Podcasts




Extreme Biology: Animals Can, Can Humans?

Duration: 0:35:52

Today we will be talking about freshwater hydras that are only one centimeter long, huge sperm whales, small mosquitoes and some amphibians with Oleg Gusev, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Head of the Laboratory "Extreme Biology" of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Precision and Regenerative Medicine of Kazan Federal University, Leading Researcher of the RIKEN Institute of Physical and Chemical Research.


Neuromarketing: The Master Key to the Buyer's Brain

Duration: 0:34:54

Neuromarketing is a study of the human brain in order to influence its consumerist habits and consumer behavior . By studying brain activity, uncontrolled human reactions, scientist sees true reaction of the consumer to certain stimuli . While neuromarkseting is actively used by large companies in the world, Latvian consumers have yet to experience these techniques .


Crystals: From Apocalypse to Absolute

Duration: 0:34:29

Oksana Reznichenko: Crystals are the most mysterious objects that scientists around the world are studying with interest . One of the popular scenarios of the apocalypse, written by the famous science fiction writer, a chemist by education, Kurt Vonnegut, is connected precisely with crystals. It is interesting that crystals can not only grow like living organisms, but also reproduce themselves .


Thinking process: how does it happen?

Duration: 0:36:39

Thought processes are still a mystery to scientists who study the brain. Sergey Antsupov, a specialist in ancient Indian philosophy, a musician, has been studying cognitive science for more than 10 years . He takes the position such that out of nothing something is created by the divine will .


Life and mysteries of a neutron star

Duration: 0:36:01

Astronomers have been studying neutron stars for decades, but there are still many blind spots in their nature . These are the densest and "gravitationally saturated" objects in the known universe . Their hypergravity is so strong that, for example, only one piece of sugar from the substance of a neutron star will weigh 100 million tons on our planet, which is approximately equal to


Curious about Science #52: Visual verticality perception disorder in stroke patients

Duration: 0:04:12.969795

"Curious About Science" features an episode focusing on a significant yet often overlooked issue affecting stroke survivors: a disorder related to visual vertical perception. This condition occurs when the brain loses its ability to understand orientation, making it difficult for individuals to recognize what is "up" or "down." This disorder is common after strokes, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide. It can lead to imbalances, falls, and difficulties in daily activities such as walking. The episode discusses research conducted by physiotherapist Diandra Bose Favorito, which is divided into two parts. The first part examines how visual vertical perception disorders affect recovery in over 100 stroke patients, utilizing various assessment methods. The research indicates that a significant number of patients do not fully recover in the initial months post-stroke and identifies specific thresholds that can help evaluate the severity of the disorder and its impact on functionality. The second phase of the study investigates the use of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS), a technique that applies low-intensity electric currents to specific brain areas to stimulate their function. The study included two patients who showed promising improvements in their ability to identify visual vertical cues following the stimulation, with no adverse effects reported, suggesting the technique is both safe and effective in treating such disorders. The research highlights the connection between visual perception disorders and patient functionality, proposing that electrical stimulation could be a valuable tool in treatment. Diandra Bose Favorito defended her doctoral thesis in 2023, under Professor Thaís Elaine Grespan Santos, as part of the Postgraduate Program in Neurology. This episode of "Curious About Science," produced by USP Radio and the "Doutor Fisiologia" startup, emphasizes the importance of research that impacts health and well-being.


Climate extremes and deforestation are causing the Amazon rainforest to lose its resilience

Duration: 0:11:44

A new scientific report reveals that the Amazon rainforest, known as the "lungs of the earth," is suffering irreversible damage due to increased occurrences of extreme weather and human activities such as overlogging and burning. According to the report published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change on March 7th, scientists observed and analyzed the health of the Amazon rainforest after 2000 and found that up to 75% of the tropical rainforest has lost its ability to recover from damage caused by droughts and wildfires. Scientists warn that the Amazon rainforest, which plays a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing approximately 90 billion tons of carbon dioxide, may reach a critical point and degrade into a tropical savanna. The study also indicates that the Amazon rainforest's ability to self-heal has declined to a warning level, mainly affecting the southeastern part of the forest, including Brazil. The loss of the Amazon rainforest would release vast amounts of carbon, leading to increased greenhouse gases and exacerbating the climate crisis.


Language: Chinese

Science news roundup in Brazil

Duration: 0:12:56.594285

Before the episode begins, the host emphasizes the effort involved in producing it weekly and requests listeners to support the podcast by following, rating, and recommending it to others. The host explains that financial support, even small amounts, is greatly appreciated and can help cover operational costs. Supporters can join a group for direct interaction with the production team. In this episode, the focus is on celebrating Brazilian scientific achievements, showcasing innovative research that impacts both Brazil and the world. The host invites listeners to be inspired by the creativity and intelligence of Brazilian researchers. The episode highlights the recognition of researchers from the Federal University of Paraíba for their social inclusion initiative, "V Libras," which translates Portuguese content to Brazilian Sign Language and has gained significant usage. Another segment discusses ongoing research aimed at addressing mercury contamination among Indigenous peoples in the Amazon due to illegal mining. A significant percentage of tested Indigenous individuals were found to have high mercury levels in their hair, provoking health concerns. There are positive developments, as researcher Teresa Cristina Souza de Oliveira is working on a project to measure mercury levels and implement water treatment systems for affected communities, utilizing activated charcoal made from açaí pits. Lastly, the episode touches on the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the challenges of long COVID and ongoing Brazilian research into its effects.


Professor Gao Shen

Duration: 0:21:35.465896

Welcome to listen to the history of science. The tall and thin figure who is a regular at the meetings, having graduated from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, along with Einstein. With 21 Nobel laureates among its alumni, this institution produced many notable scientists. However, there was also a student named Auguste Piccard who excelled in hands-on projects. After graduation, he became a professor at the University of Brussels and was known for his ambidextrous teaching style. He excelled in abstract thinking and practical problem-solving, conducting groundbreaking research on the atmosphere and cosmic rays. Piccard was particularly interested in studying the Earth's atmosphere and cosmic rays but faced challenges in reaching the upper atmosphere for research. This led him to experiment with using balloons to ascend to high altitudes where traditional aircraft could not reach. Despite the risks involved, Piccard was determined to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Piccard's innovative approach to balloon technology, using hydrogen instead of hot air, led to significant advancements in high-altitude research. He later experimented with helium, a safer alternative to hydrogen, to further his studies. Piccard's dedication to scientific exploration and his contributions to high-altitude research paved the way for future advancements in the field. Piccard's adventures in ballooning and his pioneering spirit inspired many, including cartoonists who immortalized his achievements in popular culture. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking research and his fearless pursuit of scientific knowledge.


How did life arise? What is the first living creature on earth? Simply 3

Duration: 0:07:34.925351

If you asked any dead person who was the first living being to appear on the surface of planet Earth, they would probably say Adam, the first human. But wait, we're not talking about humans, we want to know who the first living being was. In today's episode, we will find out about the origin of life, the sensitive issue between science and religion. We will learn about the evolution of life on Earth, from the beginning of the universe to the formation of stars, solar systems, and the Earth itself. Finally, we will delve into the formation of organic matter, the building blocks of life. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we will explore the theory of evolution and the ongoing debate between atheists and believers.


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