Science Vs
- Épisodes
- 353
- Parution
- hebdomadaire
- Dernier épisode
- 12 Nov 2026
À propos du podcast
There are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.
Épisodes 353
Is the ‘War on Science’ Over?
A whole bunch of scientists and doctors won in the U.S. midterm elections, which has got some nerds really excited. They’re wondering: Could this turn things around for U.S. science, which has been hit by cuts …
Notes de l’épisode
A whole bunch of scientists and doctors won in the U.S. midterm elections, which has got some nerds really excited. They’re wondering: Could this turn things around for U.S. science, which has been hit by cuts and restrictions from the Trump administration?? We talk to journalist Max Kozlov from Nature to find out whether it’s time for a nerd party in the U.S.A. — or if it might be too soon to pop the champagne.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsWarOnScience
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) A blue wave … and a nerd wave?
(02:33) What’s happened with science under Trump
(09:32) What science stuff did voters care about?
(11:54) Abdul El-Sayed adapted some MAHA language
(14:35) Data centers lost at the polls
(20:19) Are scientists celebrating too soon?
(28:17) Oddball questions with Max
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Michelle Dang, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Podville Media in Washington, DC.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Music Can Be Medicine, with Dr. Dan Levitin
A lot of us reach for music when we’re struggling. Whether we’re going through a breakup or just a rough day, our favorite jams seem to have an almost magical ability to give us relief. But WHY?! What exactly …
Notes de l’épisode
A lot of us reach for music when we’re struggling. Whether we’re going through a breakup or just a rough day, our favorite jams seem to have an almost magical ability to give us relief. But WHY?! What exactly is music doing in the brain that affects how we feel? And how powerful is it? Like, could music actually treat diseases? We dig into these questions with musician, neuroscientist, and professor Dr. Dan Levitin. He wrote a book called “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” all about the incredible neuroscience behind music and how it can help with things like depression, pain and even Alzheimer’s disease.
UPDATE 11/6/26: A previous version of this episode incorrectly suggested that aphantasia was discovered recently. The phenomenon was first described in the late 19th century, although the term was only coined in 2015. The episode has been updated.
This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines:
United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online chat available); US Crisis Text Line Text “HOME” to 741741
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)
Canada: Call or text 988
United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Full list of international hotlines here
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsMusicAsMedicine
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:04) How music activates the brain
(09:17) The effects of music on mental health and pain
(14:37) The relationship between music and memory
(20:35) Music as medicine for movement disorders
(23:23) Does music really make you smarter?
(27:45) Oddball questions
Credits:
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys with help from Meryl Horn, Michelle Dang, and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact-checking by the Science Vs team. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to Michelle Kitchen and Spotify Studios in Los Angeles, as well as Humdinger Studios in Melbourne.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sitting: As Bad As Smoking?!
Lots of us spend HOURS a day sitting on our bums. And we’re often told that this is terrible for us — even that it could be as bad for our health as smoking. But how bad is it really? And can exercise or …
Notes de l’épisode
Lots of us spend HOURS a day sitting on our bums. And we’re often told that this is terrible for us — even that it could be as bad for our health as smoking. But how bad is it really? And can exercise or standing desks help make up for all those hours on the couch?? We dig into what happens inside our bodies when we sit all day — with sedentary behavior researchers Prof. David Dunstan and Prof. Bethany Barone Gibbs.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsSitting
In this episode, we cover:
(01:25) How sitting became so scary
(06:33) What is sitting doing to us?
(16:38) Can standing help?
(22:47) What we can do
This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Meryl Horn, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing & sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Dr. Kaitlin Gallagher, as well as Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Testosterone: Do We All Need a Boost?
We’re hearing a ton about the marvels of testosterone from influencers, celebrities, and even government officials. They say we should be thinking about our T levels, topping them off with extra if they’re too …
Notes de l’épisode
We’re hearing a ton about the marvels of testosterone from influencers, celebrities, and even government officials. They say we should be thinking about our T levels, topping them off with extra if they’re too low. And we’re told that the benefits of testosterone are HUGE: that we’ll be stronger, sexier, and more energized. So is that true?? And if you do go for a testosterone bump, do you need to worry about possible side effects, like ’roid rage, infertility and other risks? We talk to endocrinologists Prof. Shalender Bhasin and Prof. Richard Auchus as well as social psychologist Dr. Justin Carré to find out.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTestosterone
Find Wendy's chat about Bigorexia here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsZEfTWuIqg
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) We’re obsessed with testosterone
(02:59) Will T make you bigger and stronger?
(09:25) ‘Roid rage
(18:04) Will T turn you into a horndog?
(25:48) Will T put pep in your step?
(27:51) The risks of taking T
(31:49) Why are we like this?
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Meryl Horn, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, and Michelle Dang. We're edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact-checking by Marlowe Starling. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord.
Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Kathleen Casto, Dr. Carol Hooven, Professor Ruth Wood, Dr. Stephanie Page, Professor Sari van Anders, Dr. Adam Stanaland, and Professor Anthony Hackney. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Wolf Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fiber Maxxing and Poo Maxxing, with Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Have you been puzzled by your poos or felt down about your dumps?? You’re not alone! So many of us are struggling with gut issues, which is why fiber is having a major moment. But even though we’re secretly …
Notes de l’épisode
Have you been puzzled by your poos or felt down about your dumps?? You’re not alone! So many of us are struggling with gut issues, which is why fiber is having a major moment. But even though we’re secretly guzzling psyllium husk, tons of us are too embarrassed to talk about our poo problems. No more! We’re putting an end to the silence on stool with Dr. Trisha Pasricha. She’s a neurogastroenterologist and author of “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.” We find out what poo actually IS and how often you should go — plus, we get the dirt on the surprising connection between your brain and your gut, and how it might be the key to understanding diseases like Parkinson’s.
Find our transcript here: ScienceVs
In this episode, we cover:
Time stamp and titles for each chapter (first chapter must start at 00:00, minimum 3 chapters)
(00:00) Intro
(02:45) What does it mean to reach “poophoria”??
(04:37) Living in a poo-forward household
(05:54) Stomach lie detector
(11:06) That sinking feeling in your stomach
(13:48) The gut-brain connection
(17:05) Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's
(22:05) Fecal transplants
(26:09) Poo 101
(29:46) Fiber-maxxing and how often you should go
(34:52) Why you shouldn’t linger on the toilet
(43:09) Myths around poo
(49:42) Oddball questions
This episode was produced by Ekedi Fausther-Keeys and Wendy Zukerman, with help from Rose Rimler, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Dr. Jessica Biesiekierski, as well as Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and WGBH Studios in Boston.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Collagen Peptides: Should You Take Them?
Collagen peptides!! Can they make you look younger and be healthier? It feels like everyone wants to be bursting with collagen, and apparently the way to do it is by scooping up that white powder of collagen …
Notes de l’épisode
Collagen peptides!! Can they make you look younger and be healthier? It feels like everyone wants to be bursting with collagen, and apparently the way to do it is by scooping up that white powder of collagen peptides and guzzling it down. Do that, and — according to the wellfluencers — not only will your skin be as bouncy as a baby's bottom, but you'll also be stronger and you'll heal from injuries faster. But of course, not everyone is on the collagen train. There are the collagen haters, who say that eating collagen is a load of baloney. So who's right? To find out, we talk to dietetics Professor Clare Collins, dermatologist Dr. Natalia Spierings, exercise physiologists Professor Luc van Loon and Professor Keith Baar, neutromuscular physiologist Dr. Robert Erskine, as well as sports performance consultant Dr. Dana Lis.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsCollagen
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Collagen peptides are EVERYWHERE
(02:52) Why is collagen important?
(05:25) What are collagen "peptides"?
(05:54) Do collagen peptides in creams or injections work?
(06:40) Can eating collagen improve your skin?
(12:35) What happens to collagen after you eat it?
(18:45) How to build more collagen
(24:56) Can eating collagen improve sports performance?
(28:31) Should you take collagen supplements?(31:47) What are the risks of collagen peptides?
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Rose Rimler, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Marlowe Starling. Additional research from Isabel Gil. Video editing and sound mix by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Wolff Island Studios in New York City. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode, plus a big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why We Never Forget Our Teen Years, with Dr. Lisa Damour
Our brains go completely WILD when we go through our teenage years. It’s a time where it feels like every disagreement with our parents turns into World War III, and every idea that could get us killed sounds …
Notes de l’épisode
Our brains go completely WILD when we go through our teenage years. It’s a time where it feels like every disagreement with our parents turns into World War III, and every idea that could get us killed sounds like the most fun we could ever have. In this episode, we get into the science of what the brain is doing during the teenage years with clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour. Lisa co-wrote the college textbook “Abnormal Psychology” and was a consultant on Disney's “Inside Out 2.” She takes us deep into the developing brain to explain what makes teens tick. Plus, we talk about mental health, how boys and girls are struggling in different ways, and tips for anyone who has big feelings.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTeenBrain
Check out Lisa Damour’s podcast, Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2GIh790via4L7oGAJ2mz1b
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Meet Lisa Damour
(05:33) The teenage brain
(11:20) Big feelings, what they mean, and how to respond
(19:56) The teenage brain and abstract thinking
(22:34) Teenagers and risk-taking
(29:18) How long does adolescence really last??
(33:47) The different kinds of popularity
(41:58) Should we be worried about kids these days?
(46:57) How boys are struggling and how can we help
(51:49) Oddball questions
Credits:
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. You can join us for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stress: The Science of Chilling Out
Stress! We’re all feeling it. And besides just feeling crappy, we’re also told that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. The internet has a million solutions: vagus nerve stimulators, deep breaths, or a hot …
Notes de l’épisode
Stress! We’re all feeling it. And besides just feeling crappy, we’re also told that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. The internet has a million solutions: vagus nerve stimulators, deep breaths, or a hot sauna! If that doesn’t work, maybe a cold plunge? But what does the science say about all this — what works to lower our stress? And is it really THAT bad to be stressed out? We dive into the research to find out, with psychology Professor Mark Seery, psychology Professor Jeremy Jamieson, and anatomist Dr. Theresa Larkin.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsStress
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) We’re all stressed out!
(02:37) Is stress that bad for us?
(13:55) A healthier stress response
(22:32) How our vagus nerves are involved in stress
(25:57) Can we “hack” our vagus nerves?
(30:42) What else can relieve stress?
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn, with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Professor Julie Vašků, Dr. Christopher Austelle, Professor Daryl O'Connor, and Dr. Jennifer Wild, as well as Humdinger Studios in Melbourne. And thanks as well to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Could AI Really Kill Us All?
Could artificial intelligence really wipe out humanity? Claims that AI poses an existential threat are going gangbusters. AI agents from OpenAI recently hacked into another company, Hugging Face, which has …
Notes de l’épisode
Could artificial intelligence really wipe out humanity? Claims that AI poses an existential threat are going gangbusters. AI agents from OpenAI recently hacked into another company, Hugging Face, which has people talking about whether AI can go “rogue.” And some current and former AI company employees are raising the alarm. CEOs have called for a slowdown, and one Anthropic employee just quit, saying that the companies creating this tech are putting us all at risk — and adding that “the people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.” So — are we really creating a monster? Could AI escape human control and take us all out? If so … how?! And are these scary claims just a distraction from the stuff that AI is already being used for out in the world? We talk to cyber security expert Professor David Parry, philosopher Dr. Nick Bostrom, and scientist Dr. Michael Vermeer to find out.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsAIApocalypse
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) AI is scaring the crap out of people
(03:43) The Hugging Face hack
(13:20) The paperclip maximizer
(19:22) How would superintelligent AI take us out?
(22:54) Could AI unleash nuclear war?
(27:19) Could AI unleash biological weapons?
(34:22) How worried should we be about AI??
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn, with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Erika Akiko Howard. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Dr. Cameron Domenico Kirk-Giannini, Dr. Jascha Bareis, Dr. Leonard Aaron Dung, and Professor Niusha Shafiabady. And thanks as well to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Wolff Island Studios in NYC. Special thanks to Christopher Suter.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Where Have The Insects Gone?? With Dr. Jessica Ware
Bugs are disappearing at alarming rates, scientists are telling us. Bees, butterflies, beetles: all of them have been dropping like flies. And scientists say there are a bunch of reasons to care about this — …
Notes de l’épisode
Bugs are disappearing at alarming rates, scientists are telling us. Bees, butterflies, beetles: all of them have been dropping like flies. And scientists say there are a bunch of reasons to care about this — for example, fewer bugs means less pollination, which means less pasta in your pantry. But recently, some have suggested that all these scientists crying out about the insect apocalypse might just be crying wolf. They say that the math isn’t math-ing and that the insects are doing all right. And this has been bugging us! So we called up Dr. Jessica Ware, an entomologist and a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, to find out what’s going on here. And Jessica also specializes in dragonfly lovemaking, so of course, we had to ask about that too.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/SVInsectApocalypse
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Meet entomologist Dr. Jessica Ware
(03:27) Dragonflies: Origins and sex lives
(08:55) The insect apocalypse: How bad is it?
(19:02) What’s causing the decline in insects
(22:24) Bees and pollinator gardens
(27:16) Invasive species: Lanternflies and murder hornets
(33:46) How to milk a cockroach
(39:07) Is it beeswax?
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/SVInsectApocalypse
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Meet Entomologist Dr. Jessica Ware
(03:27) Dragonflies: Origins and sex lives
(08:55) The Insect Apocalypse: How bad is it?
(19:02) What’s causing the decline in insects
(22:24) Bees and pollinator gardens
(27:16) Invasive species: Lanternflies, murderhornets,
(33:46) Cockroaches and cockroach milk
(39:07) Is it beeswax?
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Protein-Maxxing: Is It Actually Bad For Us?
Protein is everywhere — tons of us are trying to cram more of it into our diets, and it's showing up in our lattes, our snack bars, even our popcorn. But just as we’re getting on board with protein-maxxing, a …
Notes de l’épisode
Protein is everywhere — tons of us are trying to cram more of it into our diets, and it's showing up in our lattes, our snack bars, even our popcorn. But just as we’re getting on board with protein-maxxing, a bunch of headlines have started saying the opposite: that eating LESS protein could actually help you live longer. So what's going on here?? Should we be piling on the protein — or pulling back? And could going too low actually be dangerous? We talk to biologist Prof. Dudley Lamming and exercise physiologist Prof. Stuart Phillips to find out.
Note: This episode mentions calorie restriction. Please take care when listening, and here are some resources:
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) helpline: 1(888)-375-7767
Crisis support:
United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online chat available); https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/ Text “HOME” to 741741
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)
Canada: Call or text 988
United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Full list of international hotlines here
Other help available: spotify.com/resources
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsProteinMaxxing
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Protein-Maxxing or Protein-Minning?
(02:15) Restricting Protein Makes You Live Longer??!?
(09:20) A Tale of Brown Fat and mTOR
(13:45) What Could Go Wrong?
(21:20) So What the Hell Should We Be Eating?
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Meryl Horn, Michelle Dang, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Marlowe Starling. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Prof. Edward Giovannucci, Prof. Holly Brown-Borg, Prof. John Speakman, Dr. Mingyang Song, and Dr. Jessica Biesiekierski. And thanks as well to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sunscreen: Could It Be Toxic??
Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from dangerous stuff like cancer, but all over social media, people are saying that we’ve been getting it all wrong. We’re being told that our sunscreen is full of toxic …
Notes de l’épisode
Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from dangerous stuff like cancer, but all over social media, people are saying that we’ve been getting it all wrong. We’re being told that our sunscreen is full of toxic chemicals, that wearing it could mess with our vitamin D levels — even that sunscreen itself actually increases our risk of skin cancer. So, what can the science tell us here? Should we toss our SPF-filled creams and sprays in the bin?? And could the answer here be different depending on your skin tone? We talk to researchers Dr. Brandon Adler, Prof. Rachel Neale, and Dr. Adewole Adamson to find out.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsSunscreen
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) The internet freak-out over sunscreen
(05:06) Is sunscreen toxic?
(20:46) Does sunscreen mess with vitamin D?
(29:29) Does sunscreen work to prevent skin cancer?
(34:40) Do people with darker skin need sunscreen?
(44:38) How to wear sunscreen correctly
This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Video editing and sound by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks to Humdinger Studios in Melbourne and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hank Green: What No One Tells You About the Algorithm
Hank Green is one of the most beloved science creators on the interwebs. He’s been making videos for almost 20 years, spanning LOTS of eras of the Internet, from YouTube prank videos to TikTok dance challenges …
Notes de l’épisode
Hank Green is one of the most beloved science creators on the interwebs. He’s been making videos for almost 20 years, spanning LOTS of eras of the Internet, from YouTube prank videos to TikTok dance challenges to AI slop. In this episode, Wendy sits down with Hank to talk about this wild ride. They reminisce about his path to YouTube stardom, and they’ll pull back the curtain on social media algorithms — how they’ve changed, and the sneaky ways they draw us in. And while Hank has been publicly fighting off internet trolls, he’s also been dealing with his own personal battle with cancer. He takes us through what’s changed for him since he got diagnosed, and the science he learned about pee and chemotherapy along the way.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsHankGreen
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Hank Green’s journey to YouTube
(06:26) How ‘going viral’ has completely changed
(11:58) How social media captures your attention
(23:47) What Hank is and isn’t worried about with AI
(29:33) Hank’s cancer diagnosis
(37:45) The fracturing of communication
(40:46) Oddball questions
Credits
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Video editing and sound mix by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and Wolf Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. You can also find us on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We Solve the 49ers Viral Conspiracy Theory
Is an electrical substation contributing to injuries on the San Francisco 49ers?? A bunch of people on the internet seem to think so, claiming that electromagnetic field waves could be to blame for players …
Notes de l’épisode
Is an electrical substation contributing to injuries on the San Francisco 49ers?? A bunch of people on the internet seem to think so, claiming that electromagnetic field waves could be to blame for players getting hurt. We partner with the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists at Pablo Torre Finds Out to get to the bottom of it. We talk to Peter Cowan, Dr. Ken Karipidis, and Dr. Zachary Binney.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/SVPTFO49ERSEMF
Watch and subscribe to Pablo Torre Finds Out here: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTorreFindsOut
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, Wendy Zukerman, Chris Tumminello and Bradley Campbell, with help from the rest of the Pablo Torre Finds Out team and the Science Vs team: Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Marlowe Starling. Video editing and sound mix by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Dr. Joachim Schüz, Dr. Alexandra von Meier, Nekane Sandoval Diez, Prof. Eva Monsma, Dr. Dan Baaken, Professor Frank de Vocht, Professor David Carpenter, Professor Beatrice Golomb, Professor Rodney Croft, Dr. Mitchell Newberry, Professor Tony Blazevich, and Dr. Andrew Ross. Special thanks to Srishti Prabha, the San Jose Public Library, as well as Humdinger Studios in Melbourne, and Wolff Island Studios in New York City.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Find us on YouTube at ScienceVsPodcast, TikTok at @wendyzuk and Instagram at Science_Vs.
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Weight Loss: Why Won't It Stick?
If you have ever tried to lose weight only to find the weight crept back on, you’re not alone. In fact, for tons of people, this happens over and over again. This is called “weight cycling,” and a bunch of …
Notes de l’épisode
If you have ever tried to lose weight only to find the weight crept back on, you’re not alone. In fact, for tons of people, this happens over and over again. This is called “weight cycling,” and a bunch of influencers are saying that this is terrible for us. They say that it can ruin your metabolism forever and that it can lead to stuff like diabetes and scary muscle loss. So could that be true?? And why does this happen at all? We find out with nutritionist Prof. Faidon Magkos, immunologist Prof. Alyssa Hasty, and health policy researcher Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce.
Note: In this episode we discuss weight and weight loss. Please take care when listening, and here are some resources:
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) helpline: 1(888)-375-7767
Crisis support:
United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online chat available); https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/ Text “HOME” to 741741
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)
Canada: Call or text 988
United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Full list of international hotlines here
Other help available: spotify.com/resources
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsWeightCycling
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) What we’re hearing about weight cycling
(07:14) Why is it so hard to keep the weight off?
(12:45) Does weight cycling break your metabolism?
(18:58) Will you gain fat and lose muscle?
(23:17) Weight cycling and inflammation?
(28:35) Will weight cycling make you sick?
