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What if I told you that the mysteries of the universe could be unraveled from your listening device? Brace yourselves for a cosmic ride with our guest, astrobiologist and science writer Caitlin Rasmussen. Her journey from gazing starry skies in rural Maryland to deciphering the universe's enigmas at Florida State University is as captivating as it is inspiring. 

In this episode, we go beyond our earthly confines, reaching out into the vast cosmos, touching upon intriguing concepts like the Drake equation and the Goldilocks Zone. With Rasmussen's insightful explanations, these cosmic conundrums become easily digestible, revealing the universe's secrets one piece at a time. The discussion gets even more exciting as we zoom into the TRAPPIST-1 system, exploring the possibilities of Earth-like planets and the potential for life beyond our blue planet.

But it's not all hard science here. We also trek into the realms of science fiction, discussing the influence of cult shows like Firefly and cinematic marvels like Interstellar on our understanding of time and relativity. Plus, we delve into the captivating intersection of astrobiology and fiction, as seen in Becky Chambers' mesmerizing novella, 'To Be Taught If Fortunate'. As we wrap up, we even manage to sneak in a few laughs and some exciting updates on our upcoming schedule changes. So gear up, fellow cosmic explorers – whether you're an aspiring astrophysicist, a Sci-Fi fan, or just someone who loves to wonder about the stars, this episode promises an enriching voyage through the cosmos.

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Ever wondered how animals communicate and what we can learn from them? Join us on this week's Pet Chat as we play a Kahoot game that explores the fascinating animals in our homes and beyond, including the mysterious molecule found on Saturn's moon, Enceladus. Congratulations to our Kahoot winners - Katrina, Millie, Schnauzer, Carousel, and Rosie!

Come along with us on a neighborhood adventure with our lovable pets, Bunsen and Beaker, as we discover local wildlife and the beauty of our surroundings. We discuss the deer wandering nearby, a beaver dam that's drastically changed the creek, and how this all affects our furry friends. As we explore the great outdoors, we also dive into the world of muskrats and beavers in mid-Southern Ohio with some timely advice from a guest!

Finally, let's talk about freckles – canine freckles, that is! We introduce you to Alistair's dog, an adorable border collie with a unique pattern of freckles on his nose. Hear how this trait makes him stand out from other collies and why we simply can't resist our furry companions, even when they're causing a bit of trouble. So, sit back, relax and join us for this heartwarming and informative episode of Pet Chat!

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What do the discovery of phosphorus on Saturn's moon, Enceladus, and the fascinating question of whether dogs can teach other dogs language have in common? They're both topics we're buzzing about in this week's episode! Delight in our discussion about the possibility of life on Enceladus and the thought-provoking research on canine communication, as we share stories of our own beloved pets.

Join us as we dive into the water energy nexus with our Ask an Expert guest, Dr. Lauren Logan. Gain valuable insights on the relationship between water and energy production, and explore the trade-offs of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Together, we'll discuss the importance of reducing reliance on water, and uncover ways to improve the recyclability of wind turbines and solar panels for a more sustainable future.

Finally, we'll reflect on the importance of inclusivity in STEM fields, as Dr. Logan shares her personal experiences and efforts to make engineering more accessible for women and minorities. Plus, enjoy heartwarming anecdotes of our pets' unique personalities and the love they show us each and every day. Ready to blend science, empathy, and the cuteness of our pets? Tune in now!

Dr. Logan's Links!

https://twitter.com/LHLogan1

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Get ready for a captivating journey into the world of solitary bees and the incredible ways they survive. Discover the Plitoglossa bee, which lines its nursery chambers deep underground with a secreted plastic-like material, and learn about their unusual runny food that smells like beer. You won't believe how these fascinating creatures go through their life cycle!

Joining us is the brilliant Dr. Dan Wilson, a molecular biologist and science communicator who shares valuable insights into the world of molecular biology, the importance of ribosomes in protein production, and the fight against misinformation. Together, we debunk some dangerous claims surrounding vaccines and reveal the true heroes behind mRNA vaccine technology. Plus, find out how nonverbal communication between humans and horses could inspire the future of robotic programming!

In this episode, we also shed light on autism advocacy and the significance of patience in science communication. Learn how sustained conversations can effectively combat misinformation! 

Don't miss out on this exciting exploration of nature, science, and technology – tune in now!

Dr. Dan's Links:

https://twitter.com/Debunk_the_Funk
https://www.youtube.com/c/DebunktheFunkwithDrWilson

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Imagine a world where photosynthesis could revolutionize renewable energy and agriculture while combating harmful algal blooms - that's what we're exploring with our guest Grant Steiner, a PhD student at Loyola University studying photosynthetic biochemistry. Together, we dive into the captivating world of cyanobacteria and their role in the great oxygenation event that occurred three and a half billion years ago, as well as the challenges climate change presents to these microorganisms.

Grant shares his experience working in the emergency department at Northwestern Hospital, and how it sparked his passion for photosynthesis research. We discuss the incredible potential of using cyanobacteria and algae to capture solar energy, replace fossil fuels, and maximize the efficiency of cells and organisms. Plus, find out how Grant's work with 3D printing coral reefs could help protect our planet's ecosystems.

As if that wasn't enough, we also delve into the realm of astrochemistry and the possibilities of sustaining life on Mars - can cyanobacteria survive on the Red Planet? Join us for this enthralling conversation with Grant Steiner, and discover the wonders of photosynthesis, renewable energy, and our planet's incredible potential for change.


