. Roos examines how the Western Apache used controlled burning to help landscapes adapt to drought and climate extremes. In this episode, we explore how this deep history of Indigenous fire management offers important lessons for today, as communities search for better ways to live with fire rather than simply fight it.

Dr. Phoebe Hughes, Lecturer in Musicology at Binghamton University, studies popular music and how it reflects cultural and musical change. Taylor Swift is one of the most influential musicians of our time, but what exactly explains her impact? Dr. Hughes is the author of Cranking Up Taylor Swift: Her Musical Journey in 11 Songs, a book that explores Swift’s work not just to celebrate her success, but to understand why it resonates so strongly with audiences. We look at how Swift’s music reflects broader cultural shifts and what her career reveals about the evolving sound of country and pop music in the 21st century.

Professor Bruce Weinberg, Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, studies how scientific breakthroughs happen and the environments that help innovation thrive. “There are no new ideas, but there are novel ways of combining old ideas to create something new.” This concept lies at the heart of Professor Weinberg’s research. By analyzing the career paths of Nobel Prize winners, he and his colleagues discovered that where researchers work and the people they interact with can have a powerful influence on groundbreaking discoveries. Professor Weinberg explains how spending time in different research environments and collaborating with new communities can accelerate innovation and play a key role in the development of Nobel Prize–winning ideas.

Dr. Kathleen Casey, Professor of History and Director of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at Furman University, a small liberal arts college in South Carolina, studies how everyday objects can reveal deeper stories about culture, identity, and history. A purse isn’t just an accessory. It can be a story, a statement, and sometimes even a lifeline. In her book The Things She’s Carried: A Cultural History of the Purse in America, Dr. Casey explores how this seemingly ordinary object reflects powerful connections to gender, identity, privacy, and survival. In this episode, we discuss how purses have intersected with major moments in American history, from the civil rights movement to workplace struggles and personal memory, revealing how a simple item people carry every day can hold a rich tapestry of cultural meaning.

Dr. Steven Lee-Kong, Professor of Surgery and Colorectal Surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center, studies colorectal diseases and emerging trends in colon cancer. Colon cancer has long been considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. But in recent years, doctors have noticed a troubling rise in cases among younger patients. While genetics play a role, researchers are increasingly exploring other possible contributors, including changes in diet, lifestyle, and the gut microbiome. One area receiving growing attention is the widespread use of protein supplements, particularly among teens and young adults. With protein shakes, bars, and high-protein diets often promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle, researchers are asking an important question: could there be hidden risks to long-term colon health?

Dr. Jacqueline Bober, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician at Stony Brook University Hospital and the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Long Island, New York, works on the front lines treating childhood emergencies and preventing accidental injuries. Every summer, headlines warn about rising temperatures, air quality, and the need for sunscreen. But there is another silent danger that increases this time of year: drowning. It can happen quickly and is tragically common among young children. While many people think drownings only occur in oceans or rough waters, most actually happen in backyard pools, vacation rentals, or even bathtubs. In this episode, Dr. Bober shares what she has seen as a pediatric emergency physician and explains why she has made it her mission to prevent these tragedies before they happen. Through public awareness campaigns, community partnerships, and practical safety steps, she offers guidance every parent should know.

Dr. Dustin Scheinost, Associate Professor in the Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine, studies how brain imaging and artificial intelligence can help scientists better understand psychiatric disorders. What if brain scans could help explain the symptoms of a psychotic episode as they happen? And what if artificial intelligence could identify patterns in brain activity to help predict them? In this episode, Dr. Scheinost discusses a new frontier in mental health research that combines functional MRI and machine learning to study psychosis. By examining the brain not just through behavior but through networks, circuits, and connectivity, researchers hope to better understand how psychiatric illness unfolds and how future tools might help clinicians detect and treat these conditions earlier.

Professor Angus Fletcher of The Ohio State University’s Project Narrative, a Professor of Story Science, studies how storytelling, creativity, and imagination affect the brain and emotional well-being. Parents of children with anxiety are often willing to try anything that might help their kids feel better. Many traditional approaches focus on calming an overactive mind to reduce intense emotions. But Professor Fletcher’s research suggests a different path. Instead of quieting the brain, his work explores how activating the brain through creativity and imagination-based play may help unlock the brain’s natural ability to regulate itself. In this episode, we discuss how storytelling and creative thinking might be powerful tools for helping children and adults manage anxiety and build resilience.

