The Science Pawdcast

Send us a text A father that gives birth, a horse that says “no,” and an ER doctor who wants to keep you out of the hospital—this episode brings science and everyday choices into sharp focus. We start with a mind-bending dive into seahorses, where males carry the pregnancy and build a placenta-like environment from skin. New research shows familiar pregnancy genes at work inside the brood pouch, but with an unexpected hormonal switch: androgens, not estrogens, drive gestation. It’s evolution repurposing its toolkit—and a powerful reminder that sex roles in nature are more flexible than we think. From there, we move into animal-assisted therapy and the role of consent in touch. A new study comparing dogs and horses found that forced interactions with horses raised heart rate and lowered HRV, signaling more stress, while choice calmed people down. Dogs showed no significant difference between conditions, suggesting human perception and species-specific behavior shape outcomes. If you run therapy programs, the insight is simple and humane: build animal choice into sessions, especially with horses, and track long-term welfare alongside human benefits. Then ER physician Dr. Shazma Mithani joins us to turn insight into prevention. We talk helmets for anything on wheels or snow, why e‑scooters drive more severe injuries per use than bikes, and how regular checkups and screening prevent emergencies before they start. We break down wildfire smoke—how particulates inflame lungs and harm the heart and brain—plus when to wear a well-fitted N95 outside and how to upgrade home air with MERV 11–13 filters or HEPA purifiers. Finally, we tackle measles: an airborne virus that lingers for hours, demands 95% vaccination for herd immunity, and is best stopped with two doses of MMR. Unsure where to get trusted answers? Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or public health nurse, and lean on credible sources rather than influencers. If this helped you think differently about biology, safety, or public health, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’ll feature our favorites next week. Dr. Shazma Mithani's links: Her website Her Podcast Instagram Our links! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Coffee may nudge biology, but only within limits. We dig into new research suggesting that three to four cups a day align with longer telomeres for people with severe mental illness, then challenge the hype with the caveats that matter: observational design, smoking as a confounder, wildly different cup sizes and brew methods, and the reality that more caffeine can erase potential benefits. We translate the science into practical guidance—why moderation beats megadoses, how 400 mg per day became a sensible upper bound, and where sleep and stress fit into the bigger picture of healthy aging. Then we pivot to a feline mystery that spans millennia. Long before house cats padded through Chinese homes, leopard cats were the stealthy mousers around early settlements, drawn by grain and the rodents it attracts. Using mitochondrial DNA from ancient remains—paired with clues from art—we trace the species shift around the eighth century as domestic cats, descended from the African wildcat, traveled the Silk Road and found their place beside people. Tameness, tolerance, and a knack for living close to humans helped them outcompete their wild cousins in a world reshaped by trade and urban life. Across both stories runs one thread: human routines create niches that biology rushes to fill. Our cups change our days at a cellular level, and our granaries and roads alter which animals share our spaces. If you love clear science, a bit of myth-busting, and the unexpected link between breakfast and ancient history, you’ll feel right at home here. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves coffee or cats, and leave a quick review—what surprised you most? Here is the link to all our socials and stuff!!! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text When the brain gets knocked, it fights back—at least for a while. We open with new research that uses ALPS MRI to watch the glymphatic “waste rivers” of the brain as they surge after repeated head impacts and then falter when the system is pushed too far. That real-time look at fluid flow explains why early symptoms can be misleading and why rest, recovery windows, and better sideline calls aren’t just policy—they’re neuroprotection. We talk sports protocols, long-term risk, and how biomarkers could warn athletes before decline sets in. Then we lean into joy with rigor. Our pet science segment dives into a Cambridge study of more than a thousand golden retrievers showing that genes tied to trainability, fear of strangers, energy, and dog-to-dog aggression overlap with human genes for anxiety, depression, and intelligence. It’s not destiny; it’s sensitivity. We unpack how emotional regulation genes shape learning and coping, why some “bad” behavior is actually distress, and how training plans can be kinder and more effective when they support the nervous system, not just reward the behavior. To cap it off, we welcome John Reider,, the chief bubble dude behind Atomic Bubbles, for a whimsical masterclass in safe, scented bubbles for pets. He breaks down cosmetic-grade ingredients, water-soluble fragrances, and machine-friendly formulas that make durable bubbles dogs and cats actually chase. We explore lavender and pheromone-infused bubbles as floating diffusers for calming anxious pets, plus practical notes on storage, allergy concerns, and why bacon and peanut butter scents work without real allergens. Curious about brain health, dog behavior, and the science of pure fun? Hit play, subscribe for more smart, warm conversations, and share this episode with a friend who loves science—and their pets. ATOMIC BUBBLES with links to their socials! Here is the link to all our socials and stuff!!! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text A vaccine built for a virus might be whispering a powerful message to cancer care. We dig into a new Nature paper suggesting that mRNA COVID shots could enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy—especially in non‑small cell lung cancer and melanoma—by acting as an immune alarm that sharpens anti‑tumor responses. The data is retrospective, not causal, so we break down why the signal is exciting, where confounders can hide, and what the next generation of trials must test: timing, vaccine type, biomarkers, and who stands to benefit most. From there, we switch gears to the first weeks of a dog’s life. A small but detailed study of Australian breeders maps nine practical socialization steps—novel objects, varied surfaces, calibrated sound exposure, hands‑on handling, human visitors, other animals, off‑site trips, car rides, and rotating environments—that build confident, adaptable companions. We compare three rearing strategies, from uniform protocols to individual puppy plans, and connect these choices to fewer fear issues, better training outcomes, and smoother vet and grooming visits down the line. Journalist and author Melanie Kaplan joins us to share Hammy’s story—a beagle rescued from a research lab—and the deeper reporting behind her book, Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. We talk about why beagles became the default lab dog, the emotional toll and resilience of retired animals, and the promising rise of non‑animal alternatives like organs‑on‑chips, human cell models, and computational toxicology. With FDA and NIH signaling support for methods that are more humane and more predictive, there’s a real path to better science with less harm. If this conversation moved you or made you think, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves science and animals, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Links to Melanie's Book and Socials Here is the link to all our socials and stuff!!! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Ever wonder how a pumpkin could help clean a toxic field—and why your dog might boost your mood as much as a wedding ring? We unpack both, starting with fresh research from Kobe University that reveals how a small amino acid tag on major latex-like proteins pushes pollutants into plant sap. That single routing decision explains why some gourds move stubborn chemicals like PCBs all the way to their fruits, illuminating both the promise of phytoremediation and the risk if contaminated soils meet our dinner tables. We talk practical implications for agriculture too—how breeders and bioengineers could tune protein binding and secretion to create safer crops while using separate plots for soil cleanup. Then we turn to the science of happiness with a study that estimates cats and dogs can elevate life satisfaction on par with being married or seeing friends often. The researchers used instrumental variables to tease causation, not just correlation, and the findings match what many of us feel: pets reduce loneliness, add structure, and get us moving. We dig into the nuance—pets offer deep comfort and presence, while people bring complex emotional and intellectual support—and why the best lives layer both. If this mix of plant science, pet happiness, and real-world tips resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more curious listeners can find us. Here is the link to all our socials and stuff!!! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text A top predator that “wastes” food and ends up feeding an entire ecosystem? That paradox sits at the heart of our latest exploration into polar bear behavior and the hidden scaffolding of the Arctic food web. We unpack new research estimating that each polar bear leaves roughly 300 kilograms of edible remains annually—amounting to millions of kilograms across the region—and why those leftovers are vital calories for Arctic foxes, ravens, gulls, snowy owls, and even wolves. By focusing on blubber for maximum energy return, polar bears inadvertently act as providers in a landscape where every calorie matters, and we trace how shrinking sea ice threatens not just bears but the scavengers who depend on their kills. From icy shores to living rooms, we then tackle a beloved belief: can dogs judge human character? A Kyoto University study with 40 pet dogs put that idea to the test using a generous-versus-selfish setup. The result: no reliable preference for the kind human, even after direct interaction. We break down what this means for canine social cognition, why food-based tasks may miss the mark, and how ethics limit what scientists can test. Rather than a simple moral radar, dogs may rely on a complex blend of context, prior reinforcement, and human cues that are hard to capture in a two-choice experiment. Along the way, we share field notes from polar bear country, practical insights for interpreting your dog’s behavior without overreading the wag, and a clear view of how climate change reshapes energy flows you rarely hear about. If you care about wildlife science, animal behavior, or how small choices ripple through entire systems, this one offers fresh data and useful takeaways. Enjoy the show? Follow, share, and leave a quick review to help more curious listeners find us. Got a story or question we should cover next? Drop it in the comments and join the conversation. Here is the link to all our socials and stuff!!! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text The sky went dark at midday, the temperature dipped, and a continent held its breath. We chased the total solar eclipse to Texas and came back with more than a memory—fresh science on how birds react when day vanishes and returns a few minutes later. Leveraging a blend of community observations, autonomous recorders, and BirdNET machine learning, researchers tracked behavior from Mexico to Canada and found a clear pattern: movement slowed during totality while vocalizations spiked, followed by a pseudo-dawn burst when the light returned. Some species, like American Robins and Barred Owls, showed dramatic shifts; others didn’t budge, pointing to species-specific sensitivity to light. That sudden flip from light to dark is more than a spectacle—it’s a powerful biological cue. We connect the dots to artificial light at night, from migration disruptions to window strikes, and explore how city lighting policies and dark-sky practices can protect wildlife without sacrificing safety. When the whole sky changes at once, you see how deeply behavior is tuned to brightness. It’s a rare, elegant experiment you can’t reproduce in a lab, and it gives us practical guidance for urban design and conservation. Back on the home front, we turn to a concern every family with pets and kids faces: children often misread dog body language. New data show that four- to seven-year-olds frequently mistake angry dog faces for happy ones, with high error rates even at seven. Most bites happen at home, during child-initiated contact, and without supervision. We share simple, actionable steps—teach a few key cues, keep greetings calm, supervise play, and give dogs guaranteed safe spaces—to preserve the empathy and comfort dogs bring while lowering risk. If you love science, animals, and practical insights that make life better, this one’s for you. Our links! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text A newborn with higher pTau217 than an adult with Alzheimer’s—what would that mean for how we detect, define, and treat dementia? We dive into a startling new finding that reframes tau phosphorylation as a dynamic, reversible process rather than a one-way street. From the costs and tradeoffs of PET scans and CSF analysis to the promise of new blood tests, we lay out how clinicians navigate biomarkers and why context matters. If babies and even hibernating animals can toggle tau safely, we might be looking at a new horizon for Alzheimer’s research—one that prioritizes regulation over blunt suppression and respects the difference between signals and symptoms. Then we turn to our dogs and a different kind of brain science: play that looks a lot like behavioral addiction. In a study of high-drive pets, some dogs pursued play so intensely they ignored food and struggled to settle once the toy disappeared. The kicker? It’s not the toy—it’s the play. We unpack how anticipation and reward loops shape behavior, why shepherds and terriers tend to lean in hard, and how to channel that energy with structured games, clear start/stop cues, and decompression routines that protect both joy and well-being. Our guest, Dr. Nancy Kay—veterinarian and small animal internal medicine specialist—brings practical wisdom to family life with pets. She explains how to choose a dog that truly fits a home with kids, why supervision and respect rules beat wishful thinking, and how to steer clear of puppy mills and dog auctions with two simple safeguards: never buy from pet stores and never purchase sight unseen. We talk about her middle-grade novel, “A Dog Named 647,” her advocacy guide “Speaking for Spot,” and the unforgettable cases that come with a life in medicine—from swallowed treasures to high-stakes rescues. It’s science that matters, compassion that lasts, and stories that stick. Enjoy the conversation? Follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious listeners find the show. Dr. Nancy's Links: A Dog Named 647 Her Website Our links! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Imagine fixing a fracture with a steady hand and a smart pen. We open the lab door on a handheld “bone printer” that lays down bio‑ink directly at the injury site, promising faster healing, fewer imaging steps, and the chance to customize strength and shape in minutes. If you’ve ever waited days for scans and fabrication, the appeal is obvious: hydroxyapatite to encourage bone growth, PCL as a biocompatible scaffold that melts at low heat, cools fast, and slowly yields to living tissue. Early tests on rabbit femurs outperformed bone cement and showed no infections over 12 weeks, and the potential to embed antibiotics or growth factors hints at on‑the‑spot, personalized implants that could transform orthopedics, trauma care, and remote medicine. Then we pivot from bones to benevolence with one big question: do pets change how people give? Using a decade of 787,877,198 donation transactions, we map