Breaking Bad Science

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Turns out looking into information that centers around the brain is a complete nightmare. Even for a biology focused person like me. When considering meditation it’s unsurprising that this is the path we were led down. So what did we find? What is the truth about meditation and the brain and how deep does the research go? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we explore meditation and how it affects the brain. 

References

1. Walsh, R., Shapiro, S.; The Meeting of Meditative Disciplines and Western Psychology. American Psychologist. Apr-2006. 61:3 (227 - 239). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0003-066X.61.3.227
2. Goyal, M., et. al.; Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association. 01-Mar-2015. 174:3 (357 - 368). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
3. Konjedi, S., Maleeh, R.; Sleep and Mindfulness Meditation as They Relate to False Memory. Psychological Research. 22-Sep-2018. 84 (1084 - 1111). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-018-1098-0
4. Lutterveld, R., et. al.; Meditation is Associated with Increased Brain Network Integration. Neuroimage. 01-Sep-2018.158 (18 - 25). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.06.071
5. Pokorski, M., Suchorzynske, A.; Psychobehavioral Effects of Meditation. Pulmonary Disorders and Therapy. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 25-Jun-2017.  1023. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2017_52

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What happens when you say “Hey Google or “Alexa” or when you press the summon button on the Tesla app? How has our society gotten to the point where, as Anna Kendrick said, “If I touch my phone in the right places, a pizza shows up at my door.” How much of this is artificial intelligence, and how far are we from Isaac Asimov’s Sonny, or at least robot butlers? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we have a cursory discussion on what even is A.I., how is it being used, and what’s in the future.

References

1. Solomonoff, R.; The Time Scale of Artificial Intelligence: Reflections on Social Effects. Elsevier Science Publishers. 1985. 5 (149 - 153). https://content.iospress.com/download/human-systems-management/hsm5-2-07?id=human-systems-management%2Fhsm5-2-07
2. Hernandez, J.; A Military Drone With a Mind of Its Own Was Used in Combat, U.N. Says. NPR. 01-Jun-2021. https://www.npr.org/2021/06/01/1002196245/a-u-n-report-suggests-libya-saw-the-first-battlefield-killing-by-an-autonomous-d
3. Turing, A.; Computing Machinery and Intelligence. Mind. Oct-1950. 59:236 (433 - 460). https://doi.org/10.1093/mind/LIX.236.433
4. Savage, N.; Tapping Into the Drug Discovery Potential of AI. Nature.com. 27-May-2021. https://www.nature.com/articles/d43747-021-00045-7

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Before this research, we were convinced significant blows to the head were totally fine. Even the idea of brain injury seemed like media sensationalism. Ok, maybe we didn’t go that far, but it was certainly surprising to find out some of the reality about preventing concussions, especially in sports. So what are concussions? How are they different from standard brain injury and what can we do to prevent them? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we dig into concussion, brain injury, CTE, and how headgear fits into all of it. 

References

1. Rutherford, P.; Fighter Safer Without Headear - AIBA Chief Wu. Reuters.com. 12-Nov-2014. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxing-wu/fighters-safer-without-headgear-aiba-chief-wu-idUSKCN0IW0N620141112
2. Inalsingh, C.; Some Common Injuries in Boxing. World Boxing Association. 31-Jan-2012. https://www.wbaboxing.com/box-medical-articles/some-common-injuries-in-boxing#.YRA3gI5KiUk
3. Daneshvar, D., et. al.; Helmets and Mouth Guards: The Role of Personal Equipment in Preventing Sport-Related Concussions. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 01-Jan-2011. 30:1 (145 - 163). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2010.09.006
4. Bernick, C., et. al.; Repeated Head Trauma is Associated with Smaller Thalamic Volumes and Slower Processing Speed: The Professional Fighters’ Brain Health Study. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 29-Jan-2015. 49:15 (1007 - 1011). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-093877
5. Stein, T., et. al.; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Spectrum of Neuropathological Changes Following Repetitive Brain Trauma in Athletes and Military Personnel. Alzheimer's Research and Therapy. 15-Jan-2014. 6:1 (4). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/alzrt234

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It's widely understood that flushing your pet turtle results in them being found by a rat in a robe, learning to walk on two legs, and getting borderline addicted to the consumption of pizza. But aside from the adolescent genetically altered martial artist tortoises, are there more natural ways for mutation to come about? Is Xavier's prediction that mutant humans are already among us true? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we explore what mutation is and how it’s linked to things like radioactivity and the sun. 