Dr. Bradley Cannon, Assistant Professor of Finance at Binghamton University, studies how social networks and personal relationships influence financial behavior. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about money with friends. For some, financial topics are almost taboo in everyday conversation. But Dr. Cannon’s research suggests that these conversations may actually play an important role in shaping financial outcomes. By studying the social networks of high-income individuals, he found that friendships can influence financial knowledge and opportunities. In particular, being connected to wealthier individuals, and openly discussing financial decisions, may help people learn strategies that improve their own financial well-being.

Dr. Megan Buning, Clinical Associate Professor at Florida State University and instructor in the FSU Coach Interdisciplinary Center, studies mental performance and helps athletes and professionals perform under pressure. She is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Exceptional athletic performance often depends on mental toughness. While some people seem to develop this naturally, the good news is that these skills can also be taught. A former professional softball pitcher herself, Dr. Buning understands what it takes to get “into the zone.” In this episode, she explains the science behind staying calm and focused under pressure, whether on the playing field or in high-stakes moments like presentations and leadership decisions. Her insights show how mental performance training can help anyone perform better in sports, careers, and everyday life.

Dr. Leda Kobziar, Professor of Wildland Fire Science at the University of Idaho, is a pyroaerobiologist studying the surprising biological components of wildfire smoke. Last January, as heavily populated parts of Los Angeles burned, images of the disaster brought the destructive power of wildfires into the public consciousness more than ever. Today, as thousands of acres burn in the Pacific Northwest and in Canada, wildfire smoke is causing hazy skies and air quality warnings across much of North America. But beyond the danger of flames and pollution, Dr. Kobziar’s research asks a surprising question: what if there is something alive in that smoke? Her work examines how microbes such as bacteria and fungi can be lifted from burning forests and soils and carried through the air, potentially affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and human health hundreds of miles away.

Dr. Phoebe Hughes, Lecturer in Musicology at Binghamton University, studies popular music and how it reflects cultural and musical change. Taylor Swift is one of the most influential musicians of our time, but what exactly explains her impact? Dr. Hughes is the author of Cranking Up Taylor Swift: Her Musical Journey in 11 Songs, a book that explores Swift’s work not just to celebrate her success, but to understand why it resonates so strongly with audiences. We look at how Swift’s music reflects broader cultural shifts and what her career reveals about the evolving sound of country and pop music in the 21st century.

Dr. Resh Gupta, Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Mindfulness Science and Practice Cluster and the Cognitive Control and Psychopathology Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis, studies how mindfulness practices affect the brain. Mindfulness practices are more popular than ever, from transcendental meditation to yoga and breathing exercises. But with so many options available, an important question remains: does the type of mindfulness practice actually make a difference? Some techniques focus attention on a single object, like the breath, while others encourage open awareness, allowing thoughts and feelings to come and go without judgment. In this episode, Dr. Gupta explains how researchers are using functional MRI to observe brain activity in people with anxiety as they practice different forms of mindfulness, helping scientists understand why certain techniques may work better than others.

Dr. Michael Adler, Chair of the Anthropology Department and Associate Professor of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University, studies the archaeology and history of Indigenous communities in the American Southwest. We explore research conducted alongside the New Mexico community of Picuris Pueblo, one of the smallest and oldest Indigenous groups in the United States. A recent study published in Nature established a clear ancestral link between Picuris Pueblo and the ancient peoples of Chaco Canyon. The discovery represents a landmark in archaeological genetics, not only for its scientific findings but also for how the research was conducted. The work was carried out at the invitation of the tribe, under their direction, and with their sovereignty fully respected. Dr. Adler discusses why archaeology today involves a continuing reckoning with history, and how meaningful partnerships with Native communities require not just new research methods, but a new mindset.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Physician-Scientist at the University of Pennsylvania and Co-Founder and President of Every Cure, studies how existing medicines can be repurposed to treat diseases they were not originally designed for. What if the cure for a deadly condition is already sitting on a pharmacy shelf, just waiting to be matched to the right disease? A growing field of research focuses on drug repurposing, finding new uses for medications that are already approved and available. With the help of artificial intelligence, researchers can now scan billions of possible drug-disease combinations, dramatically accelerating the search for life-saving treatments.

Dr. Edward Kelly, Professor in the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) within the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, studies the scientific investigation of consciousness and unusual mental phenomena. For more than a century, scientists have explored the edges of human consciousness, asking difficult questions about the relationship between the mind and the brain, and whether aspects of consciousness might persist beyond death. While research in areas such as near-death experiences, reincarnation cases, and experimental parapsychology has produced intriguing findings, these topics still sit uneasily at the margins of mainstream science. Dr. Kelly discusses the long history of research into these phenomena and why studying the mysteries of consciousness continues to challenge conventional scientific thinking.