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Ever wondered what surprising accessory can make men less threatening in a threatening situation? Tune in to this week's episode of Pet Chat, where we explore this intriguing topic, the hilarious Couch Wars between Beaker and Ginger, and a fascinating fact about the percentage of people who sign cards with their dog's name.

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What happens when we combine the effects of forest fire smoke, the psychology of feeling safe, and even the world of astrophysics? Today's episode takes you on a journey through these seemingly unrelated topics, all while shedding light on how they impact our lives and the environment around us. With wildfires causing havoc across Canada and the United States, we discuss the short-term and long-term effects of smoke exposure and reveal some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Did you know that having a pet, particularly a dog, can greatly impact our sense of security and well-being? We explore this fascinating connection as we share a recent study that investigates how dogs can affect our perceptions of safety in both threatening and safe contexts. As we ponder the pure-hearted nature of Golden Retrievers, we also have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Nora Bailey, host of Nora's Guide to the Galaxy, who takes us on a journey from the Navy to astrophysics, sharing her passions for exoplanet dynamics and habitable zones.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bailey opens up about her love for writing and her experience using TikTok as a platform for science communication. We delve into her passion for celestial mechanics, the role of giant planets in the development of life on Earth, and even discuss how light pollution affects our world. So join us for this entertaining and educational episode, where we traverse outer space, explore the impact of wildfires on our planet, and celebrate the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions.

Nora's Guide To The Galaxy!
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NorasGuidetotheGalaxy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noraguidegalaxy

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What if you could uncover the secrets of Mars with the help of an expert scientist? This week, we had the privilege of having a fascinating conversation with Dr. Dabarati Daa, a Mars scientist with a doctorate in geology and a postdoc at Los Alamos National Broad Street. We explored Mars' intriguing similarities and differences to Earth, including its roughly 24-hour day and carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Dr. Das also shared her incredible journey from a struggling math student to an accomplished Mars researcher.

During the episode, we dove into Dr. Das's experiences in Japan studying meteorites and her research on extraterrestrial materials. We discussed the lithium isotope variation across minerals in meteorites and the effects of space weathering. Dr. Das also shared her expertise in the ChemCam instrument and her work with the Mars Science Laboratory team. We even examined the potential of using cyanobacteria to create a more hospitable environment for plants on Mars.

As if that wasn't enough excitement, we also touched on the upcoming Dragonfly mission to explore Saturn's moon Titan and pondered the power source of the Curiosity Rover. Finally, we delved into The Arc, a science fiction show that sparks thought-provoking discussions about Earth's environment and the potential challenges of colonizing Mars. Don't miss this captivating episode with Dr. D where we uncover the wonders of our planetary neighbor and beyond!

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In our opening game join us as we explore recent studies on vegan diets for dogs that left us delightfully shocked, and discuss a groundbreaking peanut allergy treatment that's making waves in the medical world.   All this, plus a hilarious message from the government of Canada that you simply can't miss!

We're not just about the science - we're about the pets too! Get ready to hear about our adventures walking Bunsen and Beaker, and the mysterious case of the disappearing mosquitoes during our walks. Plus, we'll chat about the upcoming Marching Show Band Classic, the Red Deer Royals, and how Jason scored an amazing gig as a headline act for the Red Deer Children's Festival.

Looking to give your cat the royal treatment?   A guest shares how Cowboy Cat Ranch's incredible cat tree and toys have transformed her feline friend's life. Discover the importance of practicing Kitty Language techniques for newly adopted cats, and learn about the fantastic work being done by our community members, like Benny Bowie, who has made a significant impact on children who have been victims of child abuse. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the fascinating  and moving world of our furry friends!

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What if we told you that a simple skin patch could help desensitize toddlers with peanut allergies? It's true! Join us as we explore this groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment and discuss the science behind peanut allergies. Plus, ever thought about feeding your dog a vegan diet? We had our doubts, but a recent study on vegan dog food might just change your mind.

We're thrilled to have Dr. Yara Haridy as our expert guest in this episode! Dr. Haridy shares her insights on dinosaur bones, osteocytes, and how understanding these cells can improve our knowledge of life on earth. We'll also learn about some captivating extinct animals like Chomarasaurus and Pachycephalosaurs, as well as the Armored Ancient Fish and Giant Sloths.

Lastly, we'll take a fascinating dive into the world of animal age and growth, comparing life in captivity to life in the wild. We'll explore the mysteries of aging and growing dinosaurs, from theropods with 40 to 50 rings to the possibility of multiple rings due to harsh seasons. And get ready to be entertained a our project to build a velociraptor puppet, designed to teach people about animal evolution and the awesomeness of feathers. Don't miss out on this incredible episode of the Science Podcast!

Yara's Links:

Yara on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Yara_Haridy

Yara's Website:

http://www.thebarebones.org/

Bunsen and Beaker Links:

The Ginger Stuffie is on presale this week (May 20-28 2023) so check the link here:

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Join The Paw Pack to Support The Show!

https://bunsenbernerbmd.com/pages/paw-pack-plus-community

The Bunsen and Beaker Website has adorable merch with hundreds of different combinations of designs and apparel- all with Printful- one of the highest quality companies we could find!

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Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter:

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For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
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