References

1. Rehman, H.; Heterochromia. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 26-Aug-2008. 179:5 (447 - 448). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070497
2. CIA. Explore All Countries World. CIA.gov. 27-Jul-2021. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/world/
3. Cox, M., Battista, J.; Deinococcus radiodurans - The Consummate Survivor. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 01-Nov-2005. 3 (882 - 892). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1264
4. The Pierre Auger Collaboration. Observation of a Large-Scale Anisotropy in the Arrival Directions of Cosmic Rays Above 8 x 1018 eV. Science. 22-Sep-2017. 357:6357 (1266 - 1270). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan4338

Venken, K., Bellen, H.; Chemical Mutagens, Transposons, and Transgenes to Interrogate Gene Function in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods. 15-Jun-2014. 68:1 (15 - 28). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.02.025

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Our world might not be the 1995 hit Kevin Costner movie, Waterworld, but it is 71% water. Even the human body is around 60% water. It’s even literally in the air around us. Particularly so for those in places like Singapore. So why do we have a “Water Crisis?” What does that term even mean, and does anyone have a plan to fix it? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss what defines the water crisis and how we can be so limited in a resource that seems to be everywhere we look. 

References

1. Fulton, J., et. al.; Water-Indexed Benefits and Impacts of California Almonds. Ecological Indicators. Jan-2019. 96:1 (711 - 717). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.12.063
2. Albrecht, C.; Toxicity of Sea Water in Mammals. American Journal of Physiology. Nov-1950. 163:2 (370 - 385). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplegacy.1950.163.2.370
3. Gleick, P.; Why Don’t We Get Our Drinking Water from the Ocean by Taking the Salt Out of Seawater?. Scientific American. 23-Jul-2008. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-dont-we-get-our-drinking-water-from-the-ocean/
4. Korok, W., et. al.; Terminology for Membranes and Membrane Processes. IUPAC. 1996. 68:7 (1479 - 1489). http://old.iupac.org/publications/pac/1996/pdf/6807x1479.pdf
5. Chandler, D.; Turning Desalination Waste into a Useful Resource. MIT News. 13-Feb-2019. https://news.mit.edu/2019/brine-desalianation-waste-sodium-hydroxide-0213
6. Water.org. The Water Crisis. Water.org. https://water.org/our-impact/water-crisis/

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In 1983, Terry Prachett brought the fantastical planet to life that he referred to as discworld. The series would prove to be wildly popular and inspire all sorts of fantasy writers today. It was, however, a fantasy series. The idea of a disc shaped world has long since been dismissed, at least outside this genre of novels for perhaps quite a bit longer than most of us realize. So why can so many of us name at least one person who is certain the Earth is flat or is a part of the Flat Earth Society; especially considering a man walked 800 km measuring every step to prove it's not. I know Kyrie Irving is an athlete, but something tells me he hasn't repeated this test. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss the history of the shape of the Earth and how religions, cults, and the internet have molded our perspective. 

References

1. Brown, C.; Measuring the Circumference of the Earth. Khan Academy. 13-Jun-201. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/big-history-project/solar-system-and-earth/knowing-solar-system-earth/a/eratosthenes-of-cyrene
2. Dure, B.; Flat-Earthers are Back: ‘It’s Almost Like the Beginning of a New Religion’. The Guardian. 20-Jan-2016. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jan/20/flat-earth-believers-youtube-videos-conspiracy-theorists
3. Dwyer, C.; ‘I Don’t Believe in Science,’ Says Flat-Earther Set to Launch Himself in Own Rocket. NPR. 22-Nov-2017. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/11/22/565926690/i-dont-believe-in-science-says-flat-earther-set-to-launch-himself-in-own-rocket
4. Malik, T.; ‘Mad Mike’ Hughes, Daredevil Who Built a Homemade Steam Rocket, Dies in Launch Attempt. Space.com. 23-Feb-2020. https://www.space.com/daredevil-mad-mike-hughes-dies-in-homemade-rocket-launch.html
5. UselessPickles. Behind the Scenes: Flat Basketball Proof. Imgur.com. 10-Jun-2018. https://imgur.com/gallery/nSGtPtz
6. Enns, P.; The Firmament of Genesis 1 is Solid but That’s Not the Point. Biologos. 14-Jan-2010. https://biologos.org/articles/the-firmament-of-genesis-1-is-solid-but-thats-not-the-point/

