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The cosmic dance of our solar system is more precarious than we realize, with rogue stars potentially disrupting Earth's orbit and sending us hurling into space—though the probability is a reassuring 0.2% over 5 billion years. 

Recent research reveals singing to babies significantly improves their overall mood, highlighting the universal evolutionary importance of lullabies as emotional regulation tools across cultures.

Oh and Cockatoos have taught themselves how to drink from fountains.

• Computer simulations show passing stars could disrupt our solar system with catastrophic consequences
• Mercury would likely be the first planet affected, potentially creating a domino effect of planetary collisions
• Earth has a 0.2% chance of being ejected from our solar system in the next 5 billion years
• Parents who sing to babies under four months old observe significantly improved infant moods
• Singing to babies appears to be a universal human behavior with evolutionary advantages
• Sydney's cockatoos demonstrate remarkable intelligence by operating public drinking fountains
• Around 70% of local cockatoos attempt to use fountains with 50% succeeding
• Birds coordinate complex movements and wait in line, suggesting possible social bonding behavior

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We dive into the fascinating world of extinct giant sloths, explore how dogs are inspiring better swimming robots, and discuss the alarming resurgence of measles with immunologist Dr. Elisabeth Marnick.

• Ancient sloths evolved wide body size diversity based primarily on their habitat preference
• Tree-dwelling sloths evolved to be smaller while ground-dwelling species became massive
• The largest ground sloths were predated by enormous short-faced bears and likely hunted by humans
• Engineers created an amphibious robot that mimics dogs' swimming motion rather than reptiles or insects
• The dog-inspired robot achieves better transition between land and water with superior stability

And our guest: 

• Dr. Elizabeth Marnick explains that measles causes "immune amnesia," erasing the body's memory of other infections
• The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles infection with two doses
• One in four measles cases requires hospitalization, with potentially severe complications
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can appear 7-10 years after measles infection and is 100% fatal
• Science communicators face significant challenges combating misinformation on social media

Dr. Marnick's Links

Instagram

Substack

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We explore the science behind HBO's "The Last of Us," investigating whether a fungal apocalypse could happen in real life and if a vaccine for fungal infections is possible. The Royal Tyrrell Museum's new "Breakthroughs" exhibit showcases five groundbreaking fossil discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life.  Lastly we look at the cause of the orange color in orange cats!

• Fungal infections like cordyceps jumping to humans is extremely unlikely, though climate change impacts fungal evolution
• Scientists have no approved fungal vaccines available, with only four new antifungal drugs approved in the last decade
• The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta showcases world-class dinosaur specimens including Canada's best-preserved nodosaur
• Five breakthrough fossils include a Mosasaurus with preserved cartilage, feathered Ornithomimus, and exceptionally preserved Borealopelta
• Recent studies reveal orange cats share a single genetic mutation near the RH-GAP36 gene that originated 900 years ago
• Female orange cats are rare because they need the mutation on both X chromosomes, while males only need one copy

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We explore the cutting-edge science of extending dog lifespan through innovative drug development with Loyal founder and CEO Celine Halioua, who shares the company's groundbreaking approach to canine longevity and health.

In Science News:
• Cold water immersion after exercise shows no benefits for women despite its popularity among fitness influencers

In Pet Science:

• Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds now resemble each other more than their wild ancestors due to selective breeding

Our Guest Speaks about:

• Loyal's first drug mimics the longevity benefits of caloric restriction without reducing appetite
• Large dog breeds age faster due to persistently high growth hormone levels that weren't naturally selected for
• Loyal is conducting the largest animal health study ever with 1,300 dogs to test longevity interventions
• The company hopes to bring their first longevity drug to market within a year
• The goal is to add at least one healthier year to dogs' lives while improving quality of life during aging
• Aging dogs develop many of the same diseases as aging humans, making them excellent models for longevity research

Loyal: https://loyal.com/

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On this show we explore the contentious debate around fluoride in municipal water, the science behind pedigree cat adoptions, and innovative approaches to teaching science to non-science majors.

• Examination of the fluoride controversy using Calgary, Alberta as a case study
• Discussion of how fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents acid damage
• Review of research showing increased tooth decay rates in children after fluoride was removed from Calgary's water
• Analysis of a study suggesting people with higher status sensitivity are less likely to adopt non-pedigree cats
• Interview with Dr. Katie Burnette about cat genetics and why most calico cats are female
• Exploration of X chromosome inactivation and how it creates unique coat patterns
• Insight into developing engaging science curriculum for non-science majors
• Discussion of a DNA-based project identifying fish fraud at restaurants
• Personal pet stories including cats bringing "gifts" into the home

Dr. Burnette's Links:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katie-Burnette

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This week we look to deunk myths about rising autism rates and explain the genetic and environmental factors at play, while exploring the resurrection of dire wolves through genetic engineering and how puppy cognition predicts adult dog behavior.

