The 2024 State of the Science Meeting from the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety brought together several researchers and Extension professionals working at the intersection of agricultural health and safety research, policy, and outreach communication. In this episode, two speakers from the meeting reconvene to share a conversation about innovative rural health initiatives. Dr. Holly Cost, assistant vice president for University Outreach and Public Service at Auburn University, and Dr. Mark Holmes, director of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, explore the challenges and disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural communities, touching on issues like hospital closures, limited specialty services, and the importance of local leadership. They emphasize the need for tailored healthcare solutions to address the unique needs of rural populations.

The 2024 State of the Science Meeting from the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety brought together several researchers and Extension professionals working at the intersection of agricultural health and safety research, policy, and outreach communication. In this episode, three speakers from the meeting reconvene to share a conversation highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive health interventions and innovative solutions to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas. You’ll hear Dr. John Diaz. Dr. Lauri Baker, and Dr. David Buys discuss how factors like economic stability, education access, healthcare quality, neighborhood environment, and social context influence the health and well-being of farmworkers. Our guests also emphasize the vital role of Cooperative Extension in connecting land-grant universities with communities, particularly in the context of medicine and public health. Examples from Florida and Mississippi are highlighted, showing how the roles of Extension have evolved from primarily agricultural and home economics education to encompassing broader health initiatives.

Resources:
2024 SCCAHS State of the Science Meeting
On The Farm Film Series: https://www.onthefarm.life/
CAFE Latino: https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/teams-and-programs/cafe-latino/

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

In this episode of Science by the Slice, Dr. Angie Lindsey and Aly Morrison introduce a new course from PIE Academy, the PIE Center’s professional development education component. Dr. Lindsey and Morrison explain the unique needs of agricultural and natural resource (ANR) communities, especially amid the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and how this course will help those who live and work in ANR be more resilient through disasters. Disaster Management and Communication for Agriculture and Natural Resources addresses preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, and includes interactive elements and resources. Registration details and course access are available on the PIE Center's website at https://piecenter.com/pie-academy/.

Resources:
PIE Academy webpage: https://piecenter.com/pie-academy/
Florida Extension Disaster Education Network: https://piecenter.com/fl-eden/

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

As the global population surges towards the 10 billion mark, the challenge of meeting the escalating food demands sustainably is an ever-pressing concern. In this episode of Science by the Slice, Dr. Ken Riley from NOAA Fisheries, Office of Aquaculture shares how aquaculture is a growing industry in the U.S. and many other parts of the world, to meet these needs of rising food demands. Dr. Riley shares from his vast experience, spanning industry, academia, and nonprofit work, to discuss aquaculture, where the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants could be one component to our future food security. This episode also covers the environmental implications of aquaculture, examining the challenges of working with different climate conditions and the importance of technology in improving efficiency. Listen to learn about this holistic approach to aquaculture, balancing the needs of humans with the health of marine ecosystems.

Resources:
PIE Center Aquaculture Toolkit: https://piecenter.com/aquaculture-toolkit/
NOAA Aquaculture Website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/aquaculture
NOAA Office of Aquaculture Website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-aquaculture
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Aquaculture Website: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Aquaculture

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "Shelftop Speech" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/thimble-rider/shelftop-speech/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

We've made it to Season Four! We're beginning our fourth season of Science by the Slice as we have the past two seasons by looking back and looking forward. That is, revisiting clips from last season while examining one theme and then looking forward to what we have in store for 2024.

This episode incorporates the theme of patience. You’ll hear clips from season three while unpacking the intricate relationship between patience and life outcomes. Patience manifests in the fabric of our communities, influencing such topics as the resilience of our food and agricultural systems and land conservation. Then, you’ll hear about some of the upcoming topics we have planned for 2024.

Resources:
Hanushek, Eric A, et al. (2024). Can Patience Account for Subnational Differences in Student Achievement? Regional Analysis with Facebook Interests. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4574635.

Mischel, W, et al. (1989). Delay of Gratification in Children. Science, 244(4907) 933–938. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.2658056.

Schlam, Tanya R., et al. (2013). Preschoolers’ Delay of Gratification Predicts Their Body Mass 30 Years Later. Journal of Pediatrics, 162(1) 90–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.06.049.