Dr. Brian Button, Professor in the Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina and a member of the Marsico Lung Institute, studies the biology of the lungs and the mechanisms behind lung disease. We often take our lungs for granted. It’s one of those remarkable examples of how the brain places many of the body’s essential functions on autopilot. As we go about our day, our lungs quietly expand and contract, pulling in the oxygen that sustains life. But beneath that simple rhythm lies an incredibly complex biological system. In this episode, Dr. Button explains how the lungs function at the cellular level and how understanding these processes can help scientists better understand and treat a variety of lung diseases.

Dr. Richard Webby, Virologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, studies how influenza viruses evolve and move between animals and humans. We tend to think of the flu as something seasonal, a nuisance we can fend off with a shot and a bit of luck. But what if the real threat isn’t just circulating among humans, but quietly evolving in birds? Dr. Webby has spent his career studying the invisible boundary where animal viruses spill over into people. Much of his work focuses on influenza viruses that circulate in aquatic birds, strains that most of us rarely think about but that can sometimes jump species. In this episode, Dr. Webby walks us through the complex and often surprising world of influenza A, including the H5N1 virus currently making headlines, and explains how scientists are working to understand which strains could pose the next major global threat.

Dr. Fiona McNeill, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University, has spent more than 30 years studying lead poisoning and its effects on human health. At first glance, it sounds like a tragic story from the distant past: an 18th-century socialite, admired for her porcelain skin, dies young after using a cosmetic made with toxic white lead. But for Dr. McNeill, the story of Mariah Gunning, a glamorous aristocrat whose beauty routine may have been fatal, sparked a modern scientific investigation. In this episode, Dr. McNeill shares how her research into lead exposure led her into the world of historical cosmetics. Combining physics, history, and a bit of serendipity, she explores how toxic ingredients once used for beauty can reveal surprising insights about health risks, both in the past and in products we still use today.

Jules Bernstein, Senior Public Information Officer at the University of California, Riverside, is a science communicator who shares stories about insects, agriculture, and the hidden complexity of the natural world. Insects are everywhere, shaping ecosystems, inspiring innovation, and sometimes crawling into our nightmares. But for Jules Bernstein, bugs are far more than background noise. They are a gateway to curiosity, discovery, and a deeper appreciation of how nature works. In addition to covering scientific research at UC Riverside, she is also the creator and host of the podcast “Can I Bug You?”, where she explores the surprising ways insects intersect with our lives, sometimes fascinating, sometimes unsettling, but always illuminating.

Dr. Carlotta Ronda, Principal Investigator at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) at the University of California, Berkeley, studies how gene-editing tools like CRISPR can be used to better understand and engineer the human microbiome. When scientists want to edit DNA, they need a set of molecular scissors. That’s where CRISPR comes in. This powerful technique can locate a specific spot in the genome, cut it, and insert new genetic code. Researchers are now exploring how this technology can be applied not just to human cells, but also to the microbiome, the vast community of beneficial bacteria that live in and on our bodies. In this episode, Dr. Ronda explains how scientists are using CRISPR to study and potentially engineer the microbiome, opening new possibilities for understanding how these microbes influence our health and well-being.

Dr. Gilbert Bernier, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Montreal, studies how stem cells can be used to treat vision loss and diseases that affect the eye. Vision is one of the most important senses we have, and losing it can have devastating consequences. One of the leading causes of blindness, particularly in older adults, is age-related macular degeneration, a disease that damages the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. In this episode, Dr. Bernier explains how researchers are exploring the use of stem cells to repair damaged retinal tissue and potentially restore vision. His work offers new hope that regenerative medicine could one day help treat or even reverse certain forms of blindness.

Dr. Connie Mulligan, Professor of Anthropology and the Genetics Institute at the University of Florida, studies how stress and traumatic experiences can influence our biology at the genetic level. There’s no shortage of self-help advice about managing stress, and a growing body of research supports the idea that chronic stress can have serious effects on our health. But what many people don’t realize is that long-term stress and traumatic experiences may leave marks that reach all the way down to our DNA. In this episode, Dr. Mulligan explains how researchers are studying the genetic effects of stress and trauma. Evidence from events such as famine and war suggests that extreme experiences can alter patterns in our DNA, raising important questions about how stress may influence not only our health but potentially future generations as well.