the patterns. Non‑pet owners tend to donate larger totals, yet pet owners give more frequently, keeping support flowing between big gifts. Cat owners spread donations across more causes and contribute more overall than dog owners, while dog people still outpace non‑owners in cadence. A machine‑learning model puts pet ownership as the fourth strongest predictor of giving—behind income, education, and gender—suggesting pets reflect social ties and daily acts of care that nudge generosity. We also unpack identity signals and what they mean for smarter, kinder fundraising that respects budgets and habits. It’s a journey from bio‑materials to behavioral data, but the throughline is practical empathy: tools that speed healing, and insights that make community support steadier and more inclusive. If you enjoy science that touches daily life—medicine you can hold, and generosity you can measure—this one’s for you. Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text After a two-week hiatus dealing with shipping challenges and postal strikes, Jason and Chris return with exciting scientific breakthroughs and heartwarming pet insights. Their absence was filled with stuffy reshipping adventures and a memorable Comic-Con appearance with their super-dog companions. The episode features a remarkable development in Huntington's disease treatment – a devastating neurodegenerative condition affecting 7 in 100,000 people worldwide. A pioneering gene therapy trial using microRNA delivered via viral vectors directly to the brain has shown unprecedented success in slowing disease progression. Patients receiving the highest dose demonstrated 75% less decline in cognitive and motor symptoms compared to untreated individuals. While invasive and still pending regulatory approval, this breakthrough offers genuine hope for patients and families who've endured decades of despair. Beyond Huntington's, this approach could potentially revolutionize treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. The pet science segment reveals fascinating research about canine cognition, particularly how "gifted" dogs mentally categorize toys by function rather than appearance. Border collies demonstrated an ability to classify toys based solely on how they're used in play – whether for throwing or tugging – without relying on verbal cues. This suggests dogs possess cognitive flexibility comparable to human toddlers, understanding not just words but concepts. The study highlights how our canine companions don't merely memorize but actually comprehend and apply knowledge functionally, raising profound questions about their cognitive abilities. Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Fascinating new research reveals how catching a common cold may provide surprising protection against COVID-19, reducing infection risk by 50% and viral load by tenfold. We explore the science behind this finding and why children might experience milder COVID symptoms thanks to their frequent colds. • Recent study shows having a cold in the previous month led to 50% lower risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 • Participants with recent colds showed tenfold lower COVID-19 viral loads • Common colds trigger production of airway defense proteins that stay active and help fight other infections • Children have higher activation of these defense proteins and catch colds more frequently • "Cross protection" may explain why kids often had milder or asymptomatic COVID cases • This was an observational study before vaccines were available We also dive into canine obesity research, examining why 50% of US dogs are overweight and what pet parents can do about it: • Overweight dogs may live 2.5 years less than dogs at ideal weight • Retrievers and spaniels show 10% higher food motivation than average • Labrador retrievers have a genetic mutation (POMC gene) that prevents feeling full • Multi-dog households and urban environments increase food motivation • Body condition scoring (BCS) is an underutilized clinical tool for monitoring weight • Structured feeding times, measured portions, exercise, and food puzzles help manage weight Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text The Science Podcast explores surprising research that challenges conventional wisdom about dietary protein and cancer mortality while also examining how cats with dementia could unlock mysteries of human Alzheimer's disease. Water expert Cydian Kauffman reveals shocking truths about drinking water safety standards and the presence of "forever chemicals" in our water supply. • New study shows animal protein may have a slight protective effect against cancer mortality • Research contradicts previous findings that animal protein increases death risk • Plant protein showed no association with mortality rates from any cause • Cats naturally develop amyloid beta plaques similar to those in human Alzheimer's patients • Studying feline dementia could lead to breakthroughs for both species • EPA's legal limits for water contaminants are higher than health limits due to cost considerations • PFAS "forever chemicals" present in water at extremely low but harmful concentrations • Reverse osmosis systems now more affordable for home water treatment • Water access directly impacts gender equality in developing regions • Testing well water crucial as dangerous contaminants like arsenic are odorless and tasteless Pure Water Northwest Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We