• CDC data shows autism diagnoses increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 in 2022
• Approximately 80% of autism cases stem from inherited genetic variations with 200+ genes linked to early brain development
• Better screening, diagnosis, and awareness accounts for much of the increase in autism rates
• Scientists have genetically engineered puppies with dire wolf traits using DNA from ancient remains
• The three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—received 20 gene edits targeting coat color, body size, and facial features
• Study of 1,400+ puppies shows early cognitive traits persist into adulthood
• Puppies good at following pointing gestures became more trainable adults, while those with better impulse control grew into calmer dogs
• Understanding puppy cognition allows for customized training approaches that support lifelong well-being

Some Links and Studies:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/autism-adhd-risk-not-linked-prenatal-exposure-antidepressants

S. Gilman et al. Rare de novo variants associated with autism implicate a large functional network of genes involved in formation and function of synapses. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.021

D. Levy et al. Rare De Novo and Transmitted Copy-Number Variation in Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.015

Y. Sakai et al. Protein interactome reveals converging molecular pathways among autism disorders. Science Translational Medicine, Vol. 3, June 8, 2011. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002166

Sanders et al. Multiple Recurrent De Novo CNVs, Including Duplications of the 7q11.23 Williams Syndrome Region, Are Strongly Associated with Autism. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.015

C. Schaaf et al. Oligogenic heterozygosity in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Human Molecular Genetics. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddr243. Available online: [Go to]

C.P. Schaaf and H.Y. Zoghbi. Solving the autism puzzle a few pieces at a time. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.025

I. Voineagu et al. Transcriptomic analysis of autistic brain reveals convergent molecular pathology. Nature. doi: doi:10.1038/nature10110

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In this episode we explore potential signs of alien life on exoplanet K2-18b and discuss how pets impact our sleep quality, while special guest Dr. Sabina Vorah-Miller provides expert insights on vaccine misinformation and avian flu safety.

• Bunsen's recovery from a UTI and continued mobility improvements
• Recent James Webb Space Telescope findings detected dimethyl sulfide on exoplanet K2-18b
• Why scientists remain cautiously optimistic but skeptical about alien life evidence
• Study reveals pets in bed may not significantly impact sleep quality despite perception
• Dogs in bed provide stronger feelings of comfort than cats or human partners

And our guest:

• Public health expert Sabina Vorau-Miller explains vaccine hesitancy origins and misconceptions
• Current measles outbreaks and the importance of MMR vaccination
• HPV vaccine success in preventing cervical cancer
• Avian influenza (H5N1) spillover from birds to cattle and precautions for humans and pets
• Safety tips: consume only pasteurized milk, thoroughly cook meat, keep pets away from wild birds

Take care!  Happy Easter if you celebrate!

Sabina's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unambiguousscience/

Linktree

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On this week's episode we dive deep into nature's most shocking survival strategy exploring how the Alamendro tree has evolved to harness lightning strikes as a competitive advantage. We also examine the fascinating results of fermenting miso in space and discuss the challenges and rewards of cat fostering programs.

• Lightning-resistant Alamendro trees have 100% survival rate after strikes while 56% of neighboring trees die
• These trees grow wider crowns that attract lightning, increasing strike probability by 68% and eliminating competition
• Space-fermented miso develops a nuttier, more roasted flavor with unique bacteria not found in Earth samples
• New Zealand study reveals cat fostering helps manage 37,000+ cats annually while providing both challenges and benefits to fosterers
• Foster programs create community connections while offering flexible pet companionship without long-term commitment
• Emotional attachments, sick animals, and space constraints present challenges for fosterers despite the rewarding experience

Check out our website for the Bernoulli stuffy presale! Thank you to everyone who has supported us and to our top-tier patrons who help keep this podcast free.

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On this week's show we dive into the hidden connections between shingles vaccines and decreased dementia risk, while exploring how humans often misinterpret their pets' emotions based on environmental context rather than actual animal behavior.  Our guest, Dr. Yasmin Mohseni blows us away with the inner workings of the immune system.

Some highlights:

• Shingles vaccine study reveals a 20% reduction in dementia risk, particularly among women
• The protective effect may be linked to how viral infections modify the immune system
• Humans heavily rely on situational context rather than dogs' body language when assessing canine emotions
• A study of 400 college students showed they couldn't distinguish dog emotions without environmental cues
• Dr. Yasmin Mohseni explains why the immune system isn't a simple on/off switch that can be easily "boosted"
• Immunotherapy approaches like CAR T-cell therapy are revolutionizing cancer treatment
• Cancer cells create "fortress-like" defenses that engineered immune cells must overcome
• Understanding your pet's actual body language rather than situational context can improve communication

Dr. Yasmin's links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.yas_/

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This week on The Science Pawdcast:

• MIT researchers identified a 13-degree threshold in pedestrian movement patterns, below which people naturally form orderly lanes
• Angular spread exceeding 13 degrees creates chaotic, inefficient pedestrian flow in public spaces

• UC Berkeley engineers developed SALTO, a one-legged jumping robot inspired by squirrel biomechanics
• SALTO can land on narrow perches by mimicking how squirrels absorb 86% of landing energy with their front legs
• NASA is developing similar technology for exploring Saturn's moon with football-field length hops

• Study of 685 families found pets provided significant emotional comfort to children during COVID-19 isolation
• Children with rabbits, guinea pigs and birds showed higher attachment and comfort than those with cats or dogs
• Girls demonstrated higher pet attachment and more positive treatment of animals than boys

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