Image credit: Hiroshi Watanabe/Getty Multivitamins help prevent memory loss (start time: 8:02) In this week’s  show, How On Earth host/producer Susan Moran interviews Dr. Adam Brickman, a neuropsychologist at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, about a large new study that shows how taking multivitamins can prevent memory loss in older adults. Memory decline is an inevitable, if cruel, component of aging. And there’s been much debate about what interventions can arrest the pace of memory loss. The new study, which Dr. Brickman co-authored, replicated results of a previous study that he led; both found that people age 60 and older who take multivitamin supplements daily can stave off normal age-related memory loss. (The study does not apply to people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.) Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Image credit: Hiroshi Watanabe/Getty Multivitamins help prevent memory loss (start time: 8:02) In this week’s  show, How On Earth host/producer Susan Moran interviews <a href="https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/profile/adam-m-brickman-phd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Adam Brickman</a>, a neuropsychologist at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, about a large <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523489046?dgcid=author" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new study</a> that shows how taking multivitamins can prevent memory loss in older adults. Memory decline is an inevitable, if cruel, component of aging. And there’s been much debate about what interventions can arrest the pace of memory loss. The new study, which Dr. Brickman co-authored, replicated results of a <a>previous study</a> that he led; both found that people age 60 and older who take multivitamin supplements daily can stave off normal age-related memory loss. (The study does not apply to people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.) Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Memory-boosting via Multivitamins?

http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HOE_July18.mp3This week on How on Earth, Beth talks with Christine Yu – an award-winning journalist who has turned her reporting on women athletes and the relationship between science and athletic performance into a comprehensive book on the subject. In UP TO SPEED:The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, she covers topics ranging from a historical overview of women in sports to the role of hormones on performance to the physics of designing jog bras, and much more. If you’re an athlete, a woman, or simply interested in sports, you’ll enjoy the conversation with Christine. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Beth Bennett Engineering and Headline Contribution: Shannon YoungListen to the show:

<a href="http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HOE_July18.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HOE_July18.mp3</a>This week on How on Earth, Beth talks with Christine Yu – an award-winning journalist who has turned her reporting on women athletes and the relationship between science and athletic performance into a comprehensive book on the subject. In <a href="https://www.christinemyu.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UP TO SPEED</a>:The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, she covers topics ranging from a historical overview of women in sports to the role of hormones on performance to the physics of designing jog bras, and much more. If you’re an athlete, a woman, or simply interested in sports, you’ll enjoy the conversation with Christine. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Beth Bennett Engineering and Headline Contribution: Shannon YoungListen to the show:

The Science of Sex in Sports – Women Athletes

Of Bears &amp; Humans (start time: 1:34) If you live on the Front Range or in the mountains, you’ve probably seen a black bear while hiking or in your neighborhood.  Black bears are thriving, but most of the other eight remaining bear species are struggling to survive. How On Earth host Susan Moran interviews journalist Gloria Dickie about her just-published debut book Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future  (W.W. Norton). It explores conservation efforts to preserve the remaining species. Spoiler alert: the eight bears who inhabit Dickie’s book (and parts of the planet) are the black, brown, panda, moon, sun, sloth, and spectacled bears.  Dickie’s work has appeared in many publications, including  The New York Times, High Country News and National Geographic. She is currently based in London, as a global climate and environment correspondent for Reuters. Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Of Bears &amp; Humans (start time: 1:34) If you live on the Front Range or in the mountains, you’ve probably seen a black bear while hiking or in your neighborhood.  Black bears are thriving, but most of the other eight remaining bear species are struggling to survive. How On Earth host Susan Moran interviews journalist <a href="https://www.gloriadickie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gloria Dickie</a> about her just-published debut book <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005087" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future</a>  (W.W. Norton). It explores conservation efforts to preserve the remaining species. Spoiler alert: the eight bears who inhabit Dickie’s book (and parts of the planet) are the black, brown, panda, moon, sun, sloth, and spectacled bears.  Dickie’s work has appeared in many publications, including  The New York Times, High Country News and National Geographic. She is currently based in London, as a global climate and environment correspondent for Reuters. Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Bears: Beloved & Imperiled

Joe Eck “If we could achieve ROOM temperature superconductivity, there would be no cooling required whatsoever.” photo by S Schlender Room Temperature Superconductors (starts 1:00)  Backyard tinkerer, Joe Eck, maintains a popular website that explains the limitations of “Low Temperature” supeconductors that must be cooled by liquid helium to almost absolute zero.  He describes the benefits that would come from “Room Temperature” superconductors, which he searches for with equipment that includes a table top kiln.  Researchers at Rochester University have claimed success in creating a room temperature superconductor in their high-tech labs.  Many scientists warn their method isn’t practical, IF it works at all. Danko Van der Laan with Liquid Nitrogen Tank photo by S Schlender “High Temperature” Superconductor Cables (starts 9:35)  Danko Van der Laan, head of Boulder’s Advanced Conductor Technologies, gives a tour of his high-tech lab, where researchers test cables that superconduct when cooled to the “High Temperature” of liquid nitrogen. “Hi Temp” Superconductive Tape Within the decade, this innovation may help lead to electric powered passenger jets and compact fusion reactors that produce much more power than the gigantic fusion reactors being tested today. “High Temp” Superconductive Cable containing dozens of woven tapes may make it possible for electric passenger jets and compact fusion reactors Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Shelley Schlender

Joe Eck “If we could achieve ROOM temperature superconductivity, there would be no cooling required whatsoever.” photo by S Schlender Room Temperature Superconductors (starts 1:00)  Backyard tinkerer, Joe Eck, maintains a <a href="http://www.superconductors.org/author.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">popular website</a> that explains the limitations of “Low Temperature” supeconductors that must be cooled by liquid helium to almost absolute zero.  He describes the benefits that would come from “Room Temperature” superconductors, which he searches for with equipment that includes a table top kiln.  Researchers at <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/revolutionary-blue-crystal-resurrects-hope-room-temperature-superconductivity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rochester University</a> have claimed success in creating a room temperature superconductor in their high-tech labs.  Many scientists warn their method isn’t practical, IF it works at all. <a href="http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Danko-Van-der-Laan-Superconductor-Scientist.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Danko Van der Laan with Liquid Nitrogen Tank photo by S Schlender “High Temperature” Superconductor Cables (starts 9:35)  <a href="https://www.dailycamera.com/2021/03/11/advanced-conductor-technologies-secures-1-6m-grant/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danko Van der Laan</a>, head of Boulder’s <a href="https://www.advancedconductor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advanced Conductor Technologies</a>, gives a tour of his high-tech lab, where researchers test cables that superconduct when cooled to the “High Temperature” of liquid nitrogen. <a href="http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/High-Temp-Superconductor-Tape.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>“Hi Temp” Superconductive Tape Within the decade, this innovation may help lead to electric powered passenger jets and compact fusion reactors that produce much more power than the gigantic fusion reactors being tested today. <a href="http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/High-Temp-Superconductor-Cable.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>“High Temp” Superconductive Cable containing dozens of woven tapes may make it possible for electric passenger jets and compact fusion reactors Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Shelley Schlender