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks so much to all the experts we spoke with for this episode, including Dr. Heidi Silver and Dr. Andrea Rossi. Special thanks to Jennifer C. Wolfe and Sasha Borissenko. And big big thanks to all the folks who called in to tell us about their weight cycling experiences.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Follow Wendy on TikTok @wendyzuk
Science Vs on Youtube @ScienceVsPodcast
Science Vs on Instagram @science_vs
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Free Will: Does It Exist?
Will you hit play on this episode?? It feels like that decision is totally within your control — but what if it’s not? What if free will is just an illusion? Lots of people are using science to say that free …
Notes de l’épisode
Will you hit play on this episode?? It feels like that decision is totally within your control — but what if it’s not? What if free will is just an illusion? Lots of people are using science to say that free will is a trick of the mind, that whether or not you listen to this episode, or eat a taco, or do a silly dance right now — it’s all predestined. But do we really have science receipts for that? We find out by talking to neuroscientist Prof. John-Dylan Haynes and theoretical physicist Prof. Sean Carroll.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsFreeWill
Check out Sean Carroll’s podcast, Mindscape, here: https://preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) When you remember you have free will
(02:21) What is free will?
(04:26) The argument against free will(18:07) The argument for free will
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn with help from Rose Rimler, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Michelle Dang and Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and video editing by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Nicolas Rouleau and Dr. Andrea Lavazza. And special thanks to Chris Suter and Humdinger Studios.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. You can join us for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Narcissists: Are We Surrounded?
The internet tells us that narcissists are everywhere — and that the problem is only getting worse. It’s like narcissism is oozing out of our celebrities, politicians, partners, parents, maybe even ourselves?? …
Notes de l’épisode
The internet tells us that narcissists are everywhere — and that the problem is only getting worse. It’s like narcissism is oozing out of our celebrities, politicians, partners, parents, maybe even ourselves?? So today, we’re taking a long look in the mirror to find out: are we all a bunch of narcissists? And what should we do if we think someone in our life is a narcissist? We find out by talking to a real narcissist, Lee Hammock of the social media platform “The Self Aware Narcissist” as well as psychologists Prof. W. Keith Campbell, Prof. Kali Trzesniewski, and Dr. Craig Malkin. [REBROADCAST]
Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsNarcissistsRerun
We want to hear your ideas for new episodes of Science Vs! Tell us via:
Instagram at science_vs
X at @sciencevs
Bluesky at sciencevs
Email at [email protected]
Voicemail at +1 774-481-1238
This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines:
United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online chat available); US Crisis Text Line Text “HOME” to 741741
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)
Canada: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (See link for phone numbers listed by province)
United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Full list of international hotlines here
Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsNarcissism
In this episode, we cover:
(00:57) Lee’s Ratatouille Moment
(07:31) The Narcissism Test
(16:17) Are We In a Narcissism Epidemic?
(23:21) It Kind of Sucks to be a Narcissist
(29:36) Narcissists in Therapy
(32:51) How to Deal With a Narcissist in Your Life
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Michelle Dang, Meryl Horn, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Mix and sound design by Sam Bair. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Music written by Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, So Wylie, Bumi Hidaka, and Bobby Lord.Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Igor Weinberg, Dr. April Ilkmen, Dr. Jennifer Gerlach, Dr. Betsy Edershile, Prof. Brad Bushman, Prof. Brent Donnellan, Prof. Chris Barry, Dr. Glenn Geher, and Winkie Ma. Special thanks to Rachel Humphries for editing help. And big thanks to everyone who helped us this season! Jack Weinstein, Hunter, Chris Suter, Oscar, Elise, Dylan, the Zukerman family and Joseph Lavelle Willson.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Raw Milk: Secret Superfood??
Raw milk is having a major moment, with fans claiming it’s a gut-healing superfood that can prevent everything from asthma to allergies. But others are like HOLD ON — we pasteurize milk to make it safe! …
Notes de l’épisode
Raw milk is having a major moment, with fans claiming it’s a gut-healing superfood that can prevent everything from asthma to allergies. But others are like HOLD ON — we pasteurize milk to make it safe! Drinking raw milk can kill you. So, who’s right? Could there be some benefits to guzzling milk straight from the teat? Or is it a terrible idea? We talk to food science Prof. John Lucey and pediatric allergist and immunologist Prof. Christine Seroogy to find out.
Find us on YouTube at ScienceVsPodcast! You can also find the show on Instagram at science_vs and Wendy on TikTok at @wendyzuk.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsRawMilk
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Some people online claim raw milk is GREAT for you
(05:36) What is pasteurization??
(07:15) Is raw milk good for your microbiome?
(11:06) Can raw milk help prevent allergies and asthma?
(24:31) What are the risks of drinking raw milk?
This episode was produced by Blythe Terrell, with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang and Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Research help from Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Professor Markus Ege, thanks so much for your time. Thanks to Elsevier for sharing your raw milk book.
Thanks to Elsevier for sharing your raw milk book with us. Thanks to the Zukerman family, Joseph Lavelle Wilson, and Jack Weinstein.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?
