Science Buffs

By Sam and Abby

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, Engineeri... more

· Science

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FAQs about Science Buffs:

How many episodes does Science Buffs have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.

Science Buffs episodes:

November 29, 2023 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
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43min
November 27, 2023 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!
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36min
November 22, 2023 The Sound Barrier and Why Supersonic Travel is Not Practical for Commercial Flight
In this week's episode, Sam teaches Abby all about the sound barrier, the history of humans breaking the sound barrier, and some fascinating facts about the Concorde. Sam walks us through all of the physics and aerodynamics associated with nearing the sound barrier (and then breaking it). It's a fascinating episode, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
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42min
November 15, 2023The 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
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50min
November 13, 2023 Do You Regret Your Career In STEM?? (And Other STEM Questions) || STEM Q+A
Hey Buffs! Welcome to the Q+A bonus episode! In this episode, Sam and Abby discuss their college experiences, their friendship, and their careers while answering your questions. It’s a fun one to help you get to know the girls better. Enjoy the episode!
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33min
November 08, 2023 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!
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45min
November 01, 2023 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!
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57min
October 30, 2023 Battle of the Buffs: Ultimate STEM Trivia!
It's Sam and Abby coming at you with a bonus episode! Today we are quizzing each other on STEM trivia questions. Let's see how much we actually know about science! Enjoy the episode!
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27min
October 25, 2023The 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/
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38min
October 18, 2023How 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
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44min

FAQs about Science Buffs:

How many episodes does Science Buffs have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.