Superconductors for Better Energy

On today’s show Beth speaks with biomechanics Katy Bowman about her new book, Rethink Your POsition. Are you a fitness fanatic? Or a couch potato? Whichever, there’s something for you here.  Katy’s biomechanics background, allows her to assess the movements of everyday life and describe how to perform them correctly, based on human anatomy. Moving from the head down, she dissects everything from sitting at the computer to running marathons and gives easy-to-follow instructions for improving. You can find video and more at her website. Executive and Show Producer: Beth Bennett Additional Contributions: Rosanna Longo-Better and Shelley Schlender Engineer: Shannon Young Listen to the show:

On today’s show Beth speaks with biomechanics Katy Bowman about her new book, Rethink Your POsition. Are you a fitness fanatic? Or a couch potato? Whichever, there’s something for you here. Katy’s biomechanics background, allows her to assess the movements of everyday life and describe how to perform them correctly, based on human anatomy. Moving from the head down, she dissects everything from sitting at the computer to running marathons and gives easy-to-follow instructions for improving. You can find video and more at her <a href="http://new book, Rethink Your POsition." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>. Executive and Show Producer: Beth Bennett Additional Contributions: Rosanna Longo-Better and Shelley Schlender Engineer: Shannon Young Listen to the show:

Biomechanics for Dummies

Phrenology sketch of skull, 1807 Image credit: Countway Library Race Science’s Legacy (start time: 0.57): We like to think of science as neutral, beyond politics. But of course it isn’t. After all, science is a product of the political landscape in which it arises. Despite the fact that decades ago the United Nations declared that race has no biological basis, science has continued to be co-opted to justify racial inequality–namely, the intellectual superiority of whites. Recently scientists have been reckoning with the damaging legacy of race science. In this week’s show host Susan Moran interviews two journalists: Angela Saini, a science journalist and author of several books, including Superior: The Return of Race Science; and Ashley Smart, senior editor of Undark magazine, and associate director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. See Undark’s Long Division Project, a series of articles exploring the persistence of race science. Host &amp; Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Shannon Young Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Phrenology sketch of skull, 1807 Image credit: Countway Library Race Science’s Legacy (start time: 0.57): We like to think of science as neutral, beyond politics. But of course it isn’t. After all, science is a product of the political landscape in which it arises. Despite the fact that decades ago the United Nations declared that race has no biological basis, science has continued to be co-opted to justify racial inequality–namely, the intellectual superiority of whites. Recently scientists have been reckoning with the damaging legacy of race science. In this week’s show host Susan Moran interviews two journalists: <a href="https://www.angelasaini.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angela Saini</a>, a science journalist and author of several books, including <a href="https://www.angelasaini.co.uk/superior" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Superior: The Return of Race Science</a>; and <a href="https://capd.mit.edu/people/ashley-smart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashley Smart</a>, senior editor of <a href="https://undark.org/stories/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Undark</a> magazine, and associate director of the <a href="https://ksj.mit.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knight Science Journalism Program</a> at MIT. See Undark’s <a href="https://race.undark.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Long Division Project</a>, a series of articles exploring the persistence of race science. Host &amp; Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Shannon Young Executive Producer: Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Race Science: Then & Now

Paul Sperry in Egypt – c Paul SperryNCAR and NOAA open for visitors (Starts 1:00)  COVID pandemic rules were lifted earlier this year, so Boulder’s  National Center for Atmospheric Research and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are once again open for public tours. LASP Artist in Residence Applications due July 21 (starts 2:12) CU-Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is accepting applications for an Artist in Residence program, where three artists  will shadow a scientist or engineer, to learn about the work done at LASP, and to produce artwork inspired by their time at LASP. Boulder Society for Scientific Exploration (starts 3:05) has many fans among well-known scientists, but it also has many critics, who charge that much of the society’s work promotes pseudo-science.  We speak with Paul Sperry, Co-Founder of the Boulder Society for Scientific Exploration, about why he values “fringe science” and how be believes more intuitive approaches to Life and science can benefit scientific discovery.  We also discuss the next SSE talk on June 23rd, and how to reserve a seat. Show Producer/Engineer:  Shelley Schlender

Paul Sperry in Egypt – c Paul Sperry NCAR and NOAA open for visitors (Starts 1:00)  COVID pandemic rules were lifted earlier this year, so Boulder’s  <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/national-center-for-atmospheric-research-(ncar)/375/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a> and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are once again open for public tours. LASP Artist in Residence Applications due July 21 (starts 2:12) CU-Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is accepting applications for an <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/2023/06/05/lasp-launches-new-artist-in-residence-program/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artist in Residence program</a>, where three artists  will shadow a scientist or engineer, to learn about the work done at LASP, and to produce artwork inspired by their time at LASP. Boulder Society for Scientific Exploration (starts 3:05) has many fans among well-known scientists, but it also has many critics, who charge that much of the society’s work promotes pseudo-science.  We speak with <a href="https://paulsperryboulder.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Sperry</a>, Co-Founder of the Boulder Society for Scientific Exploration, about why he values “fringe science” and how be believes more intuitive approaches to Life and science can benefit scientific discovery.  We also discuss the next SSE talk on June 23rd, and <a href="http://bouldersse.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how to reserve a seat</a>. Show Producer/Engineer:  Shelley Schlender

Boulder Society for Scientific Exploration

In this week’s How on Earth, Beth speaks with author John Vaillant about his new book, Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World. He explores the phenomena of fire, the wildland urban interface, and climate change in the context of a precedent-shattering combustion in a modern city.This colossal wildfire in Alberta in 2016 almost consumed a city of nearly 100,000. In the process the fire blew up expectations and responses to wild fires. Vaillant gives an in depth exploration of the rapidly changing relationship between fire and humankind along with personal stories of loss and bravery on the front lines of this horrifying event. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Beth Bennett Headline: Shelley Schlender Engineer: Shannon Young Listen to the Show:

In this week’s How on Earth, Beth speaks with author John Vaillant about his new book, Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World. He explores the phenomena of fire, the wildland urban interface, and climate change in the context of a precedent-shattering combustion in a modern city.This colossal wildfire in Alberta in 2016 almost consumed a city of nearly 100,000. In the process the fire blew up expectations and responses to wild fires. Vaillant gives an in depth exploration of the rapidly changing relationship between fire and humankind along with personal stories of loss and bravery on the front lines of this horrifying event. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Show Producer: Beth Bennett Headline: Shelley Schlender Engineer: Shannon Young Listen to the Show:

Fire in a Hotter World

With graduation season upon us, today’s edition of How on Earth is Part 2 of our annual “Graduation Special”. Our guests in the studio today are scientists and engineers who have or will soon receive their Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in a STEM-related field.  They talk about their thesis research, their grad school experiences, and what they have planned next. Dhruv Kedar – Physics Topic: A Fully Crystalline Cryogenic Reference Cavity   Kathleen McGuire – Anthropology Topic: Navigating the Needs of the Many and the Few: Examining the Relationship between Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Group Function and Individual Variation on St. Catherines Island Brian Alden – Astrophysical &amp; Planetary Sciences Topic: Investigating the Properties of Merging Galaxy Clusters with Radio Halos/Relics Using X-ray Derived Pressure Maps   You can listen to Part 1 of this year’s special or all past year Graduation Special episodes. Host / Producer : Joel Parker Executive Producer : Shelley Schlender  Listen to the show:

With graduation season upon us, today’s edition of How on Earth is Part 2 of our annual “Graduation Special”. Our guests in the studio today are scientists and engineers who have or will soon receive their Ph.D. from the <a href="http://www.colorado.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">University of Colorado</a> in a STEM-related field.  They talk about their thesis research, their grad school experiences, and what they have planned next. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dK9FyM0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dhruv Kedar</a> – <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/physics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Physics</a> Topic: A Fully Crystalline Cryogenic Reference Cavity Kathleen McGuire – <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/anthropology/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anthropology</a> Topic: Navigating the Needs of the Many and the Few: Examining the Relationship between Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Group Function and Individual Variation on St. Catherines Island <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=q6rPENkAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Alden</a> – <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/aps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Astrophysical &amp; Planetary Sciences</a> Topic: Investigating the Properties of Merging Galaxy Clusters with Radio Halos/Relics Using X-ray Derived Pressure Maps You can listen to <a href="https://howonearthradio.org/archives/9031" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 1</a> of this year’s special or all past year <a href="https://howonearthradio.org/archives/category/episodes/phd-graduates" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Graduation Special episodes</a>. Host / Producer : Joel Parker Executive Producer : Shelley Schlender Listen to the show:

2023 Graduation Special (part 2)

This week on How on Earth, Beth replays in interview with Professor Mike Breed, who has been studying social insects, including ants and bees, at the University of Colorado here in Boulder, for decades. She spoke with him last year about the fascinating biology of these important pollinators, in an interview that is still timely, because the many problems facing honeybees, and other bees are continuing to mount. He describes the challenges these important insects face in the modern world, and what we can do to protect them. Executive Producer: HOE Team Show Producer: Beth Bennett Additional Contributions:Benita Lee &amp; Joel Parker Engineer: Sam Fuqua Listen to the show:

This week on How on Earth, Beth replays in interview with Professor Mike Breed, who has been studying social insects, including ants and bees, at the University of Colorado here in Boulder, for decades. She spoke with him last year about the fascinating biology of these important pollinators, in an interview that is still timely, because the many problems facing honeybees, and other bees are continuing to mount. He describes the challenges these important insects face in the modern world, and what we can do to protect them. Executive Producer: HOE Team Show Producer: Beth Bennett Additional Contributions:Benita Lee &amp; Joel Parker Engineer: Sam Fuqua Listen to the show:

Honeybee Trials and Tribulations

I discovered this podcast about 6 months ago and have not only listened to every episode since, I have begun downloaded older episodes and listening.  Great variety of topics.  Knowledgeable hosts and guests.  Professionally done podcast.  Highly recommended.

I don't even live in Colorado and I love this podcast

KGNU - How On Earth

In their upcoming book, A Metabolic Approach to Cancer, authors Dr Nasha Winters and Jess Kelley, describe new developments in individualized therapies for cancer, based on nutrition and personalized genetic analysis. Almost 100 years ago it was found that cancer cells rely almost exclusively on burning glucose for their growth. In the last 10 years, it was found that limiting glucose (and other carbs) in the diet can curb the growth of cancer and mitigate some of the problems associated with conventional therapies like chemo. The authors expand on this theme and also apply an encyclopedic wealth of nutritional data and research to various physiological systems that can prevent or reduce cancer’s impact. Hosts: Beth Bennett and Susan Moran Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional Contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the show:

In their upcoming book, <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/the-metabolic-approach-to-cancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Metabolic Approach to Cancer</a>, authors Dr Nasha Winters and Jess Kelley, describe new developments in individualized therapies for cancer, based on nutrition and personalized genetic analysis. Almost 100 years ago it was found that cancer cells rely almost exclusively on burning glucose for their growth. In the last 10 years, it was found that limiting glucose (and other carbs) in the diet can curb the growth of cancer and mitigate some of the problems associated with conventional therapies like chemo. The authors expand on this theme and also apply an encyclopedic wealth of nutritional data and research to various physiological systems that can prevent or reduce cancer’s impact. Hosts: Beth Bennett and Susan Moran Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional Contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the show:

Treating Cancer Metabolically

Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence.  We speak with New York Times Bestselling science writer Michael Pollan about his new book that features LSD and magic mushrooms. Pollan will give a book talk in Denver this Thursday — at the Trinity Methodist Church.  On Friday, Pollan’s Boulder Booktalk will be at Boulder’s First Congregational Church. Host/Engineer/Producer:  Shelley Schlender Executive Producer:  Joel Parker Listen to the show:

<a href="http://howonearthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/How-to-Change-Your-Mind-Pollan.jpeg" rel="attachment wp-att-6628 nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Michael Pollan: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence.  We speak with New York Times Bestselling science writer Michael Pollan about his new book that features LSD and magic mushrooms. Pollan will give a <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-michael-pollan-book-talk-signing-tickets-44113840685" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">book talk in Denver this Thursday</a> — at the Trinity Methodist Church.  On <a href="https://www.boulderbookstore.net/event/michael-pollan-how-change-your-mind" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Friday, Pollan’s Boulder Booktalk</a> will be at Boulder’s First Congregational Church. Host/Engineer/Producer:  Shelley Schlender Executive Producer:  Joel Parker Listen to the show:

Michael Pollan:  How to Change Your Mind (with psychedelics)

Microbial communities are all around us: in our homes, gardens, oceans, even deep underground but their roles in the function of the biosphere are poorly understood. Today Beth spoke with Professor Noah Fierer, at the University of Colorado, in Boulder, who uses DNA to identify microbes in communities ranging from insect microbiomes to Antarctic soils. He has discovered lots of previously unknown bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic critters which are everywhere, eat everything, and perform surprising roles in ecosystems ranging from our guts to Antarctic soils. You can see more at the Fierer Lab website. And check out the New Yorker article on shower heads. With this episode we resume our series on Our Microbes, Ourselves. Hosts: Beth Bennett &amp; Chip Grandits Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Chip Grandits Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Microbial communities are all around us: in our homes, gardens, oceans, even deep underground but their roles in the function of the biosphere are poorly understood. Today Beth spoke with Professor <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/ebio/noah-fierer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noah Fierer</a>, at the University of Colorado, in Boulder, who uses DNA to identify microbes in communities ranging from insect microbiomes to Antarctic soils. He has discovered lots of previously unknown bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic critters which are everywhere, eat everything, and perform surprising roles in ecosystems ranging from our guts to Antarctic soils. You can see more at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/ebio/noah-fierer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fierer Lab website</a>. And check out the New Yorker <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/whats-lurking-in-your-showerhead" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> on shower heads. With this episode we resume our series on <a href="http://howonearthradio.org/?s=Our+Microbes%2C+Ourselves" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Microbes, Ourselves</a>. Hosts: Beth Bennett &amp; Chip Grandits Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Chip Grandits Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Characterizing Microbial Communities

