Museum Science with Dr. Barker (322)

Award-winning author and investigative journalist Alice Driver joins me to discuss her powerful new book, Life and Death of the American Worker. Her investigation exposes the deeply unethical practices within the meatpacking industry in the United States. For Alice, this story is personal. She grew up in Arkansas, one of the country’s poorest states and home to Tyson Foods, the largest meatpacking plant in America. We delve into the harsh realities faced by the industry’s workforce, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, with estimates suggesting that up to 30% of the labor force lacks legal status. Our conversation explores the severe health consequences these workers endure and the broader implications for workers’ rights in America today. Find Alice's book at https://www.alicedriver.com/ IG: @alice__driver

In this episode, Prof. Boris Kuhlmey and Prof. Peter Tuthill join me to discuss the Toliman Mission, a space telescope project focused on detecting Earth-like exoplanets around Alpha Centauri, our nearest star system, using precise astrometric measurements. We discuss logistics, the costs involved and the success rate of such an astronomical project. Developed by a collaboration including the University of Sydney, NASA’s JPL, and Breakthrough Initiatives, it aims to launch by 2026. University of Sydney, Faculty of Science Toliman: https://toliman.space/ Boris Kuhlmey www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/boris-kuhlmey.html linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/boris-kuhlmey-48b45615 Peter Tuthill www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/peter-tuthill.html Bluesky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/spiralstar.bsky

Almost all of the regional and remote communities in Queensland do not have fluoridated drinking water, so why is this a problem? Dentist Dr Michael Foley debunks the infamous NTP report which suggested that fluoridated drinking water lowered IQ and breaks down how fluoride actually works and why it's so important for our dental health.

Dr Karl uncovers a lifelong Australian quest to restore comfort and hearing with custom made eardrum transplants. Called Cleardrums, Professor Marcus Atlas is close to passing regulatory hurdles for human trials. Ep407 [Repeat] drkarl.com

Dr Karl (former father of the year) talks with Dr Nick Fuller (recent dad) about teaching children how to eat. The good habits learned early lead to healthy lives. Ep396 [Repeat] Healthy Parents Healthy Kids by Nick Fuller DrKarl      

Why use a balloon to hunt the most elusive suff in the Universe? Dr Sirks takes Dr Karl through the history of Dark Matter and why astronomy is only part of the solution. Ep379 [Repeat] Dr Karl Dr Sirks  

Atmospheric Carbon is burning us up. CO₂ is the big culprit but what about methane? Industry calls it "natural gas" but sheep and cattle belch millions of tons. Australian scientists have a very cool answer with seaweed. drkarl.com seaforest.com.au  

Weight loss medicines are never easy. What happens when your brain says you're full? Dr Karl and Professor Clare Collins explore the promises and pitfalls plus the ones that occasionally kill. drkarl.com

Our warming world means more humidity.  You can't see it but you can feel it.  Professor Ollie Jay introduces Dr Karl to wet bulb thermometers, how sweating works and why humidity gets you down.     DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay  

Summer heat waves are increasing - so AC or fan, what is best? The answer becomes unclear when air temperatures are in the high 30s. Professor Jay takes Dr Karl inside your sweat glands to discover the physics of keeping cool.    DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay