Send us a text Ever wondered how sleep deprivation sabotages your memory just when you need it the most? Discover crucial insights from two groundbreaking University of Michigan studies on how our brains replay and solidify memories during sleep, and why missing out on rest can have lasting effects on memory retention. This episode sheds light on why adequate sleep is non-negotiable, especially during exam season. Have you noticed your outdoor cat showing signs of stiffness or wobbliness? We bri...
Jun 22, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 18
Send us a text Ever wondered what a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy in a lion costume looks like? Brace yourself for some belly laughs as we recount the comedic chaos of taking our boisterous Bernoulli to puppy school solo while Kris was off chaperoning a parade. From his hilarious attempts at cornering to the sky-object desensitization class filled with hats, kites, and bubbles, this episode is packed with unforgettable moments that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. And yes, we even managed a...
Jun 16, 2024•50 min
Send us a text This week on the Science Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking study from UCL that tracked 237 young participants over a decade. We talk about the alarming effects of excessive screen time on brain connectivity and decision-making. From disrupted sleep patterns to strained relationships, we uncover the real-life consequences of this growing issue and share expert recommendations on managing smartphone use among children. Pets can be our greatest companions, but are they also a hidd...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 17
Send us a text Bernoulli, our latest furry addition, who has already stolen our hearts and brought endless joy and mischief into our lives. This episode of Pet Chat is packed with heartwarming stories from Bernoulli's first week with us, including his escapades at puppy school and his budding friendship with another pup named Milo. We also share some charming moments of his interactions with our cat, Ginger, and the nostalgic comfort he brings, reminding us of our beloved late dog, Kahlan. Our e...
Jun 10, 2024•34 min
Send us a text Can you imagine astronauts running sideways inside a lunar cylinder to stay fit? This innovative exercise routine could revolutionize how astronauts maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular health during prolonged space missions. We reflect on the importance of exercise routines, especially as we age, and how imaginative approaches can make fitness fun, even on the moon. Get insightful revelations from a comprehensive study on osteosarcoma in dogs. Using data from over 900,000 dogs...
May 31, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 16
Send us a text A sleepy puppy choose Kris and our world is turned upside down. This podcast is a whirlwind of emotion, starting with the joyous excitement of bringing Bernoulli home in a week, right through to the heart-stopping concern for Bunsen's health. Don't worry, he's ok! We're bringing you the raw, unfiltered reality of pet parenting – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the touching to the hilarious, our conversations weave through a tapestry of personal stories, commun...
May 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text Ever wondered why stepping on ice can send you skating off like a cartoon character? Special guest Katie Nicolaou, a seasoned meteorologist, storms in with her personal journey through tornado alley to the broadcast screen, debunking weather myths and recounting a dramatic dance with an EF4 tornado. Imagine mastering the "Animaniacs" song for a talent show or donning costumes to connect with fellow pop culture aficionados. It's all in a day's work on our podcast, where we blend a ...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Send us a text Imagine the sigh of relief when the vet gives your furry best friend a pass on surgery. That's the story we kick off with, as Bunsen's limp thankfully points away from the operating table and towards innovative recovery options. We weave through tales of vet visits, laugh about Bunsen's gym-honed physique, and share the charm of our local fair, where even the quirkiest moments are wrapped in joy. It's a heartfelt reflection on the ups and downs of caring for our four-legged compan...
May 22, 2024•48 min
Send us a text Ever find yourself captivated by the flickering dance of the northern lights or the serene gaze of your pet cat? Today's episode is a cosmic journey juxtaposed with the grounding presence of our feline friends. We begin under the celestial canvas, reflecting on a geomagnetic storm's nighttime spectacle and diving into the European Space Agency's research on solar campfires—could these be the key to the sun's fiery corona mystery? Then, we turn to a UK study shedding light on what ...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 14
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the significance of those wild patches on our lawns and why they're crucial for our buzzing friends. We also navigate the emotional landscape of new mothers who find solace, challenge, and joy in their pet companions amid the transformational journey of parenthood. Ever been face to face with someone you've known for years, only to realize you can't quite place them? Imagine that being your constant reality. Joining us is Stephanie Duesing, a mother who...
May 10, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 13
Send us a text If you've ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes magic that pairs rescue dogs with loving homes, Skarlet Rockwood from Fur Social joins us to reveal just that. Our furry family members, Bunsen and Beaker, often steal the show with their shenanigans, but today we're peeling back the curtain on the touching adoption stories fueled by social media know-how. Settle in for an episode where we celebrate the quirks of our pets, explore the impact of animals on local ecosystems, and sh...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Send us a text Step into the captivating world of biotech innovation with the delightful MJ Huntsgood, who joins our Science Chat straight from the life sciences hub near Washington DC. MJ's journey from a bug-loving biology aficionado to a biotech manufacturing maven, intricately involved in the development of pharmaceutical marvels like Keytruda, is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation paints a vivid picture of the science behind everyday wonders, with a splash of MJ's Spider-Man-inspi...
May 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text Kris and I uncover the secrets of lab-grown diamonds, embracing the science that sculpts these lustrous marvels. We'll even delve into the high-stakes world of diamond selection, sharing a tale from my own quest for the perfect engagement ring. But the sparkle doesn't stop with gemstones; we're beyond thrilled to welcome Michelle Waitzman to our show. Her insights on the therapeutic wonder of dogs, and her book "Be as Happy as Your Dog," promise to shed light on how our furry frie...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Send us a text Caught in a gust of post-blizzard bliss, Bunsen's snowy romp reminds me of the simple joys our pets bring into our lives. Ginger's clever feline shenanigans, creating a cat food piñata, had me in stitches, proving once again that our four-legged companions are adept at sprinkling humor throughout our daily routines. This week's episode is brimming with tales of mischief and warmth, from Ginger and Beaker vying for the remnants of my spicy tuna lunch to the collective nod we all sh...
Apr 21, 2024•52 min
Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the mysterious connections we share with our four-legged friends, even beyond their passing? Maybe some of you have superhuman sweat! You'll have to listen on! Losing a pet can leave a void filled with sorrow and, sometimes, unexplainable occurrences that offer solace in the midst of grief. We'll navigate the delicate terrain of pet loss with a study by Dr. Jen Golbeck, delving into supernatural experiences that challenge the boundaries of our understa...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Send us a text This week's bonus podcast is an eclectic mix of travel hijinks, pet antics, and celestial phenomena. We discuss the unique challenges of selecting a rental car equipped for the future, navigating the technology frontier, and the joy of witnessing an eclipse in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Our furry companions Bunsen and Beaker might not have joined us on the trip, but they certainly provided plenty of stories to share, including Beaker's regal birthday bash preparation. Our community s...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Send us a text Back from the eclipse! Ok let's delve into how the simple act of writing and ditching our negative thoughts, inspired by a Japanese study, could be the outlet we've been searching for. I also weave in a heartening snippet of pet science, revealing the profound influence our furry companions wield over children's lives, and set the stage for a fascinating discussion with conservation biologist Sam Helle, whose passion for wildlife conservation ignites our conversation with tales fr...
Apr 13, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Send us a text Prepare to be tattooed with knowledge as we trace the lines of ancient artistry on the skin of Otzi the Iceman, whose 5,200-year-old tattoos might just share a lineage with the buzzing machines in your local tattoo parlor. Ever caught yourself in that high-pitched cooing when talking to your pets or a baby? It's not just you—it turns out there's a science to our soppy speech, and we're unpacking the adorable why's in this episode. Mary Reiter, a wizard of Geographic Information Sy...
Apr 05, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Send us a text Have you ever pondered the intersection where cutting-edge technology meets the human mind? Prepare to be captivated as we navigate the fascinating realm of brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink. Alongside our insightful discussion on the ethical considerations of these devices, we highlight Nolan Arbaugh's remarkable ability to play chess using nothing but his thoughts, thanks to Neuralink's implant. But our journey doesn't stop at the wonders of the human brain. We also turn ...
Mar 31, 2024•55 min
Send us a text Ever wake up to the chaos of pets orchestrating their own dawn chorus? Join us as we recount the tail-wagging tales of our morning routine with Bunsen, the early riser dog, and Ginger, the crafty cat with a penchant for food bag heists. With fur babies ruling the roost, we debate superhero names for my uncanny ability to snooze amidst the uproar—think "REM Woman". We also address the ever-important task of fostering a safe, respectful space within our vibrant pet community, diving...
Mar 27, 2024•54 min
Send us a text As Kris and I gear up to witness our very first total solar eclipse, we're bringing you all the stunning science that this rare event has to offer. Embrace the darkness with us for an extended four and a half minutes of groundbreaking research and chuckle along with eclipse-themed jokes to keep things light. Plus, we're sinking our teeth into a study on dog growls, deciphering what our canine pals are really trying to tell us with their vocal repertoire. Delving into dreams of pre...
Mar 22, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Send us a text The Live Recording Audio is off a bit as I had to use a backup source. We had major technical difficulties at the start to bring all the social media platforms together, but we got it sorted. This week's podcast is a full-on sensory experience, as we give you the scoop on the forthcoming Rolling Bone magazine, packed with doggone delightful features and music by Vultures of Parliament. Folks from all over the world share their pet stories for a hour of wholesome live entertainment...
Mar 18, 2024•59 min
Send us a text Picture this: female beavers challenging the status quo of size dimorphism, proving that in science, as in life, there's always room for surprises. Then, let the story of therapy dogs in senior care homes tug at your heartstrings—a touching reminder of the profound connections between humans and pets, inspired by visits with my own grandfather. Joining us on this enlightening adventure is the passionate educator, Diane Maxwell, who shares her transformation from a chemistry underg...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Send us a text The early bird might get the worm, but in our household, it's the early pets that bring the mayhem – and we wouldn't have it any other way. In a blend of humor and affection, we recount the quirky morning antics that pet owners know all too well, like Bunsen's insistence on pre-dawn attention and Ginger's keyboard capers that leave us both exasperated and enamored. Weekends may be for rest, but our pets didn't get the memo – join us as we ponder the peculiar uptick in pet energy w...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text Imagine trekking to witness an awe-inspiring eclipse and stumbling upon a radical idea that trees might just be the next big thing in neutrino detection. That's exactly the kind of unexpected twist you'll find in our latest podcast adventure. Our guest, neuroscientist Dr. Allison Coffin, joins us to shed light on the remarkable similarities between fish and human auditory systems and their implications for treating human hearing loss. We'll explore the regenerative prowess of our ...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Send us a text As we gaze up at the night sky, the stars tell ancient stories, and no one knows this better than Dr. Stephanie Deppe, a planetary scientist with an affinity for the Kuiper Belt. During our cosmic conversation, she transports us from nostalgic tales of her first telescope to the outer reaches of our solar system, revealing her academic odyssey and the pivotal role of educators in shaping the path of young scientists. Get ready to traverse the history and evolution of the planets a...
Mar 06, 2024•59 min
Send us a text Wake up to the whimsy of winter pet parenting with Bunsen and Beaker's snowy shenanigans! Our latest episode is a cozy quilt of tales woven from the fabric of frolicsome dog walks and the hilarity of pets outfitted in snow boots. From Bunsen's selective walking strikes to Beaker's snow pants escapades, we share the laughter and challenges that come with keeping our four-legged friends both active and cozy during the chillier months. And yes, we cover the messy aftermath of wet flo...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Send us a text Leap into a world where science meets companionship, and the wag of a tail leads to a conservation revolution. Join us as we marvel at the astonishing Striped Marlin, whose high-speed chases and vivid color changes captivate our imaginations. Then, we pivot to our terrestrial friends, revealing how studies show a man's four-legged companion might just influence women's perceptions more than a snazzy profile. Our expert guest, PhD candidate Kayla Fratt, enriches our discussion with...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Send us a text Prepare to embark on a scientific odyssey with us, your hosts Jason and Kris Zakowski, along with Bunsen and Beaker, the Science Dogs, guiding you through a universe of discoveries that span from earth-shattering medical innovations to the far reaches of outer space. This episode promises to test your grey matter with a live interactive Kahoot game, where we uncover the smallest vertebrates and touch on the unexpected benefits of weight loss drugs. Buckle up for tales of lunar lan...
Feb 28, 2024•46 min
Send us a text Get ready to unleash the inner superstar of your four-legged friend with our latest podcast episode! We're rolling out the red carpet for pet lovers and science enthusiasts alike, as we introduce the uproarious new spoof magazine, Rolling Bone, and share how you can feature your pet in its pages. As a special treat, we reminisce about the time Bunsen and Beaker turned heads and warmed hearts, demonstrating the undeniable charm pets bring to the educational sphere, even amidst the ...
Feb 27, 2024•49 min