Rob Dunn

Never Home Alone (starts at 4:26) In this week’s How on Earth, Beth interviews Professor Rob Dunn. In his recent book, Never Home Alone, he gives a sneak peak into the natural history of the wilderness in our homes, from the microbes in our showers to the crickets in our basements. You can find out more about his book here, find out more about his lab and research at http://robdunnlab.com, and to contribute to their project visit the iNaturalist site.   Hosts: Beth Bennett, Gretchen Wettstein Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional Contributions: Alejandro Soto, Gretchen Wettstein Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the show:

Never Home Alone (starts at 4:26) In this week’s How on Earth, Beth interviews Professor Rob Dunn. In his recent book, Never Home Alone, he gives a sneak peak into the natural history of the wilderness in our homes, from the microbes in our showers to the crickets in our basements. You can find out more about <a href="https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/rob-dunn/never-home-alone/9781541645745/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his book here</a>, find out more about his lab and research at <a href="http://robdunnlab.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://robdunnlab.com</a>, and to contribute to their project visit the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/never-home-alone-the-wild-life-of-homes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iNaturalist site</a>. Hosts: Beth Bennett, Gretchen Wettstein Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional Contributions: Alejandro Soto, Gretchen Wettstein Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the show:

Never Home Alone by Rob Dunn

A cancer cell in the breastThis week on How on Earth Beth interviews Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping over the Truth, in which he  explores the history, and the human story that has led to the resurgence of Otto Warburg’s original metabolic theory first proposed in 1924. Despite incredible biomedical advances, the death rate today is the same as it was in 1950. The metabolic theory offers an answer and alternative therapies. Find out more about Christofferson’s book at http://www.chelseagreen.com/tripping-over-the-truth Hosts: Beth Bennett and Joel Parker Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer:  Joel Parker Additional Contributions:  Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the Show:

A cancer cell in the breastThis week on How on Earth Beth interviews Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping over the Truth, in which he explores the history, and the human story that has led to the resurgence of Otto Warburg’s original metabolic theory first proposed in 1924. Despite incredible biomedical advances, the death rate today is the same as it was in 1950. The metabolic theory offers an answer and alternative therapies. Find out more about Christofferson’s book at <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/tripping-over-the-truth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.chelseagreen.com/tripping-over-the-truth</a> Hosts: Beth Bennett and Joel Parker Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Joel Parker Additional Contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen to the Show:

A New Theory of Cancer

Photo: Jennifer Miller Nature Rx (start time: 9:33): Nature is good for your health. Sounds obvious, but what does science tell us? A walk in the woods can help to calm your nervous system and spark novel ideas, and spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of PTSD or ADHD.  Little is actually known about how nature offers healing effects. How much nature is enough, and to do what, exactly? How enduring are the effects?  “Nature” isn’t only limited to places like Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain National Park.  Nature abounds in some cities, as well.  City parks, tree-lined neighborhoods, your own garden — these are slices of nature that can improve your physical and mental well-being.  Researchers are measuring the effect of living near trees, for instance, on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.  Today’s show is the first in a series we’ll offer on the connections between nature and human health. It’s called “Nature Rx.”  Our three guests today are working in the nexus between environmental conservation and human health, to make cities part of the solution: Dr. Ted Smith, director of the Center of Healthy Air, Water and Soil, at the University of Louisville’s Envirome Institute; Christopher Hawkins, Urban Conservation Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy; Janette Heung, principal and owner of JWG Global, a management consulting and research think tank in Colorado focusing on environmental conservation and public health. Read more in the Colorado Outdoor Rx report and the UN Environment Programme report on air pollution. Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer and Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Contributors: Beth Bennett, Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Photo: Jennifer Miller Nature Rx (start time: 9:33): Nature is good for your health. Sounds obvious, but what does science tell us? A walk in the woods can help to calm your nervous system and spark novel ideas, and spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of PTSD or ADHD.  Little is actually known about how nature offers healing effects. How much nature is enough, and to do what, exactly? How enduring are the effects?  “Nature” isn’t only limited to places like Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain National Park.  Nature abounds in some cities, as well.  City parks, tree-lined neighborhoods, your own garden — these are slices of nature that can improve your physical and mental well-being.  Researchers are measuring the effect of living near trees, for instance, on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.  Today’s show is the first in a series we’ll offer on the connections between nature and human health. It’s called “Nature Rx.”  Our three guests today are working in the nexus between environmental conservation and human health, to make cities part of the solution: <a href="http://louisville.edu/medicine/departments/pharmacology/faculty/primary/copy_of_song" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Ted Smith</a>, director of the Center of Healthy Air, Water and Soil, at the University of Louisville’s <a href="http://enviromeinstitute.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Envirome Institute</a>; Christopher Hawkins, Urban Conservation Program Manager at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nature Conservancy</a>; Janette Heung, principal and owner of <a href="https://www.jwgglobal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JWG Global</a>, a management consulting and research think tank in Colorado focusing on environmental conservation and public health. Read more in the <a href="https://choosecolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Colorado-Outdoor-Rx.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colorado Outdoor Rx</a> report and the UN Environment Programme <a href="https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/air-pollution-linked-huge-reduction-intelligence" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">report on air pollution</a>. Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker Producer and Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Contributors: Beth Bennett, Shelley Schlender Listen to the show here:

Nature and Health

Gerrit Verschuur

Today’s How on Earth show is a special edition in conjunction with the Conference on World Affairs panel entitled: “New Adventures in Astronomy”. Our guest is Gerrit Verschuur, a radio astronomer who has worked at Jodrell Bank radio observatory in the United Kingdom, National Radio Astronomy Observatory in West Virginia, and Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.  Dr. Verschuur also was a faculty member at the University of Colorado, Boulder and was the first director of the Fiske Planetarium.  His work has ranged from measuring the interstellar magnetic field, to the search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, to measuring the small-scale structure in the cosmic microwave background.  He has published numerous books including “The Invisible Universe: The Story of Radio Astronomy” and “Impact! The Threat of Comets and Asteroids.” Host / Producer / Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer:Susan Moran Listen to the show:

Today’s How on Earth show is a special edition in conjunction with the <a href="http://cwa.colorado.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conference on World Affairs</a> panel entitled: “New Adventures in Astronomy”. Our guest is Gerrit Verschuur, a radio astronomer who has worked at <a href="http://www.jodrellbank.manchester.ac.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jodrell Bank radio observatory</a> in the United Kingdom, <a href="https://public.nrao.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Radio Astronomy Observatory</a> in West Virginia, and <a href="http://www.naic.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arecibo Observatory</a> in Puerto Rico.  Dr. Verschuur also was a faculty member at the University of Colorado, Boulder and was the first director of the Fiske Planetarium.  His work has ranged from measuring the interstellar magnetic field, to the search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, to measuring the small-scale structure in the cosmic microwave background.  He has published numerous books including “The Invisible Universe: The Story of Radio Astronomy” and “Impact! The Threat of Comets and Asteroids.” Host / Producer / Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer:Susan Moran Listen to the show:

New Adventures in Astronomy with Gerrit Verschuur

We offer two feature interviews on today’s show. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (start time: 11:49)  Imagine spending years waking up so sore and fatigued many mornings that you can barely move. And traversing the country to find doctors who could offer a clear diagnosis, only to find out they don’t really know. And feeling your friendships and professional relationships start to fray, as people question whether you’re making up your illness. For those who have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, or ME), or a similar disease, Julie Rehmeyer’s story may sound painfully familiar.  The science and math writer talks with host Susan Moran about her new book about the illness, called Through the Shadowlands: A Science Writer’s Odyssey Into an Illness Science Doesn’t Understand. Rehmeyer will speak about her book on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Boulder Book Store. Nevada Solar One plant, Photo credit: Tom McKinnon Renewable Energy Debate (start time: 3:20): A bitter scientific debate, as reported in the Washington Post, has surfaced among two scientific groups that are both pushing to decarbonize U.S. electricity generation. On one side  are experts such as Boulder mathematician Christopher Clack, who contends in a new analysis that the U.S. can cut its carbon emissions by nearly 80%, using existing technologies, by  2030. On the other side of this feud is Mark Jacobson, an atmospheric scientist and engineer at Stanford University. He claims the nation can move to 100% renewable energy by 2055. This week, in a peer-reviewed analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, Clack and colleagues call Jacobson’s vision of 100% renewables unrealistic, and says his calculations and modeling are full of errors. Jacobson and his group have countered Clack et al’s analysis is full of errors. Dr. Clack, founder of Vibrant Clean Energy and with NOAA and the University of Colorado Boulder when he conducted this research, talks with host Shelley Schlender about the science, the debate, and what it means for the pursuit of clean energy. Hosts: Susan Moran, Shelley Schlender Producer: Susan Moran Engineers: Maeve Conran, Shelley Schlender Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen here to the show:

We offer two feature interviews on today’s show. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (start time: 11:49)  Imagine spending years waking up so sore and fatigued many mornings that you can barely move. And traversing the country to find doctors who could offer a clear diagnosis, only to find out they don’t really know. And feeling your friendships and professional relationships start to fray, as people question whether you’re making up your illness. For those who have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, or ME), or a similar disease, <a href="https://www.julierehmeyer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julie Rehmeyer’</a>s story may sound painfully familiar.  The science and math writer talks with host Susan Moran about her new book about the illness, called <a href="https://www.rodalebooks.com/through-the-shadowlands/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Through the Shadowlands</a>: A Science Writer’s Odyssey Into an Illness Science Doesn’t Understand. Rehmeyer will speak about her book on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Boulder Book Store. Nevada Solar One plant, Photo credit: Tom McKinnon Renewable Energy Debate (start time: 3:20): A bitter scientific debate, as reported in the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/19/a-bitter-scientific-debate-just-erupted-over-the-future-of-the-u-s-electric-grid/?utm_term=.a520581c0565" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>, has surfaced among two scientific groups that are both pushing to decarbonize U.S. electricity generation. On one side  are experts such as Boulder mathematician <a href="http://www.vibrantcleanenergy.com/about-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Clack</a>, who contends in a new <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/06/16/1610381114.short?rss=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">analysis</a> that the U.S. can cut its carbon emissions by nearly 80%, using existing technologies, by  2030. On the other side of this feud is Mark Jacobson, an atmospheric scientist and engineer at Stanford University. He claims the nation can move to 100% renewable energy by 2055. This week, in a peer-reviewed analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, Clack and colleagues call Jacobson’s vision of 100% renewables unrealistic, and says his calculations and modeling are full of errors. Jacobson and his group have countered Clack et al’s analysis is full of errors. Dr. Clack, founder of <a href="http://www.vibrantcleanenergy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vibrant Clean Energy</a> and with NOAA and the University of Colorado Boulder when he conducted this research, talks with host Shelley Schlender about the science, the debate, and what it means for the pursuit of clean energy. Hosts: Susan Moran, Shelley Schlender Producer: Susan Moran Engineers: Maeve Conran, Shelley Schlender Executive Producer: Susan Moran Listen here to the show:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome // Renewables

This week on How on Earth, Beth talks to author Dr Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus, CU Boulder. His  new book has the wonderful title of Canine Confidential. If you enjoy dogs, dog parks,  and watching them interact with each other and people, you’ll enjoy this book! Hosts: Beth Bennett and Gretchen Geibel Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

This week on How on Earth, Beth talks to author Dr Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus, CU Boulder. His new book has the wonderful title of Canine Confidential. If you enjoy dogs, dog parks, and watching them interact with each other and people, you’ll enjoy this book! Hosts: Beth Bennett and Gretchen Geibel Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Additional contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

What do Dogs Think?

In 1963, the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain signed the Limited Test Ban Treaty, agreeing to not test nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater, or in outer space.  France continued atmospheric testing until 1974, and the last atmospheric test was done by China on October 16, 1980. Over 500 atmospheric nuclear tests have been performed before then, but none since. That could soon change.  North Korea has threatened to do an atmospheric nuclear test.  Even if that test doesn’t lead to a chain of more dangerous events, and considering the potential health impacts of the dispersed radiation, it turns out that simply testing a missile in the atmosphere could lead to highly charged electrons that would tend to fry the electronics of Earth-orbiting satellites. It’s a complex issue, and one that ties in with the huge magnetic fields that protect the Earth and the satellites orbiting around it.  Those magnetic fields include some areas that attract highly charged particles, called the Van Allen belts.  Earlier this year, we reported on a discovery from the Laboratory of Atmospheric Space Physics in Boulder, about how very low frequency radio transmissions sent to military submarines deep under that water, accidentally help satellites high above the Earth by reducing the impact of the Van Allen belts’ highly charged particles.  So, could those very low frequency waves also protect us from the satellite-frying effects of an atmospheric nuclear weapons test?  If things get too crazy here on Earth, could a spacecraft with a well-designed magnetic field help people escape?  Those are questions that come to mind for How on Earth’s Shelley Schlender.  Now here’s Shelley’s investigation about the Van Allen belts, whether cell phones would work after a nuclear explosion, and escaping to outer space. Hosts: Joel Parker, Chip Grandits Producer, Engineer: Joel Parker Additional Contributions: Beth Bennett, Alejandro Soto Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