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "The Maison" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/desjardins/the-maison/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Music "Astrisx" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Bodytonic/Astrisx/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Music "Ô Zéphyr" by Portron Portron Lopez at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Portron_Portron_Lopez/De_Colre_Et_DEnvie/07__Zphyr/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Ticks are often brushed off as a seasonal nuisance, but our latest episode of Science by the Slice, "Tick Talk," challenges our assumptions and sheds light on the vital importance of public education. Learn from Dr. Lauri Baker and Cheng-Xian Yang as they share research on public perceptions and behaviors related to ticks and linkages between outdoor activities and tick-borne illness risks, such as meat allergies and Lyme disease. This emphasizes the need for education and preparation, especially for those engaging in activities like hunting or visiting agricultural properties. Moreover, the conversation reveals how the analysis of online searches and social media trends can provide valuable insights into public perception and behavior toward ticks for enhancing risk communication and educating the public on tick prevention.

This episode highlights social science research conducted in partnership with the Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, a CDC-funded Center that works to prevent and control vector-borne disease threats.

Resources:
PIE Center tick project webpage
Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases website

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "Sequoia" by SalmonLikeTheFish at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/SalmonLikeTheFish/Music_for_the_Sleepy_Traveler/04_-_Sequoia/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.

While the cities of Florida are a bustling hub of commerce and culture, nestled between them lie areas of breathtaking natural beauty, teeming with diverse ecosystems. One organization at the forefront of efforts to protect and connect these valuable spaces is the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, represented by Alex Freeze, their Corridor Collaboration Teams Facilitator.
 
In this episode, Phillip and Alex discuss the challenge of balancing the need for development while doing so in ways that are compatible with the Florida Wildlife Corridor and do not fragment or break up areas of wilderness, working lands, and public and private property. In a world where environmental issues often take a somber tone, listen to this episode to hear Alex share her optimism and dedication toward protecting and conserving wild Florida.

Resources:
Florida Wildlife Corridor Website

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "Haventhorn" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/rustland/haventhorn/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.

When disaster strikes, it can feel hectic trying to ensure the safety of our loved ones. But often, in the rush and chaos, our pets can be overlooked. In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Lawrence Garcia, Clinical Assistant Professor in Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, discusses the importance of including pets in our disaster plans. Dr. Garcia illuminates practical steps families can take to ensure their furry friends are safe during emergencies. So, if you're a pet owner wondering how to keep your pets safe during a disaster, this podcast episode is a must-listen. After all, they are part of our family too, and their safety should never be an afterthought.

Resources:
Fact Sheet: Hurricane Tips For Pet Owners
Video: Hurricane Preparedness For Pet Owners Featuring Dr. Larry Garcia
Florida Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Webpage
UF Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS) Website

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "Talens Bal" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/135-field/talens-bal/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Music "Fold Over" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/clamshell/fold-over/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.

With great power comes great responsibility, and in the world of technology, that means being prepared for cybersecurity threats.

In this episode, Dr. Lauri Baker, co-founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement, highlights the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, educating yourself and your employees, and investing in the right tools to protect your electronic data at home or work. Discover best practices for staying safe in today's digital landscape and learn about malware protection and cloud storage solutions to safeguard your valuable data and maintain customer trust.

Resources:
Online publication on cybersecurity: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC416
Blog post on cybersecurity: https://ruralengagement.org/2021/06/24/selling-safe-best-practices-for-cybersecurity-for-your-small-rural-ag-business/
Social media toolkit: https://ruralengagement.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cybersecurity-Social-Media-Series.zip

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

Music "Sweetly" by Blue Dot Sessions at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Glacier_Quartet/Sweetly/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Music "Paean" by Robert John at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Robert_John/paean/paean/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.

A single tree in your yard can remove up to 26 pounds of CO2 from the air. This is the equivalent of removing emissions from a vehicle that travels 11,000 miles per year. In this episode, we explore the value of residential landscapes and the numerous benefits they provide. Hear from two guests in this episode as they share their expertise and knowledge related to planting the right plant in the right place, tips for irrigation, and the importance of our home landscaping.

This episode features speakers, Wendy Wilbur, statewide Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator, and Michael Dukes, Director of the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency.

Resources:
The UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions Program
Florida Friendly Landscaping Program
Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement Fact Sheets
UF/IFAS PIE Center Turfgrass Issue Guide

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/
 
Music "Starlight" by Chad Crouch Available at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Drifter/Starlight_1387/ Under CC BY license Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.