Today we’re revisiting caffeine. It’s a drug that tons of us take every day. So, is that a bad thing?? What is it really doing to our bodies and our brains? Plus — if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is …
Notes de l’épisode
Today we’re revisiting caffeine. It’s a drug that tons of us take every day. So, is that a bad thing?? What is it really doing to our bodies and our brains? Plus — if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is that super dangerous? We talk to Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marcus, and Prof. Sachin Shah. [REBROADCAST]
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsCaffeine
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Our love/hate relationship with caffeine
(04:40) How coffee affects our gut
(07:29) How coffee affects our brain
(12:59) How coffee affects our sleep
(17:58) Coffee makes us go vroom vroom vroom!
(20:45) Are we caffeine addicts??
(28:15) Are energy drinks dangerous?
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Wendy Zukerman, as well as Nick DelRose, Joel Werner, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Sarah Baum. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Special thanks to all the researchers we spoke to for this episode – including Dr. Bryan Saunders, Dr. Sergi Ferré, Prof. Andreas Heinz, Prof. Christine Curran, Dr. Erikka Loftfield, Dr. Felix Oberhoffer, Dr. Alan Wayne Jones, and Dr. Vijay Yadav. Extra special thanks to Jason Vytlacil and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Woman Who Felt No Fear
A group of scientists meet a very unusual woman. A key part of her brain isn’t working: the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that we think is responsible for feeling fear. And in fact, this woman does …
Notes de l’épisode
A group of scientists meet a very unusual woman. A key part of her brain isn’t working: the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that we think is responsible for feeling fear. And in fact, this woman does seem pretty fearless. Researchers test her fear response using some very unconventional methods, but she takes everything in stride. Then, finally, they stumble onto the one thing that makes the woman who can’t feel fear absolutely panic. We scare up some science with neuropsychologist Dr. Justin Feinstein.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsWomanWhoFeltNoFear
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Meet the Woman Who Felt No Fear
(04:38) Fear and the Amygdala
(10:27) Scientists Start Running Experiments With the Woman Who Felt No Fear
(11:48) Scientists Try to Scare SM
(12:59) Scientists Try to Scare Her With Snakes
(16:08) Scientists Try to Scare Her with a Haunted House
(19:58) The Risks of Feeling No Fear
(25:46) Scientists Try a New Approach
(34:20) How Breathing Too Much Carbon Dioxide Causes Fear
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Emma Munger, So Wiley, Peter Leonard, Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. Thank you to all the scientists we spoke to for this episode including, Special thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Peptides: The Ultimate Body Hack?
Peptides are huge right now. Influencers are telling us they can work wonders for all sorts of stuff. Struggling with an annoying injury that won't heal?? Belly fat that's pissing you off? Low energy? Gut …
Notes de l’épisode
Peptides are huge right now. Influencers are telling us they can work wonders for all sorts of stuff. Struggling with an annoying injury that won't heal?? Belly fat that's pissing you off? Low energy? Gut issues?? There’s a peptide out there for you. People are buying peptides off the internet and injecting themselves with them, saying it's life changing. But away from the internet hype, there is actually a potential revolution happening in medicine around peptides. So we’re finding out what scientists are excited about here, and we look deeply at the science behind two massive peptides: BPC-157 and MOTS-c. And we’ll also look at the risks: Could peptides give you cancer? On this episode we talk to Dr. Hassy Cohen, Dr. Keith Baar, Dr. Dhruv Khullar and Dr. Cory Mayfield to get to the bottom of this.
Find us on Youtube! We're at https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceVsPodcast
Find our transcript here:https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsPeptides
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Peptides are everywhere right now
(03:56 ) What are peptides?
(04:39 ) The peptide revolution in medicine
(09:56) MOTS-c: Should you take it?
(15:56 ) BPC-157: Can it heal you?
(26:33) What are the risks?
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from, Rose Rimler, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing and sound mix by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to for this episode including Dr. Dana Lis, Dr. Pouya Faridi and Dr. Timothy Piatkowski, as well as the Australian Science Media Centre. A big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Toxic Is the Air You Breathe?
The Trump administration is rolling back restrictions on air pollution in the U.S., and some experts say this could affect the health of millions of people. And what makes air pollution especially dangerous is …
Notes de l’épisode
The Trump administration is rolling back restrictions on air pollution in the U.S., and some experts say this could affect the health of millions of people. And what makes air pollution especially dangerous is that we often can’t see it at all.
So today, we’re going back to the story of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a little girl who suddenly got sick and landed in the hospital. In this episode, her mom, Rosamund, takes on the fight to find out what exactly happened to Ella. And the answer has BIG implications — for us all. We’ll hear from Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah and Professor Stephen Holgate.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsAirPollution
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Ella’s story
(13:02) The campaign and investigation
(21:01) Why air pollution is so dangerous
(25:39) Accountability and change
This episode was produced by Ekedi Fausther-Keeys with help from Rose Rimler, Wendy Zukerman, Michelle Dang, Meryl Horn, and Courtney Gilbert. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the Executive Producer. Extra help by Saidu Tejan-Thomas, Nicole Beemsterboer, Kendra Pierre-Louis, and Alex Blumberg. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Bobby Lord and SoWylie. Thanks to all of the researchers and experts we got in touch with for this episode, including Jocelyn Cockburn, Professor Vernon Morris, Dr. George Thurston, Dr. Lauren Zajac, Dr. Jennifer Burney, Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Dr. Melissa Burroughs, Dr Wei Peng, Professor Barbara Hoffman, Dr Michael Craig, and Dr Wes Austin. Special thanks to Rachel Humphreys, BBC Motion Gallery / Getty Images, Jonah Delso, Jackie Llanos, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Ibogaine: A Miracle Psychedelic?