In 1963, the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain signed the <a href="https://www.state.gov/t/isn/4797.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Limited Test Ban Treaty</a>, agreeing to not test nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater, or in outer space.  France continued atmospheric testing until 1974, and the last atmospheric test was done by China on October 16, 1980. Over 500 atmospheric nuclear tests have been performed before then, but none since. That could soon change.  North Korea has threatened to do an atmospheric nuclear test.  Even if that test doesn’t lead to a chain of more dangerous events, and considering the potential health impacts of the dispersed radiation, it turns out that simply testing a missile in the atmosphere could lead to highly charged electrons that would tend to fry the electronics of Earth-orbiting satellites. It’s a complex issue, and one that ties in with the huge magnetic fields that protect the Earth and the satellites orbiting around it.  Those magnetic fields include some areas that attract highly charged particles, called the <a href="https://www.space.com/33948-van-allen-radiation-belts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Van Allen belts</a>.  Earlier this year, <a href="http://howonearthradio.org/archives/6093" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we reported</a> on a discovery from the <a href="http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laboratory of Atmospheric Space Physics</a> in Boulder, about how very low frequency radio transmissions sent to military submarines deep under that water, accidentally help satellites high above the Earth by reducing the impact of the Van Allen belts’ highly charged particles.  So, could those very low frequency waves also protect us from the satellite-frying effects of an atmospheric nuclear weapons test?  If things get too crazy here on Earth, could a spacecraft with a well-designed magnetic field help people escape?  Those are questions that come to mind for How on Earth’s Shelley Schlender.  Now here’s Shelley’s investigation about the Van Allen belts, whether cell phones would work after a nuclear explosion, and escaping to outer space. Hosts: Joel Parker, Chip Grandits Producer, Engineer: Joel Parker Additional Contributions: Beth Bennett, Alejandro Soto Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Nuclear Tests and the Van Allen Belts

Sarah Hörst

Headlines: Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA.  Coffee and Parkinson’s disease. Sending your name and a message to the New Horizons spacecraft.  Winds on Mars.  Water on Asteroids. Feature: Titan (starts at 8:55) The solar system has so many different worlds that come in all shapes and sizes and histories, from boiling hot Mercury and Venus to icy Pluto and the Kuiper belt.  Such extreme alien worlds are exciting, but perhaps the places that catch our imaginations the most are the ones that are more familar – perhaps with the hope of humans one day visiting there and even living there.  So we think of places that have atmospheres and have – or once had – liquid water. But then there are those places that live in what you might call “the uncanny valley” between familiar and alien, and perhaps Saturn’s moon Titan fits into that category, with an atmosphere (but not one that you would want to breathe) and lakes (but not ones you would want to swim in). Our guest today is Titan researcher  Dr. Sarah Hörst, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, where she also is a member of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. She is a Co-Investigator in the proposed Dragonfly mission to Titan.  You can also follow her on Twitter as @PlanetDr. Hosts: Joel Parker, Chip Grandits, Gretchen Wettstein Producer and Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Contributor: Beth Bennett Listen to the show here:

Headlines: Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA.  Coffee and Parkinson’s disease. Sending your name and a message to the New Horizons spacecraft.  Winds on Mars.  Water on Asteroids. Feature: Titan (starts at 8:55) The solar system has so many different worlds that come in all shapes and sizes and histories, from boiling hot <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/mercury/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercury</a> and <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/venus/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Venus</a> to icy <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-planets/pluto/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pluto</a> and the <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/kuiper-belt/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kuiper belt</a>.  Such extreme alien worlds are exciting, but perhaps the places that catch our imaginations the most are the ones that are more familar – perhaps with the hope of humans one day visiting there and even living there.  So we think of places that have atmospheres and have – or once had – liquid water. But then there are those places that live in what you might call “the uncanny valley” between familiar and alien, and perhaps <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/saturn/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saturn’s</a> moon <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/saturn-moons/titan/overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Titan</a> fits into that category, with an atmosphere (but not one that you would want to breathe) and lakes (but not ones you would want to swim in). Our guest today is Titan researcher  <a href="http://www.sarahhorst.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Sarah Hörst</a>, an Assistant Professor in the <a href="https://eps.jhu.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University</a>, where she also is a member of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. She is a Co-Investigator in the proposed <a href="http://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dragonfly mission</a> to Titan.  You can also follow her on Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/PlanetDr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@PlanetDr</a>. Hosts: Joel Parker, Chip Grandits, Gretchen Wettstein Producer and Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Susan Moran Contributor: Beth Bennett Listen to the show here:

Titan Talk with Sarah Hörst

This week on How on Earth we look at the scientific research into the lifespans of Americans. Andrea Tilstra Mortality trends in America (start time 4:05): We speak with Andrea Tilstra, who co-authored a recent paper on mortality trends in America. Tilstra is a co-author of a recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.  Her team’s paper is titled “Explaining recent mortality trends among younger and middle-aged White Americans.”      S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D. Life expectancy in America  (start time 12:40): Next, we speak with Jay Olshansky, who ten years ago first predicted the recently observed drop in life expectancy in America. Olshansky is a world renowned expert in the Science of Aging.  As for his crystal ball – well, it has little to do with magic, and more to do with his understanding about how our cells work, and how they age.  It also helps that he understands statistics.   Hosts: Alejandro Soto, Joel Parker, Shelley Schlender Additional Contributions: Beth Bennett Producer: Alejandro Soto Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Alejandro Soto Listen to the show:

This week on How on Earth we look at the scientific research into the lifespans of Americans. Andrea Tilstra Mortality trends in America (start time 4:05): We speak with <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/sociology/andrea-tilstra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrea Tilstra</a>, who co-authored a recent paper on mortality trends in America. Tilstra is a co-author of a recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.  Her team’s paper is titled <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ije/dyx127/3978809/Explaining-recent-mortality-trends-among-younger?redirectedFrom=fulltext" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Explaining recent mortality trends among younger and middle-aged White Americans.”</a> S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D. Life expectancy in America (start time 12:40): Next, we speak with <a href="http://sjayolshansky.com/sjo/Background.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jay Olshansky</a>, who ten years ago first predicted the recently observed drop in life expectancy in America. Olshansky is a world renowned expert in the Science of Aging.  As for his crystal ball – well, it has little to do with magic, and more to do with his understanding about how our cells work, and how they age.  It also helps that he understands statistics. Hosts: Alejandro Soto, Joel Parker, Shelley Schlender Additional Contributions: Beth Bennett Producer: Alejandro Soto Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Alejandro Soto Listen to the show:

Mortality Trends in America // Life Expectancy in America

There’s a lot of attention right now on creating environmentally friendly technology, non-toxic and sustainable manufacturing, but as Dr. John Warner explains it, it all has to start with the chemistry. John Warner is a chemist, professor and co-founder of the Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry.   He speaks profoundly about learning methods from nature to create safer, more resilient and more elegant chemistry.  John was also the recipient of this year’s Perkin Medal, one of the highest honors in the field of chemistry. Links: Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry John Warner at Bioneers Executive Producer: Jane Palmer and Kendra Krueger Producer: Kendra Krueger Engineer: Kendra Krueger Headlines: Beth Bennett, Jane Palmer Listen here:

There’s a lot of attention right now on creating environmentally friendly technology, non-toxic and sustainable manufacturing, but as Dr. John Warner explains it, it all has to start with the chemistry. John Warner is a chemist, professor and co-founder of the Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry.   He speaks profoundly about learning methods from nature to create safer, more resilient and more elegant chemistry.  John was also the recipient of this year’s Perkin Medal, one of the highest honors in the field of chemistry. Links: <a href="http://www.warnerbabcock.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL1zbAJIaDI&amp;list=PLcrF8lYZY144MBVTG8a5vzgDOcvR9_4XK&amp;index=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Warner at Bioneers</a> Executive Producer: Jane Palmer and Kendra Krueger Producer: Kendra Krueger Engineer: Kendra Krueger Headlines: Beth Bennett, Jane Palmer Listen here:

Green Chemistry

Michelle Thaller

This special edition of How on Earth is produced in conjunction with the Conference on World Affairs.  Our guest a participants of the Conference: Dr. Michelle Thaller, assistant director of science at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.  Her path has taken her from Harvard to Georgia State University to Caltech to NASA. Dr. Thaller has studied hot stars, colliding stellar winds, binary star evolution, evolved stellar companions, and infrared astronomy.  She is one of the regular hosts of the Discovery Science Channel shows: “How the Universe Works” and “Space’s Deepest Secrets” and hosts the podcast “Orbital Path” on public radio. Host / Producer / Engineer /  Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

This special edition of How on Earth is produced in conjunction with the <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/cwa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conference on World Affairs</a>.  Our guest a participants of the Conference: <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/people/1040/michelle-thaller/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Michelle Thaller</a>, assistant director of science at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.  Her path has taken her from Harvard to Georgia State University to Caltech to NASA. Dr. Thaller has studied hot stars, colliding stellar winds, binary star evolution, evolved stellar companions, and infrared astronomy.  She is one of the regular hosts of the Discovery Science Channel shows: “<a href="https://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/how-the-universe-works/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How the Universe Works</a>” and “<a href="https://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/spaces-deepest-secrets/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Space’s Deepest Secrets</a>” and hosts the podcast “<a href="https://orbital.prx.org/category/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orbital Path</a>” on public radio. Host / Producer / Engineer /  Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

An Astronomical Journey with Michelle Thaller

Today’s show offers two feature interviews: New Theory of How Cancer Evolves Inside Us (start time: 0:58): It is commonly known that cancer afflicts old people more than youth. Conventional wisdom has held we get cancer with age largely because we accumulate lots of genetic mutations over many years, and it’s the mutations that cause cancer. Our guest, Dr. James DeGregori,  deputy director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, discusses with host Susan Moran his new theory–one that challenges conventional wisdom–about why and how we get cancer. In his new book, called Adaptive Oncogenesis: A New Understanding of How Cancer Evolves Inside Us, DeGregori argues that cancer is as much a disease of evolution as it is of mutation. Mutated cells outcompete healthy ones in the ecosystem of the body’s tissues. Dr. DeGregori is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. A well site next to Silver Creek elementary school in Thorton. Photo credit: Ted Wood/The Story Group Studying Health Impacts of Oil&amp;Gas Wells (start time: 12:54) Many people living all along the Front Range are familiar with the sights and smells of oil rigs operating in fields near their homes and schools.  State regulators argue  that this convergence of people and oil rigs is safe. But many nearby residents and scientists are concerned about the potential health impacts of these drilling operations so close to residential neighborhoods and schools. Our guest, Dr. Lisa McKenzie, is the lead author on a new study that adds some critical evidence to back concerns of residents. It found that for people living within 500 feet of a well, the risk of their getting cancer over the course of their lifetime is eight times higher than the upper acceptable levels established by the federal EPA. Dr. McKenzie is an assistant research professor at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Anshutz Campus. She discusses the study and its implications with hosts Daniel Glick and Susan Moran. (Here is our interview with Dr. McKenzie a year ago about a related study.) Hosts: Daniel Glick, Susan Moran Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Maeve Conran Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show here:

Today’s show offers two feature interviews: New Theory of How Cancer Evolves Inside Us (start time: 0:58): It is commonly known that cancer afflicts old people more than youth. Conventional wisdom has held we get cancer with age largely because we accumulate lots of genetic mutations over many years, and it’s the mutations that cause cancer. Our guest, <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/departments/biochemistry/Faculty/PrimaryFaculty/Pages/DeGregori.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. James DeGregori</a>,  deputy director of the University of Colorado <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/centers/cancercenter/Pages/CancerCenter.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cancer Center</a>, discusses with host Susan Moran his new theory–one that challenges conventional wisdom–about why and how we get cancer. In his new book, called <a href="http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674545397" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adaptive Oncogenesis</a>: A New Understanding of How Cancer Evolves Inside Us, DeGregori argues that cancer is as much a disease of evolution as it is of mutation. Mutated cells outcompete healthy ones in the ecosystem of the body’s tissues. Dr. DeGregori is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/anschutz/Pages/landing.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</a>. A well site next to Silver Creek elementary school in Thorton. Photo credit: Ted Wood/The Story Group Studying Health Impacts of Oil&amp;Gas Wells (start time: 12:54) Many people living all along the Front Range are familiar with the sights and smells of oil rigs operating in fields near their homes and schools.  State regulators argue  that this convergence of people and oil rigs is safe. But many nearby residents and scientists are concerned about the potential health impacts of these drilling operations so close to residential neighborhoods and schools. Our guest, <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/Academics/departments/EnvironmentalOccupationalHealth/about/Faculty/Pages/LMcKenzie.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Lisa McKenzie</a>, is the lead author on a <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.7b05983" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new study</a> that adds some critical evidence to back concerns of residents. It found that for people living within 500 feet of a well, the risk of their getting cancer over the course of their lifetime is eight times higher than the upper acceptable levels established by the federal EPA. Dr. McKenzie is an assistant research professor at the <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/Pages/default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colorado School of Public Health</a> at the University of Colorado Anshutz Campus. She discusses the study and its implications with hosts Daniel Glick and Susan Moran. (<a href="http://howonearthradio.org/archives/5882" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a> is our interview with Dr. McKenzie a year ago about a related study.) Hosts: Daniel Glick, Susan Moran Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Maeve Conran Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show here:

Cancer Biology // Oil&Gas Health Impacts

Attention all Nature Lovers and Amateur Naturalists, Friday April 27th kicks of the City Nature Challenge, where Boulder will compete with 65 cities throughout the world to identify the most species within their area over a 4 day period. It’s a competition to identify biodiversity powered by the enthusiasm of citizen scientists. Chip Grandits speaks with Dave Sutherland and Melanie Hill two members of the Wild Boulder Team, which is organizing the City Nature Challenge for Boulder. Citizen science is enhanced with iNaturalist a crowd sourcing platform developed by the California Academy of Sciences with applications for you smartphone which can help you can tap into a global network of amateurs and experts to help identify what species that thing is which you can never quite identify. Host: Chip Grandits Producer: Chip Grandits Engineer: Chip Grandits Additional contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the Show:

Attention all Nature Lovers and Amateur Naturalists, Friday April 27th kicks of the <a href="http://citynaturechallenge.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City Nature Challenge</a>, where Boulder will compete with 65 cities throughout the world to identify the most species within their area over a 4 day period. It’s a competition to identify biodiversity powered by the enthusiasm of citizen scientists. Chip Grandits speaks with Dave Sutherland and Melanie Hill two members of the <a href="https://www.wild.org/wildboulder/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wild Boulder Team</a>, which is organizing the <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/naturechallenge1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City Nature Challenge for Boulder.</a> Citizen science is enhanced with <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a> a crowd sourcing platform developed by the California Academy of Sciences with applications for you smartphone which can help you can tap into a global network of amateurs and experts to help identify what species that thing is which you can never quite identify. Host: Chip Grandits Producer: Chip Grandits Engineer: Chip Grandits Additional contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the Show:

City Nature Challenge BioBlitz Citizen Science enhanced with iNaturalist

We present another part of our interview with Michael Pollan about his book “How to Change Your Mind:  What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence”.  It is an investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs, and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences.  Books like “How to Change our Mind” are starting to “alter the state” of awareness about modalities that are outside the conventional box of standard medical treatments for mental health problems.  And there are other ways this wave of new awareness is heading into our communities. We also talk with Boulder Psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer, who leads the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.  They will hold a professional conference this October 19-21 in Boulder. Their goal is to educate more health practitioners about how body imbalances, such as gut challenges and mold infections, along with undiagnosed trauma often underlie much of what leads people to seek psychiatric health.  One of the modalities that will be discussed at this professional conference is psychedelics. Hosts: Shelley Schlender, Joel Parker Producer / Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

We present another part of our interview with <a href="https://michaelpollan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Pollan</a> about his book “<a href="https://michaelpollan.com/books/how-to-change-your-mind/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Change Your Mind:  What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence</a>”.  It is an investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs, and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences.  Books like “How to Change our Mind” are starting to “alter the state” of awareness about modalities that are outside the conventional box of standard medical treatments for mental health problems.  And there are other ways this wave of new awareness is heading into our communities. We also talk with Boulder Psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer, who leads the <a href="http://ketaminetherapyboulder.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Integrative Psychiatry Institute</a>.  They will hold a professional conference this October 19-21 in Boulder. Their goal is to educate more health practitioners about how body imbalances, such as gut challenges and mold infections, along with undiagnosed trauma often underlie much of what leads people to seek psychiatric health.  One of the modalities that will be discussed at this professional conference is psychedelics. Hosts: Shelley Schlender, Joel Parker Producer / Engineer: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

Science of Psychedelics

image credit: DSI/Bryan Versteeg Space Mining [starts at 9:20] Stars have been called “diamonds in the sky,” but there are other valuable and more accessible resources up there.  Asteroids might be the next gold rush, though for resources other than gold, if there are ways to actually get there and mine them.  Can we do that? And, even if we can, does it make economic and environmental sense to do it?  Joining us for this episode of How on Earth is Dr. Matt Beasley, a Senior Program Manager at Southwest Research Institute, and he is a planetary scientist who has been involved in the development of space mining concepts. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Producer: Joel Parker Headlines: Angele Sjong, Joel Parker Engineer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

image credit: DSI/Bryan Versteeg Space Mining [starts at 9:20] Stars have been called “diamonds in the sky,” but there are other valuable and more accessible resources up there.  Asteroids might be the next gold rush, though for resources other than gold, if there are ways to actually get there and mine them.  Can we do that? And, even if we can, does it make economic and environmental sense to do it?  Joining us for this episode of How on Earth is Dr. Matt Beasley, a Senior Program Manager at Southwest Research Institute, and he is a planetary scientist who has been involved in the development of space mining concepts. Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Producer: Joel Parker Headlines: Angele Sjong, Joel Parker Engineer: Joel Parker Listen to the show:

Space Mining

This week on How on Earth, we started speaking with Miriam Kalamian, author of the newly released Keto for Cancer. The interview starts at 11′ 30″, but unfortunately we lost the connection after only 5 minutes. You can link to her book at http://www.chelseagreen.com/keto-for-cancer and we will have her back to hear the full story! For the remainder of the show we linked to the BBC Science in Action segment on building proteins from novel DNA sequences. Hosts: Beth Bennett and Chip Grandis Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

This week on How on Earth, we started speaking with Miriam Kalamian, author of the newly released Keto for Cancer. The interview starts at 11′ 30″, but unfortunately we lost the connection after only 5 minutes. You can link to her book at <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/keto-for-cancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.chelseagreen.com/keto-for-cancer</a> and we will have her back to hear the full story! For the remainder of the show we linked to the BBC Science in Action segment on building proteins from novel DNA sequences. Hosts: Beth Bennett and Chip Grandis Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Maeve Conran Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Ketogenic Diet for Treatment of Cancer//BBC Science in Action

Antibiotic Resistance In this week’s show, Beth interviews Dr. Ivan Liachko, CEO and Co-Founder of Phase Genomics, a startup biotech company recently funded, in part, by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The company is using a new technology that allows researchers to pair plasmids, which are small non-chromosomal pieces of DNA, with the bacterial species carrying them. This is key to identiying the species in the microbiome that carry antibiotic resistacne genes. In the following interview, which starts at about 6:00 Dr Liachko describes the method and its implications. You can see more about the technology at their website. Hosts: Beth Bennett &amp; Joel Parker Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Joel Parker Additional Contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Antibiotic Resistance In this week’s show, Beth interviews Dr. Ivan Liachko, CEO and Co-Founder of Phase Genomics, a startup biotech company recently funded, in part, by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The company is using a new technology that allows researchers to pair plasmids, which are small non-chromosomal pieces of DNA, with the bacterial species carrying them. This is key to identiying the species in the microbiome that carry antibiotic resistacne genes. In the following interview, which starts at about 6:00 Dr Liachko describes the method and its implications. You can see more about the technology at their <a href="https://phasegenomics.com/products/proximeta/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>. Hosts: Beth Bennett &amp; Joel Parker Producer: Beth Bennett Engineer: Joel Parker Additional Contributions: Joel Parker Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Listen to the show:

Tagging the Bugs that Carry Antibiotic Resistance

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