How do spiders communicate? Can a spider feel trust? And are they really as scary as they seem? Despite being around since the Cambrian Period, arachnids remain one of the most understudied and misunderstood groups of organisms on earth. In this episode, Jocelyn and Bradley sit down with Dr. Eileen Hebets to unweave some of the mystery surrounding spiders and their eight-legged brethren. Eileen describes the intricacies of spider brains, the many different ways arachnids can communicate, and even how they mate. Eileen also introduces us to her highly acclaimed "Eight-Legged Encounters" outreach exhibit, and the friends discuss the impact of inquiry-based education on public understanding of science generally and arachnids in particular. Finally, Eileen shares what her research on animal communication has taught her about effective science communication, and vice versa. Join us, friends, as we get in touch with our spidey senses and celebrate Arachtober!

Dr. Eileen Hebets Links:

• The Hebets Research Lab: http://hebetslab.unl.edu/

• Hebets lab movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afr91vyQfWs#action=share

• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=dr3GFokAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

• Eight-legged Encounters: https://www.facebook.com/EightLeggedEncounters
• https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/unltoday/article/dr-hebets-goes-to-washington-for-eight-legged-encounters/

• https://biosci.unl.edu/eileen-hebets-and-scary-spider-goblet-fire

• Using cross-disciplinary knowledge to facilitate advancements in animal communication and science communication research: https://jeb.biologists.org/content/jexbio/221/18/jeb179978.full.pdf

Contact Science! With Friends (especially if you’re a scientist interested in a lively conversation about your science and science story) at Gmail or Twitter!
• Gmail: [email protected]
• Twitter @SciWithFriends

Science! With Friends Podcast is created and hosted by Jocelyn Bosley (@SciTalker) and Bradley Nordell (@bradleynordell) and Produced by the Basement Creators Network. You can find them at https://www.basementcreators.network/

Sound Editing by Vince Ruhl