Dr. Susan Woolford, General Pediatrician at the University of Michigan and Co-Director of the National Poll on Children’s Health, studies how parenting practices influence children’s health and well-being. When it comes to parenting, setting boundaries and maintaining discipline is never easy. But what if the way we approach discipline also shapes our children’s relationship with food? Research suggests that using food as a reward or punishment can create long-term habits that affect nutrition and may contribute to weight issues later in life. In this episode, Dr. Woolford discusses how parenting strategies around food can influence children’s eating behaviors and what families can do to build healthier relationships with food from an early age.

Dr. Shevaun Neupert, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at North Carolina State University, studies stress, aging, and the daily factors that influence our health and well-being. Stress is everywhere. We hear constantly about how it harms our health and contributes to a wide range of problems. Most people feel it in their everyday lives, but when someone says, “just reduce your stress,” it can be difficult to know what that actually means or how to do it. Dr. Neupert shares practical, research-backed strategies for managing stress in daily life, offering tangible ways people can better cope with the pressures they face.

Dr. Allison Sylvetsky, Associate Professor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at George Washington University, studies how sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners affect diet, metabolism, and long-term health. Artificial sweeteners and diet drinks have become part of everyday life, often marketed as healthier alternatives to sugar. But do we really understand their impact? Researchers are increasingly asking whether these substitutes may influence metabolism, long-term health, and even the way our taste preferences develop. In this episode, Dr. Sylvetsky discusses what current research reveals about artificial sweeteners and how they may be shaping our diets in ways we don’t always realize.

This week's Newswise highlights feature groundbreaking research from top institutions: • American Academy of Neurology – Microplastics in ocean water have been linked to higher disability rates in coastal communities, affecting memory, mobility, and daily activities. • University of Florida – Research shows that violence can alter human genes for generations, with genetic changes observed in the grandchildren of those affected by historical conflicts. • Rutgers University – Parenthood may help keep the brain young, as parents with more children show stronger connectivity in key brain networks. • University of South Australia – Dating apps are driving an increase in cosmetic procedures, with around 20% of women influenced to use dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. • Tulane University – Experts outline steps to prevent bird flu from mutating into a human-transmissible virus, including increased screening, air filtration, and public health preparedness.

January and February’s Newswise highlights feature groundbreaking research from top institutions. Tufts University linked sugary drinks to millions of global diabetes and heart disease cases, while the Focused Ultrasound Foundation reported a new Alzheimer’s treatment that reduces brain plaques. Washington University in St. Louis found that weight loss drugs like Ozempic may also lower brain inflammation and heart disease risks. Meanwhile, the American Academy of Neurology confirmed that processed red meat is linked to cognitive decline, and researchers from the Biophysical Society discovered sweet taste receptors in the heart, suggesting sugar directly impacts heart function. Additionally, a study from the American Psychological Association found that parental favoritism is real—parents tend to favor children who are more agreeable and cause fewer problems. And researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder explored a potential vaccine that could prevent weight gain, opening doors for new approaches to obesity management.

Dr. David Ekbladh, Professor of History at Tufts University, studies U.S. foreign policy and the historical roots of globalism. The period between the Great Depression and World War II was marked by intense debates among policymakers and intellectuals about how the United States should engage with the rest of the world. Many believed the country had a responsibility to help shape global economic and political stability, giving rise to a new vision of American globalism that would influence international relations for decades. In this episode, Dr. Ekbladh explores how those ideas developed and why they matter today, as political conversations increasingly shift toward isolationism, raising important questions about the future of America’s role in the world.

Dr. Xavier Salvatella, Research Professor at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), and Carla Garcia, Research Associate in the Salvatella Lab, study the molecular mechanisms behind complex neurological conditions such as autism. Autism diagnoses have increased significantly in recent decades, with recent estimates suggesting that 1 in 36 children are now identified on the autism spectrum. Scientists around the world are working to better understand the causes of this complex condition and to identify potential pathways for treatment. In this episode, we revisit a virtual press briefing where researchers from IRB Barcelona discuss new findings related to idiopathic autism, cases of autism that do not appear to have a clear genetic cause. Their research points to a mutation that may play a role in the development of autism, offering new insights into how the condition may arise and how scientists might approach it in the future.

Dr. Sara Yeo, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah, studies how people interpret scientific information and how research can be communicated more effectively to the public. Communicating science is about far more than simply presenting facts. Without the right context, people often interpret new information through their own experiences, beliefs, and biases. This makes the work of research communicators especially important. In today’s fast-moving media environment, where news and social media constantly flood us with information, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, Dr. Yeo explains how scientists and communicators can better engage the public, helping people understand complex research and make sense of the science shaping our world.