explore fascinating examples of mutualism in nature and therapeutic relationships between humans and animals through two distinct scientific studies. • Squamillaria plants in Fiji function as apartment buildings for up to five different ant species • These plants have internal chambers with separate entrances preventing deadly conflicts between rival ant colonies • When chamber walls are broken, ants engage in fatal battles lasting only 30 minutes • The plant benefits from ant waste providing nutrients while ants receive safe housing • Some ant species even plant seeds in nearby bark, acting as farmers for their future homes • Facility dogs in physical therapy settings help patients persist 2.6 minutes longer in rehabilitation tasks • Participants without dogs at home showed even greater improvement with a facility dog present • Dogs may improve therapy outcomes through positive distraction and emotional support • First tasks with dogs present showed lower pain and heart rate measurements • Our own pets Bunsen, Beaker, and Bernoulli would need training before becoming therapy animals Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text On this episode we look at the tsunamis that weren't from the Russian megaquake, and which dog breeds are super super hungry all the time. • Earthquake occurred in the Kural Kamchatka subduction zone where the Pacific plate slides under the Okhotsk plate at 75mm per year • Logarithmic earthquake scales mean each magnitude increase represents 10x more energy • Despite the earthquake's strength, the rupture didn't reach the seafloor, limiting tsunami development • Hawaiian and California coasts saw modest waves of 1-1.5 meters, far less than feared • Historical tsunamis like the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster (227,000+ deaths) demonstrate the potential danger • Texas A&M study of 15,000 dog owners reveals which breeds have highest "food motivation scores" • Sporting breeds like Labs and Golden Retrievers are 10% more likely to overeat than mixed breeds • Hound breeds (beagles, dachshunds) follow at 5.3% higher likelihood • City dogs and those in multi-dog households more prone to weight issues • Maintaining healthy dog weight reduces risks of diabetes, arthritis, and skin disease If you enjoy our content, consider joining our Patreon community at the Top Dogs level to support the Science Podcast. Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Pet Chat today has a special guest: Wildlife rehabilitator Janie Girardin who shares her experiences caring for orphaned and injured animals at Spicy Paws Wildlife Sanctuary, explaining the delicate process of rehabilitation and eventual release back to nature. • Specializes in rehabilitating squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, and fawns • Currently caring for eight baby squirrels, five rabbits, and six fawns • Animals typically come into care when orphaned, injured, or showing distress signals • Uses a "soft release" approach, allowing animals to transition gradually back to the wild • Minimizes human contact to ensure animals retain their wild instincts • Explains how to tell when wildlife truly needs human assistance • Debunks myth that touching baby birds causes mother rejection • Advises keeping distressed wildlife "warm, dark and quiet" until professional help arrives • Warns against feeding baby animals without professional guidance • Becoming a rehabilitator requires specific training, testing, and licensing If you'd like to support Spicy Paws Wildlife Sanctuary, visit their Facebook page. Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text In this episode we explore scientific findings about optimal daily step counts, genetic predispositions for having children of the same sex, and how dogs perceive and interact with television. • Research shows 7,000 steps per day is the health "sweet spot," not the commonly cited 10,000 • At 7,000 steps, studies found 25% reduced cardiovascular disease risk, 37% lower cancer risk, and 38% decreased dementia-related deaths • Even modest increases from baseline (2,000 steps) show significant health benefits • Genetic study reveals some families may be predisposed to having children of primarily one sex • Older mothers showed strongest patterns of same-sex children, possibly due to biological mechanisms • Two gene variants identified that correlate with having all male or all female children • Modern LED TVs allow dogs to see continuous motion unlike older TVs • Dogs primarily see blue and yellow colors and 45% react to other dogs on screen • A dog's personality, not breed or age, determines their interest in television • Anxious dogs may find TV overstimulating rather than enriching Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Johnny Heim, pet artist extraordinaire, shares his journey from childhood drawings of Snoopy to creating art that has raised thousands of dollars for animal rescues worldwide. • Started drawing as a child in Winnipeg, perfecting his Snoopy technique during long winters • Won a shrine circus poster contest in grade six, realizing art could bring tangible rewards • Drew attention with his "Shark Attack" clothing line while in university • Used drawing skills in advertising career to help visualize concepts for clients • Reconnected with art during COVID and began focusing on pet portraits • Raised over $10,000 with his "We're All Made of Stars" portrait series in memory of Kuno • Creates all artwork traditionally with ink and paper, no digital tools • Lives by the motto "I draw because they can't" as motivation for his work • Collaborates with rescue organizations to raise funds through his artwork • Helps tell the stories of rescue animals through projects like "Unleashing Tales" books • Currently lives with Olive, his 8-year-old French Bulldog who "lets him live in her house" • Finds the most joy when people connect emotionally with his portraits of their pets Email [email protected] to inquire about commissions. Find his work on X @JohnHeim or Instagram @art_by_heim. Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We dive into the environmental impact of AI technologies and explore the science behind how pet touch affects human well-being. • Generative AI consumes significant energy with a ChatGPT query using approximately 10 times more energy than a Google search • By 2028, data centers could account for 12% of US energy use, up from 4.4% currently • Companies rarely disclose the true energy costs of training and running AI models • Smaller AI models can achieve similar results with dramatically lower carbon footprints • Practical solutions include choosing efficient models, using AI during off-peak hours, and minimizing unnecessary words in prompts • Recent study of 443 pet owners shows both giving and receiving touch contributes to owner well-being • Stroking pets shows stronger positive effects on well-being than hugging or holding • Pet leaning behavior (like when dogs press against their owners) is particularly beneficial for emotional health • The act of giving touch to pets may be more beneficial than receiving touch from them • The physical mechanisms of touch involve specialized nerve fibers that respond differently in hairy versus non-hairy skin Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We explore groundbreaking science developments from space discovery to environmental innovation and canine intuition. The James Webb Space Telescope has directly imaged an exoplanet for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in our quest to understand distant worlds. • JWST captures first direct image of an exoplanet orbiting star TWA7, 111 light-years away • The Saturn-sized planet orbits 52 astronomical units from its star within a gap in the star's dusty debris disk • Scientists used a coronagraph to block the star's light, enabling them to see the much dimmer planet • Researchers genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to convert plastic waste into acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol • The bacteria achieved 92% conversion efficiency in 48 hours, offering potential solutions for plastic pollution and sustainable pharmaceutical production • Though promising, this process is not yet scalable for industrial applications • Study reveals 65% of participants noticed behavior changes in their dogs during pregnancy • 27% reported these changes occurred before they knew they were pregnant • Dogs showed increased attention-seeking, guarding behavior, and anxiety around other dogs • Canines can detect changes in human biochemistry, emotions, and scent during pregnancy If your dog detected your pregnancy before you knew, we'd love to hear your story! Check out our Patreon at the link in show notes to support the podcast and join our Paw Pack community. Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Jason an Kris share updates on their dogs Bunsen, Beaker, and Bernoulli, as well as cat Ginger, covering health updates, socialization progress, and hilarious escape stories. • Bunsen has recovered better than expected from his health issues but remains on-leash for safety • Ginger was a rescue whose name felt perfect without needing a science-themed replacement • Beaker has overcome socialization challenges through regular visits to doggy daycare • Bernoulli has discovered an unexpected friendship with miniature horses at a new care facility • Ginger has mastered multiple escape techniques, including using Bernoulli as an unwitting accomplice • Beaker provided comfort to students during final exams, showing her progress with strangers • The Fun Facts with Bernoulli book is completed and will soon be available in the store • The Bernoulli pre-sale stuffy opportunity remains open until the end of June Pet Chat will be on hiatus for the next two weeks, returning July 19th with special guest artist John Heim. Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We celebrate a milestone of 200,000 Instagram followers, reflecting on how their platform has grown from a "ghost town" into a thriving community where cute dogs help deliver science education. • The hosts share updates about their dogs, including Bunsen's recovery progress • Jason shares exciting wildlife footage captured on their trail cam, featuring a great horned owl • Community member Holly recounts the story of her cat Toby escaping through an unlatched door • Paula shares her experience rescuing a robin fledgling and connecting with a wildlife rehabilitator •Kris tells the story of rescuing a great horned owl that was later rehabilitated and released • The hosts and community members discuss the importance of proper wildlife rescue protocols • Bunsen and Ginger's "Operation Beauty and the Beast" team-up to raid the cat food Join us next Saturday for another episode of Pet Chat, and Paw Pack members can catch us tomorrow for our special community chat. Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text Innovations in science are making daily life better through passive cooling paint and insights into pet interactions. In the Science News section we explore technologies that could transform how we maintain comfortable living spaces and manage our emotions at work. • Cement-based cooling paint from Nyang Technological University uses three cooling strategies: radiative cooling, evaporative cooling, and solar reflection • The specialized paint maintains effectiveness after two years of testing, reflecting 88-92% of sunlight while conventional paints yellow and lose performance • Buildings using this paint required 30-40% less electricity for air conditioning, potentially reducing urban heat islands • Research shows looking at photos of your own dog (not random dogs or cats) significantly reduces anger and aggressive intent The Guest in Ask an Expert... • Dr. Lori Palen discusses how data communication bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact • Data Soapbox helps scientists translate complex findings into accessible, engaging content that drives positive change • Science communication needs to be planned from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought Dr. Palen's links Data Soap Box: https://datasoapbox.com/ Dr. Palen on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/loripalen.bsky.social Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We explore the physics behind making the biggest splash in pool jumping and examine a promising new non-opioid painkiller that could revolutionize pain management without addiction risks. Our investigation into canine health reveals which dog breeds are most prone to diarrhea—with some surprising findings for particular designer breeds. • The science of Manu jumping reveals a precise 45-degree entry angle with V-shaped body posture creates the biggest pool splash • Underwater backward roll and leg extension forms an air pocket that collapses to create maximum splash height • New experimental drug SBI-810 targets pain pathways without causing addiction or euphoria • This non-opioid painkiller outperformed newer opioids in animal testing and could reduce reliance on addictive pain medications • Study of 2.25 million dogs shows breeds with names ending in "poo" have highest diarrhea rates • Cavapoos (14.95%), Maltese (14.6%), and Miniature Poodles (14.26%) top the list for diarrhea incidence • Most canine diarrhea cases (92%) involve only one event per year and resolve with a single vet visit • Common treatments include probiotics, dietary management, and sometimes antibiotics for more severe cases Here's a link of Manu jumping! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogkRgkf4YAo Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text The cosmic dance of our solar system is more precarious than we realize, with rogue stars potentially disrupting Earth's orbit and sending us hurling into space—though the probability is a reassuring 0.2% over 5 billion years. Recent research reveals singing to babies significantly improves their overall mood, highlighting the universal evolutionary importance of lullabies as emotional regulation tools across cultures. Oh and Cockatoos have taught themselves how to drink from fountains. • Computer simulations show passing stars could disrupt our solar system with catastrophic consequences • Mercury would likely be the first planet affected, potentially creating a domino effect of planetary collisions • Earth has a 0.2% chance of being ejected from our solar system in the next 5 billion years • Parents who sing to babies under four months old observe significantly improved infant moods • Singing to babies appears to be a universal human behavior with evolutionary advantages • Sydney's cockatoos demonstrate remarkable intelligence by operating public drinking fountains • Around 70% of local cockatoos attempt to use fountains with 50% succeeding • Birds coordinate complex movements and wait in line, suggesting possible social bonding behavior Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send us a text We dive into the fascinating world of extinct giant sloths, explore how dogs are inspiring better swimming robots, and discuss the alarming resurgence of measles with immunologist Dr. Elisabeth Marnick. • Ancient sloths evolved wide body size diversity based primarily on their habitat preference • Tree-dwelling sloths evolved to be smaller while ground-dwelling species became massive • The largest ground sloths were predated by enormous short-faced bears and likely hunted by humans • Engineers created an amphibious robot that mimics dogs' swimming motion rather than reptiles or insects • The dog-inspired robot achieves better transition between land and water with superior stability And our guest: • Dr. Elizabeth Marnick explains that measles causes "immune amnesia," erasing the body's memory of other infections • The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles infection with two doses • One in four measles cases requires hospitalization, with potentially severe complications • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can appear 7-10 years after measles infection and is 100% fatal • Science communicators face significant challenges combating misinformation on social media Dr. Marnick's Links Instagram Substack Our links: Our Website! www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!