It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science

Scientists at The University of New Mexico have developed a groundbreaking vaccine targeting high cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The vaccine, aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by targeting the PCSK9 protein, offers a potentially more affordable treatment option compared to current drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors. Join the discussion on how this innovative vaccine could revolutionize cardiovascular care and global health.

Learn more about the cholesterol-lowering vaccine or Bryce Chackerian's lab.

Read the study published in NPJ Vaccines.

Donate to the UNM Big Give from now through 11:59 p.m., February 21.

Learn more about the show on podcast.unm.edu and follow it on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok.

Millions of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder each year. In this episode, we explore the cause, symptoms, and tips for both dealing with SAD and improving mental health with Dr. Kristina Sowar, a psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Learn more at podcast.unm.edu and follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

What does a language mean to a culture? In this episode, we learn about why it can be difficult to keep heritage languages like Spanish alive in the U.S. and how programs like the Spanish Heritage Language program at UNM can help students reclaim their cultural identity.

Learn more about Spanish as a Heritage Language program.

Learn more about Damián Vergara Wilson.

Learn more about ⁠Liliana Alva Regalado.⁠

Read New Mexico is Losing a Form of Spanish Spoken Nowhere Else on Earth from The New York Times.

Read more information about languages spoken at home as reported in the U.S. Census.

Visit podcast.unm.edu for more information.

A baby’s first words are an exciting milestone, but how does the language the child is learning play a role in what sounds and words they learn first? Linguists have long studied these topics in majority languages, but few studies have explored Navajo and other indigenous languages. Dr. Melvatha Chee, director of the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center, is working to change that while empowering indigenous groups to conduct their own language work. This episode also features Saad K’idilyé, a Navajo language nest located in Albuquerque working to provide Navajo families with a place where their babies can be cared for and immersed in the Navajo language all day long.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Learn more about the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center.

Learn more about the Navajo Language Program at UNM. 

Learn more about Dr. Melvatha R. Chee.

Learn more about Saad K’idilyé.

Find It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science on X, Instagram, TikTok and podcast.unm.edu.

Welcome to the Spooky Spectacular! In this episode we’ll share some of New Mexico’s classic ghost stories and folklore, then we’ll talk about what it means to be horrified and why the horror movie genre is not quite what it seems. This Halloween podcast episode delivers eerie expertise just in time for spooky season.

Gabino Noriega, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Chicano and Chicana Studies, tells the stories of La Llorona and the Devil at the Dance and discusses how these stories have been seen around the world throughout history and how these stories are an integral part of New Mexico’s culture. Find him on Instagram.

Learn more about La Malinche.

Learn more about the Aztec Cihuateotl.

Ditch Witch campaign:

In the 1980s, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA), the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque combined efforts to create a public safety education campaign to teach children to stay out of ditches and arroyos. Brochures, bumper stickers and signs conveyed: "Ditches are Deadly--Stay Away" and "Expect the Unexpected." The Ditch Witch and Water Monster characters visited schools and events. See an image of the campaign on podcast.unm.edu.

David Witherington, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, discusses how we develop fear as children, why horror is different than fear and how horror films can offer a sense of catharsis.

Substance use disorders are complicated. This episode includes discussions on factors that contribute to substance use, research on treatments, how substance use impacts the brain, and how we can all help reduce the stigma around this topic by talking about it more openly. The episode features Dr. Doug Ziedonis, CEO of The University of New Mexico Health System, and Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, a clinical psychologist and Director of the UNM Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addiction.

Resources for anyone interested in finding support for substance use:

Topics discussed with Dr. Doug Ziedonis:

Topics discussed with Dr. Katie Witkiewitz:

Class is in session for Water 101. John Fleck, a professor of practice and expert on the governance and management of the Colorado River discusses what is happening with water in the West. Then, Heather Himmelberger from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center walks us through how water reaches homes, schools and businesses through water utility systems.

About John Fleck:

About Heather Himmelberger and the Southwest Environmental Finance Center:

News discussed in the episode:

More information about the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA) pipeline expansion:

Learn more about UNM research into water issues.

Faculty experts discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on higher education and criminal justice. Leo Lo, dean of the College of Libraries and Learning Sciences, discusses how AI will change education and how people can set themselves up for success. Then, Sonia Gipson Rankin, professor of law, discusses how algorithms and AI have been used in criminal justice and what actions may need to be taken long term to protect people's rights.

Find transcripts and more episodes on podcast.unm.edu.

———

AI resources discussed in the episode:

AI Resources from the UNM University Libraries and Learning Sciences

UNM Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Education Lib Guide

———

Leo Lo's publication on the CLEAR framework for enhancing AI prompt engineering

Sonia Gipson Rankin's publications about Artificial Intelligence:

The MiDAS Touch: Atuahene's "Stategraft" and the Implications of Unregulated Artificial Intelligence”

Technological Tethereds: Potential Impact of Untrustworthy Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice Risk Assessment Instruments

———

Learn more about the news discussed in this episode:

Reuters- New York lawyers sanctioned for using fake ChatGPT cases in legal brief

It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science is a University of New Mexico podcast that explores some of the hottest and most complex topics impacting our society, through conversations with experts, artists, and researchers. And look, we get it: we know that some issues are tough to unravel and even tougher to comprehend. But on this podcast, we’ll peel away some of those complicated layers for a genuine conversation where we can arrive at understanding and answers. That way, we can honestly say no, it’s not rocket science—and we promise it won’t be. Well . . . probably. 

New episodes drop every other week beginning September 12.