Dr. Lightning Jay, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership; Suzanne McLeod, Coordinator of Educational Leadership; and Dr. Kathleen Provenzano, Associate Professor of Community Schools in the College of Community and Public Affairs — all at Binghamton University, study education policy, school leadership, and community engagement in today’s classrooms. As students head back to school, parents, teachers, and administrators are facing a growing list of challenges. From debates over smartphone bans and social media to broader questions about classroom culture and education policy, many issues are now at the center of national conversations about schools. In this episode, our guests discuss how families, educators, and students can work together to navigate these difficult topics. They explore the role of technology in schools, the controversies surrounding classroom policies, and how thoughtful collaboration can help create healthier learning environments.

Dr. Kara Federmeier, Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois and faculty member at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, studies how the brain processes language, meaning, and visual information. Every moment, our brains are recognizing people, words, and objects almost instantly. We constantly process visual signals and connect them to stored knowledge, all so quickly that it feels effortless and automatic. By studying how the brain recognizes patterns and understands language, Dr. Federmeier and her colleagues are uncovering how networks of neurons work together to interpret the world around us. In this episode, we explore how the brain makes sense of complex information and what this research reveals about language, learning, and cognition.

Wes Rumbaugh, Fellow with the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), studies missile defense systems and international security. Recent conflicts in the Middle East have brought renewed attention to advanced missile defense technologies. Israel’s system, commonly known as the Iron Dome, is designed to intercept short-range rockets and protect populated areas from incoming attacks. The United States also plays a role in supporting missile defense efforts in the region. In this episode, Wes Rumbaugh explains how the Iron Dome works, its strengths and limitations, and how it fits into a broader network of missile defense technologies. We also discuss other systems designed to intercept longer-range threats and what these developments mean for modern warfare and regional security.

Dr. David Schwebel, Professor of Psychology and Director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studies injury prevention and ways to keep children safe from everyday risks, including firearm injuries. Gun violence and mass shootings remain a major concern in the United States, where debates about gun policy often become highly political. Beyond high-profile crimes and school shootings, unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among young people also represent a significant public health issue. In this episode, Dr. Schwebel discusses the research surrounding gun safety, accidental shootings, and evidence-based approaches to prevention. By examining data and public health strategies, his work aims to help communities better protect children and reduce preventable firearm injuries.

Dr. Timo Vuori, Professor of Strategic Professor at Aalto University in Finland, studies how emotions influence leadership, decision-making, and organizational change. Many people imagine business executives as purely analytical decision-makers who leave their emotions at the door. We often expect leaders to rely only on numbers and logic. But ignoring emotions can actually lead to poor decisions. In reality, understanding a company’s strengths and weaknesses, recognizing customer behavior, and responding to competitive threats often depends on emotional awareness. In this episode, Dr. Vuori explains how acknowledging and processing emotions can help leaders make better decisions and drive meaningful change within organizations.

Dr. Amy Grooms, Psychiatrist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS Health) in Little Rock, Arkansas, works with patients experiencing severe and treatment-resistant depression. For some people, depression persists even after years of trying multiple medications without relief. These cases, known as treatment-resistant depression, have pushed researchers and clinicians to explore new approaches beyond traditional drug therapies. One promising option involves neurostimulation using magnetic fields, combined with MRI technology to precisely target specific areas of the brain. In this episode, Dr. Grooms explains how these advances are helping doctors better understand the brain circuits involved in depression and how new techniques may finally provide relief for patients who have struggled for years to find effective treatment.

Dr. Deborah Padgett, Professor at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, studies homelessness, housing policy, and the effectiveness of programs designed to support people experiencing housing instability. People experiencing homelessness in the United States face a wide range of challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, and barriers to stable housing. Public debates about homelessness are often shaped by stigma, politics, and strong opinions, making it difficult to focus on evidence-based solutions. In this episode, Dr. Padgett discusses what the data actually shows about addressing homelessness. Her research examines approaches such as housing vouchers and supportive housing programs, exploring how these policies can help people secure stable housing and improve long-term outcomes.

Dr. Shuo Sun, Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder, studies quantum photonics and the behavior of light and particles at the quantum level. What is quantum photonics? What is quantum entanglement? These concepts are often described as some of the most mysterious ideas in modern physics. Yet they are becoming increasingly important as scientists explore new technologies based on quantum mechanics. In this episode, Dr. Sun helps demystify these topics and offers a glimpse into the fascinating quantum world. His research uses arrays of entangled particles to design new experiments that could advance quantum communication, computing, and other technologies that may shape the future of science and technology.