Ibogaine. Fans say this psychedelic is a game changer for treating a bunch of mental health conditions — that even a single trip to your friendly ibogaine clinic could cure you of lifelong struggles with …
Notes de l’épisode
Ibogaine. Fans say this psychedelic is a game changer for treating a bunch of mental health conditions — that even a single trip to your friendly ibogaine clinic could cure you of lifelong struggles with addiction. And recently President Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking research into this psychedelic drug. But how well does it really work? And is it safe?? To find out, we talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Davis and psychiatrist Prof. Paul Glue.
Some resources for help with substance use and domestic violence:
Substance use and mental health concerns (U.S.): SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800.799.7233 or www.thehotline.org
Find international resources and more at spotify.com/resources
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsIbogaine
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) The hot new psychedelic on the block
(07:25) Can ibogaine help with opioid addiction?
(18:31) How does ibogaine help people?
(20:50) How long do the benefits last?
(26:10) What are the risks?
(29:31) Is there a safe dose that can help people?
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn with help from Rose Rimler, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Michelle Dang and Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks to the researchers we spoke to about this, including Dr. Rafael Santos, and a special thanks to those who talked to us about their ibogaine experiences.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hantavirus: How Scary Is It??
A weird virus has popped up on a cruise ship, and it’s making a bunch of us nervous. It’s a type of hantavirus called Andes virus, and scientists think that it’s infected almost a dozen people so far — three of …
Notes de l’épisode
A weird virus has popped up on a cruise ship, and it’s making a bunch of us nervous. It’s a type of hantavirus called Andes virus, and scientists think that it’s infected almost a dozen people so far — three of them have died. And now people are getting off the boat, some of them going into government quarantine, but some of them traveling home. And people are like, wait … this all sounds VERY familiar … from the early days of Covid. So — how scary is this? Could this hantavirus be the next pandemic?? We talk to Prof. Michelle Harkins, Prof. Ann Sheehy and Dr. Neil Vora to find out.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsHantavirus
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Hantavirus shows up on a cruise ship
(03:11) What happens if you get sick with hantavirus?
(09:32) How does hantavirus spread?
(14:05) How good is this hantavirus at spreading?
(26:08) Is this hantavirus going to cause the next pandemic?
This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Blythe Terrell, Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys and Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Special thanks to the other researchers we spoke to about this, including Prof. Glenn Marsh.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tattoos: Are They Toxic?
Tons of us are inked — one in three American adults has a tattoo — but lately, we’ve been hearing that tattoos are actually bad for us. We’re told that they mess with our immune system and could even lead to …
Notes de l’épisode
Tons of us are inked — one in three American adults has a tattoo — but lately, we’ve been hearing that tattoos are actually bad for us. We’re told that they mess with our immune system and could even lead to cancer. Can that be true?! Plus, are there any upsides to having a tattoo? We talk to immunologist Dr. Santiago González, epidemiologist Dr. Christel Nielsen, and psychologist Prof. Viren Swami.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTattoos
(00:00) Tattoos Under Attack
(02:03) Getting Under Our Skin
(11:38) Do Tattoos Cause Cancer?
(18:50) Should You Get Them Lasered Off?
(20:53) The Benefits of Tattoos
This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Blythe Terrell, Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Special thanks to all the experts we spoke with for this episode, including Dr. Signe Clemmensen, Prof. David Kriebel, Dr. John Swierk, Natacha Cingotti, Dr. Sandrine Henri, Prof. Chris Lynn, and Tricia Allen.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Boredom: Is It Good For You?
We keep hearing that we need to be BORED more, with people online swearing that boredom can work magic — restoring your mind, and even supercharging your creativity. So, is boredom secretly good for us? We talk …
Notes de l’épisode
We keep hearing that we need to be BORED more, with people online swearing that boredom can work magic — restoring your mind, and even supercharging your creativity. So, is boredom secretly good for us? We talk to cognitive neuroscientist Prof. James Danckert and organizational psychologist Prof. Guihyun Park to find out.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsBoredom
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) They say we need more boredom
(02:06) This is your brain on boredom
(12:30) Does boredom push us into creativity?
(22:08) Should you try to be more bored?
(23:53) When you give your brain time to rest
This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Vaping: Does It Really Cause Cancer?
Headlines have been screaming about a new study suggesting that vaping could cause cancer — and that vaping could be just as dangerous as cigarettes. And if this were true, it would be a HUGE deal. We’ve been …
Notes de l’épisode
Headlines have been screaming about a new study suggesting that vaping could cause cancer — and that vaping could be just as dangerous as cigarettes. And if this were true, it would be a HUGE deal. We’ve been hearing for years that vaping is a safer option — and can help you quit ciggies. But the new paper has run up against angry criticisms from other scientists, with some calling the paper "misleading" and "problematic." So what’s going on?? Do scientists still think vaping is safer than cigarettes? How well do vapes actually help people quit smoking? And could Big Tobacco be behind the scenes, clouding the truth about all of this?? We get help sorting it out from Professor Bernard Stewart, Professor Lion Shahab and Professor Becky Freeman.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsVapingCancer
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Vaping world set alight by new study
(02:50) Why Some Scientists Have Linked Vaping to Cancer
(07:45) Why Some Scientists Pushed Back Against Vaping-Cancer Claims
(17:51) Is Vaping as Dangerous as Smoking?