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In today’s world of body positivity and cosmetic surgery it seems like something has been left out on both fronts. Male enhancement. How has the penis become a central focus of society but also taboo to talk about? Everyone has things we would like to change about ourselves but what works and what's effectively just snake oil when it comes to male enhancement. Join Shanti and a bit of a surprise host as we talk about the uncomfortable but important topic of penile augmentation.

References

1. Dillon, B., et. al.; Penile Size and Penile Enlargement Surgery: A Review. International Journal of Impotence Research. 22-May-2008. 20 (519 - 529). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2008.14
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Penis-Enlargement Products: Do They Work?. Mayo Clinic. 03-Jun-2020.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
3. Burry, M.; What Is a Micropenis? - and How It Does (and Doesn’t) Affect Sex. Health. 14-Sep-2020. https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/micropenis-sex
4. Arackal, B., Benegal, V.; Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Subjects with Alcohol Dependence. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Apr-2007. 49:2 (109 - 112). Doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.33257
5. Shah, J., Christopher, N.; Can Shoe Size Predict Penile Length?. British Journal of Urology International. Oct-2002. 90:6 (586 - 587). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2002.02974.x
6. Iliades, C.; What’s Wrong With Long-Lasting Erections. Everyday Health. 08-Mar-2012. https://www.everydayhealth.com/erectile-dysfunction/whats-wrong-with-long-lasting-erections.aspx
7. Armstrong, J., et. al.; Impact of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Sexual Function. Translational Andrology and Urology. Jun-2018. 7:3 (483 - 489). Doi: https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2018.04.23
8. Goldstein, I., et. al.; The Serendipitous Story of Sildenafil: An Unexpected Oral Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. Sexual Medicine Reviews. Jan-2019. 7:1 (115 - 128). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.06.005

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Combing through the internet for new scientific discoveries can, as we've seen, sometimes lead to the most ridiculous headlines. After all, if that wasn't the case this podcast wouldn't even exist. In a few rare and beautiful moments, though, Google says hey man you might enjoy this. I have to hand it to you my eerily always listening AI friend, you nailed this one. Ok so the headline may read Dragon Man, which despite our hopes was not a reference to Trogdor, the burninator, but what it truly is, is more fascinating than we assumed. Before the phrase blows up all over social media and we start hearing conspiracies of some dragon-human Shrek style hybrid, join hosts Shanti and Danny as we talk about the science and see if we can't generate a, you heard it here first, moment for many of you.

References

1. Larkin, A.; Massive “Dragon Man” Skull Found in China Might Be a New Human Evolutionary Branch. CBSNews. 29-Jun-2021. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dragon-man-skull-found-china-evolution/
2. Shao, Q., et. al.; Geochemical Provenancing and Direct Dating of the Harbin Archaic Human Cranium. The Innovation: CellPress Partner Journal. 25-Jun-2021. https://www.cell.com/the-innovation/pdf/S2666-6758(21)00056-4.pdf
3. George, A.; ‘Dragon Man’ Claimed as New Species of Ancient Human but Doubts Remain. NewScientist. 25-Jun-2021. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2282223-dragon-man-claimed-as-new-species-of-ancient-human-but-doubts-remain/
4. Jacobs, Z., et. al.; Timing of Archaic Hominin Occupation of Denisova Cave in Southern Siberia. Nature. 30-Jan-2019. 565 (594 - 599). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0843-2
5. Relethford, J.; Genetic Evidence and the Modern Human Origins Debate. Heredity. 05-Mar-2008. 100: (555 - 563). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.2008.14
6. Callaway, E.; ‘Minimal’ Cell Raises Stakes in Race to Harness Synthetic Life. Nature News. 24-Mar-2016. 531: (557 - 558). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/531557a
7. Subbaraman, N.; First Monkey-Human Embryos Reignite Debate Over Hybrid Animals. Nature News. 15-Apr-2021. 592: (497). https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01001-2

