Science Buffs

Science Buffs

By Sam and AbbyScience
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Science Buffs episodes

  • The Science and History of Cochlear Implants
    In this week's episode, Abby teaches Sam all about the science, history, and some controversy surrounding cochlear implants. The gals discuss how cool it would be to work as a biomedical engineer, the difference between implants and hearing aids, and how early you should pack for a big trip. Enjoy the episode! https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/understanding-cochlear-implants
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hearing-aids-vs-cochlear-implants#hearing-aids
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913847/#:~:text=Many%20Deaf%20culturalists%20are%20deeply,should%20be%20celebrated%20and%20respected
    43 min
  • Women in STEM Highlight: Amelia Earhart Biography and "Learn To Love the Turbulence" Book Review
    It's a bonus episode y'all! The gals wanted to kick off a recurring bonus episode series where they highlight someone who made waves in the STEM field. This week is Amelia Mary Earhart, a woman who made huge strides (especially for women) in the field of aviation. They also discuss Amelia Rose Earhart, a former newscaster, current pilot and artist who wrote the book "Learn to Love the Turbulence". The gals read the book and give their thoughts! Enjoy the episode!
    36 min
  • The Science Behind Formula 1 (and why Drive to Survive is the best reality show ever)

    In this episode, Abby teaches Sam all about the engineering that goes into building a Formula 1 car. From the chassis, to the engine, to the tires, TONS of engineers are working behind the scenes to optimize the race times for the drivers. The gals talk about all the nitty gritty engineering details, but also discuss why Drive to Survive is even better than normal reality shows. Enjoy the episode!


    Sources:

      • https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-beginners-guide-to-formula-1-tyres.61SvF0Kfg29UR2SPhakDqd.html#:~:text=The%20highest%2Dnumbered%20slick%20tyre,intermediate%20and%20blue%20full%20wet. 

      • https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/formula-one-f1-racing-speed-engine-power 

        • https://theathletic.com/4459661/2023/04/28/f1-academy-101/?amp=1 

        https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bianca_Bustamante


          50 min
        • The 3mm Mistake That Cost Hubble Billions: How Telescopes Work

          Hey Science Buffs! In this week's episode, Sam teaches Abby all about the science of telescopes. The gals cover refraction vs. reflection telescopes, where you can get a telescope at an affordable price, and they talk all about the Hubble and James Web Space telescopes. They also give a weekend update and debate whether Christmas decorations should go up before or after Thanksgiving. Enjoy the episode!

          45 min
        • The Bees Knees: Uncovering the Secret Life of Bees

          In this week's episode, Abby recaps her beekeeping experience and teaches Sam about the structure of a hive, the roles of different bees, and how some gruesome details about how a new queen bee takes over. It's not all fun and games being a queen bee! Learn all about these hard-working pollinators on this week's episode. Enjoy!

          57 min
        • The Science Behind Catching the Golden State Killer: Forensic DNA Analysis

          Ever wonder about the science behind how criminals are caught? How does DNA fingerprinting actually work? In this weeks episode, Sam teaches Abby all about the science and history behind DNA fingerprinting. They talk cases that were solved using DNA including the catching of the Golden State Killer and other true crime cases. The girls discuss if they would want law enforcement to have access to their DNA genetic test results. Enjoy the episode!


          Sources:

          • https://www.sdap.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/research/criminal/pc15.pdf 
          • https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/resources/10-cold-cases-solved 
          • https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/07/killer-dna-evidence-genetic-profiling-criminal-investigation 
          • https://online.maryville.edu/blog/how-is-dna-profiling-used-to-solve-crimes/ 
          • https://www.science.org/content/article/judge-said-police-can-search-dna-millions-americans-without-their-consent-what-s-next
          • https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2019/01/14/ethical-concerns-of-dna-databases-used-for-crime-control/
          • https://nypost.com/2022/10/01/how-police-can-use-your-dna-to-solve-crimes-without-consent/
            • 38 min
          • How 10 Blocks of Manhattan Were Almost Destroyed - and How It Was Kept a Secret: Citicorp Center Engineering Crisis

            Welcome to the first episode of the Science Buffs Podcast! In this week's episode, we do a little "About Me" and Abby teaches Sam all about the Citicorp Center Engineering Crisis. It was a near-miss engineering disaster that was kept from the public for almost 20 years!

            Learn all about the history, the technical details, and the fix that was implemented for this building that almost took out 10 blocks of Manhattan. Enjoy the episode!


            Sources:

            • https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citicorp_Center_engineering_crisis 
            • https://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2014/04/17/the_citicorp_tower_design_flaw_that_could_have_wiped_out_the_skyscraper.html
            • https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/citicorp.html#:~:text=He%20convinced%20Citicorp%20officers%20to,joints%2C%20permanently%20correcting%20the%20problem.
            • https://onlineethics.org/cases/engineers-and-scientists-behaving-well/william-lemessurier-fifty-nine-story-crisis-lesson#discovery
              • 44 min

            About Science Buffs

            From the publisher's feed

            Science Buffs is the ultimate podcast for STEM enthusiasts! Join your engineer hosts, Abby and Sam, as they take you on a weekly journey through the fascinating world of Science, Technology,…