(25:15) Do Vapes Help People Quit Smoking?
(30:52) Big Tobacco Is Funding Vaping Research
This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Rose Rimler, with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Meryl Horn and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Additional music from Parry Music Library / BMGPM. Thanks so much to the Australian science media centre and all the scientists who responded to our emails on this — we asked a lot of you!. A big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Running: Will It Wreck Your Body?
Lots of us love — or love to hate — running. And we do it because it’s supposed to be healthy, right?! But then we hear tons of stories about runners getting hurt — sometimes so badly that they have to hang up …
Notes de l’épisode
Lots of us love — or love to hate — running. And we do it because it’s supposed to be healthy, right?! But then we hear tons of stories about runners getting hurt — sometimes so badly that they have to hang up their sneakers. And there are people on social media going even further, claiming it’s one of the worst things we can do for our bodies. So IS running secretly bad for us? And could too much of it actually bring you closer to a heart attack? We’ll explore the science on all of that, and we’ll also dig into runner’s high: What is going on in the brain to cause this feeling? With help from Dr. Rasmus Østergaard Nielsen, Professor Duck-Chul Lee, and Dr. Michael Siebers, we look at the science to find out if running is the key to a healthy life or if there are peer-reviewed reasons to be a hater.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/sciencevsrunning
In this episode, we cover:
(01:48) What’s the deal with running injuries?
(10:51) How to get hurt less
(15:03) The secret to a longer life
(19:34) What is the runner’s high?
(28:58) How to get runner’s high
This episode was produced by Ekedi Fausther-Keeys with help from Blythe Terrell, Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, Meryl Horn and Wendy Zukerman. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. Fact checking by Taylor White. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr. Anita Eberl, Dr. Johannes Fuss, Professor Robert Otto, Dr. Hirofumi Tanaka, Dr. Peter Kokkinos, Dr. Marilyn Moffat, and Director Brian Farr. A big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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Artemis: Why Are We Really Going Back to the Moon?
The moon race is back! NASA’s Artemis II mission just sent four astronauts around the moon. And other countries — and billionaires — are lining up to take a crack at returning to the moon too. But why are we …
Notes de l’épisode
The moon race is back! NASA’s Artemis II mission just sent four astronauts around the moon. And other countries — and billionaires — are lining up to take a crack at returning to the moon too. But why are we really going? Some say this is a lunar gold rush, that countries want to mine the moon for resources. Others are saying the real reason to go to the moon today is that it’ll help us get to Mars. To find out, we talk to engineer Dr. Angel Abbud-Madrid, physicist Prof. Nicolle Zellner, and astronomer Prof. Gregg Hallinan. [REBROADCAST]
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsGoingBackToMoon
UPDATE 4/9/26: We updated this episode with information about more recent efforts to mine Helium-3 from the moon.
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. Thanks to the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr. Tom Simko, Professor Jack Burns, Dr. Paul Byrne, Dr. Martin Elvis, Dr. John Mather, Dr. Jennifer Whitten, Dr. Ian Crawford, Dr. Simon J Lock, and Dr. Greg De Temmerman. Special thanks to Chris Suter, Jack Weinstein, the Zukerman family, the Fausther-Keeys family, and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) We’re going back to the moon!
(06:23) Should we dig up rare earth elements on the moon?
(10:05) Should we go back to the moon for Helium-3?(14:54) The moon as a training ground for Mars
(19:55) The FARSIDE telescope: a portal into the universe’s history
(27:12) So is it worth returning to the moon?
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How To Stop Scrolling
The apps on our phones do an amazing job of sucking us in. In fact, a big court case just found that some of these companies should be held responsible for basically designing products to be addictive. And that …
Notes de l’épisode
The apps on our phones do an amazing job of sucking us in. In fact, a big court case just found that some of these companies should be held responsible for basically designing products to be addictive. And that might not be shocking for lots of us, who feel the pull of these algorithms every day. So, is there anything we can do to help us put down our phones?? Tons of solutions are bandied about: Buy this special device to stay off your phone! What we really need to do is up the friction! Or go hardcore — just get a flip phone! But what actually works to stop scrolling? We dive into the science to find out, with help from computer science and engineering researcher Dr. Jaejeung Kim and psychologist Dr. Lea-Christin Wickord.
Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsStopScrolling
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) The Apps Got Us Trapped
(04:21) Yes, it’s the scrolling that’s to blame
(06:18) The Hardcore Approach
(11:45) The Gentle Nudge
(14:09) What if we up the friction?
(19:59) Is greyscale the solution?
(28:50) If we stop scrolling, do we feel better?
(30:37) Final tips to stop scrolling
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. Wendy Zukerman is our executive producer. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko-Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Thanks so much to the researchers we spoke to, including Dr. Kai Lukoff, Hyunsung Cho, Dr. Alex Holte, Dr. Jan Ole Rixen, Dr. Jay Olson, and Dr. Noah Castelo. A big thanks to Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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