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Distinguished Professor of Information Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Director of the COSMOS Research Center (Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies), studies online behavior, misinformation, and the spread of digital influence campaigns. Much of the information we consume today comes from social media. Sometimes it is helpful, but other times it can be misleading or even harmful. The challenge of identifying and combating misinformation and disinformation has become increasingly important in a world where online narratives can influence public opinion, elections, and global events. In this episode, Dr. Agarwal explains how researchers at COSMOS are using advanced data analytics to study online behavior and track the spread of misinformation. Their work examines everything from propaganda campaigns and COVID-19 misinformation to election interference, terrorism, and online extremism, helping experts better understand how information spreads in the digital age.

Dr. Michelle LaRue, Associate Professor in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, studies wildlife and ecosystems using satellite technology. Studying animals in some of the most remote places on Earth can be incredibly difficult. Traveling to Antarctica to observe emperor penguins, for example, is expensive, time-consuming, and limited to certain times of the year. Dr. LaRue is helping transform how wildlife research is done by studying animals from space. Using satellite imagery, she can track populations of emperor penguins and other wildlife in places that are nearly impossible for researchers to reach regularly. In this episode, we explore how this innovative approach is giving scientists unprecedented insight into Antarctic ecosystems and the impacts of climate change on these fragile environments.

Dr. Jacqueline Gottlieb, Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute and the Department of Neuroscience, studies how curiosity and attention shape the way the brain processes information. Are you paying attention? Our ability to focus is influenced by a complex set of processes in the brain, and curiosity plays a central role. When we encounter uncertainty or a question we want answered, the brain becomes more engaged, driving us to seek information and solve the problem. In this episode, Dr. Gottlieb explains how curiosity, emotion, and uncertainty influence brain activity. Drawing on research from neuroscience, animal behavior, and decision science, she explores why the brain becomes more motivated to learn when the outcome is uncertain.

Dr. Neil Johnson, Professor of Physics at George Washington University, studies complex systems and applies physics-based methods to understand how online hate and misinformation spread across social networks. The run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election has seen rising levels of misinformation, division, and hate speech across social media platforms. Online conversations around topics such as race, immigration, and politics often attract extremist voices that can overwhelm more constructive dialogue. In this episode, Dr. Johnson explains how communities that promote hate organize themselves online and how they build networks across mainstream platforms as well as darker corners of the web. Using tools originally developed in particle physics, his research maps how harmful content spreads through digital networks and warns that the biggest spikes in online hate may occur after election day, when tensions and uncertainty are at their highest.

Dr. Nathan Johnson, Professor of Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, Assistant Director of Research at the Global Futures Laboratory, and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and Power Solutions, studies how energy systems must evolve to support the transition to renewable power. Power grids around the world were designed for a very different era of electricity production. As more communities adopt renewable energy sources like wind and solar, managing when and where electricity is generated and used becomes far more complex. In this episode, Dr. Johnson explains why today’s power grids are not fully prepared for the coming green energy transition and how smarter infrastructure, energy storage, and advanced systems planning will be essential to deliver electricity reliably in a future powered by renewables.

Dr. Susan Kelly-Weeder, Professor and Dean at the George Washington University School of Nursing, studies health behaviors among young adults, including alcohol use and prevention strategies on college campuses. Despite growing awareness of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, binge drinking remains common among college students in the United States. Universities face a difficult challenge: encouraging safer behavior while balancing education, intervention, and student independence. In this episode, Dr. Kelly-Weeder discusses research aimed at understanding why students engage in risky drinking and what colleges can do to reduce harm. From alcohol-free housing to campus programs that promote safer choices, her work explores practical ways institutions can help students avoid the most serious risks associated with alcohol use.

Dr. Olivier Loudig, Scientist at the Center for Discovery and Innovation within the Hackensack Meridian Health Network, studies how biological signals in the air we exhale can reveal important clues about human health. Take a deep breath in. Now exhale. Do you know what microscopic particles you release every time you breathe out? During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became more aware of how airborne particles can spread infectious disease. But our breath may contain much more information than just germs. In this episode, Dr. Loudig explains how researchers are studying the tiny biological particles in exhaled breath and how they could one day be used to detect diseases, monitor health conditions, and provide new ways of diagnosing illness.

