REBROADCAST: This episode looks at how one of the worst ideas in science got a big push from a bad study… and intellectuals of the day lapped it up. We speak to science writer Carl Zimmer and Prof. J. David Smith, whose research helped get to the bottom of this messed-up story.
Check out the full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3sZ3m8P
This episode was produ ... Show More
Sep 10
Where Have The Insects Gone?? With Dr. Jessica Ware
Bugs are disappearing at alarming rates, scientists are telling us. Bees, butterflies, beetles: all of them have been dropping like flies. And scientists say there are a bunch of reasons to care about this — for example, fewer bugs means less pollination, which means less pasta i ... Show More
45m 53s
Sep 3
Protein-Maxxing: Is It Actually Bad For Us?
Protein is everywhere — tons of us are trying to cram more of it into our diets, and it's showing up in our lattes, our snack bars, even our popcorn. But just as we’re getting on board with protein-maxxing, a bunch of headlines have started saying the opposite: that eating LESS p ... Show More
31m 11s
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Sunscreen: Could It Be Toxic??
Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from dangerous stuff like cancer, but all over social media, people are saying that we’ve been getting it all wrong. We’re being told that our sunscreen is full of toxic chemicals, that wearing it could mess with our vitamin D levels — even tha ... Show More
50m 52s
Dec 2010
The Rock Star Weirdo Lives of Scientists
<p>It's no secret that genius and eccentricity are related, but scientists can be downright weird. In this episode, Julie and Robert explore the bizarre lives of history's greatest scientists. Tune in to learn more about clairvoyant dwarves, Tesla and more.</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
38m 13s
Aug 2025
Making Science Cool, with Jeff Goldblum
<p>“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice chat with Jeff Goldblum about Jurassic Park, science, and more—joined by Bill Nye, a paleomammalogist and other experts.</p><p>NOTE: Star ... Show More
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How science got here, and where next
As anti-science leaves research reeling, does evidence-based policy in a scientific society have much of a future? Michael Mann, Naomi Oreskes, Angie Rasmussen and Deb Houry discuss some of the sources and motivations that perhaps belie the current state of scientific affairs. Pr ... Show More
31m 30s
Jan 2024
#438 | Bad Science | When Scientists Got It Wrong
Millions worldwide dedicate their lives to research, striving for medical breakthroughs and enhancing our understanding of the human body. But occasionally, they make mistakes. In this episode, we'll explore three instances where scientific breakthroughs were announced but later ... Show More
19m 20s
Apr 2023
Self Help For Smart People - How You Can Spot Bad Science & Decode Scientific Studies with Dr. Brian Nosek
In this episode, we show how you can decode scientific studies and spot bad science by digging deep into the tools and skills you need to be an educated consumer of scientific information. Are you tired of seeing seemingly outrageous studies published in the news, only to see the ... Show More
54m 43s
