Spider Goats & GMOs

When you experience joy, what's happening in your body and brain? Corey and Mel discuss the neurotransmitters that work behind-the-scenes to create the emotions that many of us call happiness or contentment. The discussion covers emerging research on joy and the ways it's linked to health - as well as other highly important topics like Charlie Chaplain, baby yoda, and cookies. Whether you are listening during the holidays or not, this episode is a helpful look into the nature/nurture composition of mental health and includes ideas for boosting joy in our daily lives.

You may know Marie Curie's name, but do you know her story and what she contributed to the scientific community? In their second episode in the Under Appreciated Scientists in History series, Mel and Corey take a look at Madame Curie's life and what makes her so remarkable.

Hang out with Corey & Mel as they discuss all the listener feedback and questions they've gotten over the past 10 episodes from family and friends around the world. You'll learn a cool technique for relaxing stubborn muscles, conjecture on how Harry Potter World might use lasers, that Mel cannot impersonate an ice cream truck to save her life, the meaning of "biomimicry," and one good thing about mosquitos. They also throw in more questions and fun facts for each episode that they thought of after the original recording of each show. Enjoy!

Now that the mosquitos are gone for the winter (at least in parts of the Northern Hemisphere), Mel and Corey reflect on the awful problems they cause around the world even though they are important to many ecosystems. Did you know that scientists currently have the technology to wipe out mosquito species which carry the most deadly diseases? This week: the immense ethical dilemma of "gene drives" and what it means to possess this kind of power. On a positive note, in the spirit of the holiday season, consider donating a mosquito net to a family who could really use it! A small gift can make a huge difference. https://nothingbutnets.net/

Lasers: mysterious, powerful, amazing. Ever curious as to how they actually work? This week Corey and Mel discuss the underlying technology and applications of lasers, including laser pointers, LASIK eye surgery, missile defense systems, and household laser safety. WARNING: You may find this episode illuminating.

Have you heard of spider goats? Besides being a great band name, spider goats are real goats, designed by geneticists, to make spider silk in their milk. This week, Mel and Corey dive into the great debate over the technology and applications of genetically modifying organisms (GMOs). Mel covers every anti-GMO argument she can find, and asks Corey what he thinks as a scientist. His perspective may surprise you.

We're hearing tons of stuff about climate change these days, from doomsday to total hoax. This week, Corey and Mel look at how climate change is talked about on all sides, and discuss important topics we don't often hear about: CO2 sinks, domino effects, and challenges with emerging "green" technologies. The episode includes the story of Biosphere II, a huge survival shelter experiment in 1990's Arizona that had a surprising outcome.

Have you ever wondered what lives in your gut and what it's doing down there? This week we talk all things microbiome. Learn about bacterial colonization, stool banks, fecal transplants, poop pills, RNA sequencing, possible links between gut bacteria and diseases, and emerging research in the microbiome field. 

Humans use our muscles every single day, but do you actually know how they develop, grow, and function? This week Corey and Mel answer their first ever listener-requested question on the science behind muscle development. Also, Mel confesses her dislike of gym and her idea for a nutrition blog called SaladHaters.com. She wants everyone to know that even people who don't like working out will learn something cool from this episode. 

In the first episode of their "Underrepresented Scientists" series, Corey and Mel feature George Washington Carver. Often misrepresented as the "inventor of peanut butter", Carver was a prominent African-American historical figure who played a critical role in rebuilding the southern economy after the Civil War. His scientific accomplishments and product inventions supported southern agriculture in the face of soil depletion and pests. Join us as we celebrate his outstanding contributions!