Warehouses are rapidly expanding across the landscape, covering large areas with metal buildings, concrete lots, and a constant flow of trucks transporting goods. These logistics centers help deliver products faster than ever before, but they also raise important questions about their impact on the environment and public health. In particular, communities living near these facilities may face higher levels of air pollution, which can contribute to health issues such as childhood asthma. Dr. Gaige Kerr, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University, studies the environmental and health consequences of warehouse-related pollution, with a focus on how these impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

Effective storytelling has always held a powerful place in human culture. A well-crafted story can inspire, persuade, and shape the way we see the world. From medieval literature to modern entertainment, people are naturally drawn to narratives. But what happens when the power of storytelling is used to mislead? Modern conspiracy theories often rely on the same narrative techniques that great storytellers once used, but with very different intentions. Our guest today studies exactly how that works. Dr. Elise Wang, Assistant Professor at California State University, Fullerton, brings her background in medieval literature to the study of modern conspiracy theories. In this episode, we explore how these narratives spread, why people believe them, and what we can do to recognize and challenge them.

While many schools across the United States are considering banning smartphones in the classroom, some educators see these devices as powerful tools for learning. Modern smartphones are packed with sensors capable of measuring everything from motion and sound to health data and basic principles of physics. For students growing up in the smartphone age, these tools are already in their pockets. Our guest today is exploring how that technology can be used to inspire curiosity and hands-on discovery in science education. Dr. Dave Rakestraw, Senior Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, joins us to discuss how smartphones can become powerful scientific instruments and how educators can harness everyday technology to get students excited about science.

Coming close to death and surviving can have a profound impact on a person’s life. But some people report near-death experiences, events that can transform how they see themselves, consciousness, and the world around them. What actually happens during these experiences from a scientific perspective? Our guest today has spent decades studying this phenomenon. Dr. Bruce Greyson, Chester F. Carlson Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia, has collected hundreds of accounts and conducted extensive research through the university’s Division of Perceptual Studies. In this episode, we explore what near-death experiences may reveal about the mind, consciousness, and what science can and cannot explain about these extraordinary moments.

Dr. Robert Ferl, a molecular biologist and professor at the University of Florida, discusses his work on understanding how organisms, particularly plants, adapt to extreme environments, including space. He highlights his recent spaceflight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, where he conducted experiments to study the effects of space travel on plants. The goal was to analyze how plants respond during the initial moments of spaceflight and upon reentry.  This unique opportunity allowed Dr. Ferl to gain first-hand experience of space, deepening his understanding of how biology behaves in space.  He talked about the importance of allowing scientists to personally conduct research in space and advocates for expanding these opportunities for others in the scientific community.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence are beginning to reshape the world of education. While many leaders see AI as a tool that could improve learning and student outcomes, the reality is more complex. New technologies may offer exciting possibilities, but it may take time before they truly make teachers’ jobs easier. Our guest today has been studying what works in education and how new technologies are influencing classrooms. Dr. Samantha Keppler, Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, joins us to discuss how AI is affecting teachers, what it could mean for student success, and how schools can thoughtfully adapt to these changes.

Joint replacement technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Improved materials and more precise surgical techniques have helped the number of procedures more than double over the past decade. But even with these advances, many patients struggle to regain the full range of motion and stability of their natural joints, often requiring extensive follow-up care and physical therapy. Our guest today is working to improve those outcomes. Dr. Marc Hungerford of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore joins us to discuss how innovations such as robotic-assisted surgery and implanted sensors are helping patients get the most out of their knee and hip replacements, giving them a better chance at long-term mobility and recovery.

When British explorers first encountered Easter Island and the Rapa Nui people, they were struck by the island’s iconic stone heads, known as moai. Yet they were puzzled that such a remote island, more than 1,000 miles off the coast of Chile, was home to only a few thousand inhabitants. From a European perspective, many assumed that the Rapa Nui must once have been a much larger civilization that collapsed after exhausting the island’s resources. This idea became widely known as the theory of the “Easter Island Collapse.” Today, archaeologists are challenging that narrative. Dr. Carl Lipo of Binghamton University is among the researchers working to reexamine the evidence and provide a more nuanced understanding of Rapa Nui history and how its people adapted to their environment.

Addiction research has long focused on chemical dependence such as drugs and alcohol, but newer behaviors like excessive video gaming and social media use are only beginning to receive the same level of scientific attention. Many parents worry that their children may be developing addictive habits with these modern technologies. At the same time, game developers and social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement and keep users online for longer periods of time. So what safeguards exist to prevent technology from becoming manipulative or addictive? Dr. Puneet Manchanda, the Isidor and Leon Winkelman Professor of Marketing at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, joins us to explore these questions. His research examines how modern digital platforms influence user behavior and what that means for understanding the potential risks of technology-driven addiction.

Estimates suggest that 10 to 30 percent of students are neurodivergent, raising important questions about what the future of work will look like for them. Neurodiverse employees bring many unique strengths to the workplace, but companies may need to rethink how they design roles, environments, and expectations to support those strengths. Our guest today is Dr. Eric Patton, Professor of Management at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and author of the book Neurodiversity and Work. In this episode, we explore how organizations can better support neurodivergent employees and why embracing neurodiversity can benefit both workers and companies.

When most people hear about youth suicide and depression, the reaction is immediate and understandably heavy. But understanding the early warning signs can make a critical difference. Research suggests that signals of mental health struggles may appear 10 to 12 years before a serious crisis, meaning early awareness and intervention can be life-changing. Our guest today has dedicated his career to improving how we identify and treat serious mental health conditions. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, Professor of Psychiatry and Founding Director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care at the O’Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical School, joins us to discuss how researchers and communities can recognize early signs of depression and help young people get support before problems escalate.

Researchers studying Alzheimer’s disease are examining how the condition changes the brain from every possible angle. Many people have heard about amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but another growing area of research focuses on how brain cells process small molecules like lipids and amino acids. This field, known as metabolomics, studies how these chemical processes function and how they may break down in disease. Dr. Stewart Graham, the John and Marilyn Bishop Endowed Chair for Alzheimer’s Disease Research at Corewell Health, joins us to discuss how metabolomics is revealing new clues about Alzheimer’s disease. His work focuses on understanding how these metabolic changes may help scientists diagnose the disease earlier, predict its progression, and develop new strategies to slow or prevent its impact.

In the post-Civil War South, segregated, state-run reform schools became a source of cheap farm labor through the convict-leasing system. Decades later, investigators have uncovered troubling patterns of abuse and discrimination in how these schools operated, as well as a striking lack of historical documentation about what actually happened there. Our guest today is one such investigator. Dr. Kaniqua Robinson of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, an anthropologist who studies cultural and collective memory, explores how communities remember and confront difficult histories, particularly where they intersect with race and criminal justice. In this episode, we discuss how societies uncover hidden histories and ask a powerful question: How do we pass down knowledge of the past and ensure it is not forgotten?

Countless blockbuster movies have depicted a world where humanity is on the brink of destruction. But in the real world, what would it take to be an existential threat? Could a terrorist attack wipe us out? What can we do to prepare for the worst and ensure our survival? In this episode, we speak with Zak Kallenborn, a researcher affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, George Mason University, and the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Gary Ackerman, Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany.

Patients with cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma, often need to undergo a bone marrow transplant. In the past, this was a painful and complicated procedure that often didn’t always succeed. Dr. Shernan Holtan, Chief of Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, has dedicated her career to improving blood and bone marrow transplants and making them safer and more effective for patients. In this episode, we explore how advances in transplant medicine are helping more patients survive and recover.

We are all getting older, but scientists who study aging are learning more than ever about what happens to our bodies later in life and what we can do to stay healthier for longer. While everyone wants to know the secret to feeling young, researchers are uncovering practical ways to support healthy aging. Dr. Benjamin Miller of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation joins us to talk about the science behind aging, what researchers are discovering about how our bodies change over time, and what it might take to help people live longer, healthier lives.

In Greenville, South Carolina, environmental scientists are finding new ways to understand the health and biodiversity of ecosystems. Sometimes, the key is simply listening. Birdsong has become a powerful tool for studying biodiversity and tracking changes in the environment. Dr. John Quinn, a researcher at Furman University, joined us to discuss how he uses recordings of bird calls to evaluate whether land management practices are truly helping ecosystems thrive. In this episode, we explore how listening to nature can reveal important clues about the health of the world around us.

When our guest today first began working as a scientist, our understanding of atomic particles was only beginning to take shape. Dr. Christina Kourkoumelis, from the University of Athens and CERN, is now part of an enormous global collaboration involving thousands of scientists and one of the most remarkable engineering feats in modern science: the 27-kilometer particle accelerator known as the Large Hadron Collider. In this episode, we talk about where she’s been, what she has witnessed throughout her remarkable career, and what continues to keep her curious and excited about science today.

When it comes to bosses, everyone seems to have a story about a good one or a bad one. But what actually makes the difference? For Dr. Stephen Courtright at the University of Iowa, that question has become a central focus of his research. Blending insights from business, psychology, and leadership studies, his work explores how leaders shape the people and teams around them. In this episode, we discuss his widely cited research on transformational leadership and what it reveals about motivation, workplace culture, and the qualities that separate great leaders from the rest.