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What if I told you that when you hear the word anti-vaxxer and you feel yourself relating to the term, it can almost exclusively be tied to one of three events? Even if it's because of something you've heard that just never really sat right with you. Nearly the entire history of the anti vaccination movement can be tied to a process called variolation, a horrible manufacturing oversight, and a modern day monster known as Andrew Wakefield. Since the beginning of this podcast we've alluded to the importance of this episode and the crazy misinformation surrounding the concept. Now, as we surpass a year of weekly episodes it's finally time to talk about vaccines, vaccination, and Mr. yes MR. not Dr. Andrew Wakefield.

References

1. Imperato, P., Imperato, G.; Smallpox Inoculation (Variolation) in East Africa with Special Reference to the Practice Among the Boran and Gabra of Northern Kenya. Journal of Community Health. 07-Aug-2014. 39 (1053 - 1062). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9928-5
2. Grundy, I.; Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley [nee Lady Mary Pierrepont]. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 23-Sep-2004. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/19029
3. Liebowitz, D.; Smallpox Vaccination: An Early Start of Modern Medicine in America. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. 31-Mar-2017. 7:1 (61 - 63). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/20009666.2016.1273611
4. Riedel, S.; Edward Jenner and the History of Smallpox and Vaccination. Jan-2005. 18:1 (21 - 25). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2005.11928028
5. Melnick, J., et. al.; Effectiveness of Salk Vaccine. Analysis of Virologically Confirmed Cases of Paralytic and Nonparalytic Poliomyelitis. Journal of American Medicine. 01-Apr-1961. 175: (1159 - 1162). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1961.03040130043010
6. Fitzpatrick, M.; The Cutter Incident: How America’s First Polio Vaccine Led to a Growing Vaccine Crisis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Mar-2006. 99:3 (156).
7. 42 U.S. Code § 300aa-22 - Standards of Responsibility. Legal Information Institute Cornell Law School. 01-Oct-1988. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/300aa-22
8. Smith, R.; Andrew Wakefield - The Man Behind the MMR Controversey. The Telegraph. 29-Jan-2010. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/7091767/Andrew-Wakefield-the-man-behind-the-MMR-controversy.html

Additional References on website

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Orson Scott Card could not have had any idea when he wrote Ender's game that he was predicting instant messaging, VR, and yes even social media. In his view of the concept the technology was used for some interesting things. The question is, how right was he? Can two people with a voice on a forum impact the entire world like Locke and Demosthenes? We've railed against social media before on this podcast, and it begs the question: is it just something that rots your brain like our parents once claimed the TV did? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss the impacts of social media as well as its importance in our future. 

References

1. Chappet, M.; Have We Been Brain-Jacked by Instagram? As We’re Given the Option to Hide Likes, We Investigate How the ‘gram Has Rewired our Brains for Good…. Glamour. 26-May-2021. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/instagram-effect-on-brain
2. Barker, E.; This is the Best Way to Overcome Fear of Missing Out. Time. 07-Jun-2016. https://time.com/4358140/overcome-fomo/
3. Sherman, L., et. al.; What the Brain ‘Likes’: Neural Correlates of Providing Feedback on Social Media. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. 04-Jul-2018. 13:7 (699 - 707). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsy051
4. Hunt, M., et. al.; No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. Dec-2018. 37:10. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751
5. Ahmad, S., et. al.; Detection and Classification of Social Media-Based Extremist Affiliations Using Sentiment Analysis Techniques. Human-Centric Computing and Information Sciences. 01-Jul-2019. 9:24. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13673-019-0185-6

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