The Science Pawdcast

Send us Fan Mail What if quantum mechanics could revolutionize the way we compute? In this episode, we break down the seemingly "spooky" principles of quantum computing, exploring concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement. Kris and I make these complex ideas more approachable, showing how quantum computers can perform multiple calculations simultaneously and solve problems th...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a spacecraft designed for human travel can't safely carry its crew? Today, we unravel the latest updates on the Boeing Starliner and the safety decisions reshaping the missions of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Stranded on the ISS until February 2025, they'll make their return on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. With historical nods to the Chall...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had to suit up in the sweltering summer heat to tackle a sneaky wasp problem? In this hilarious yet slightly tense episode of Pet Chat, where Chris recounts her daring adventure dressed in a survival suit! Our beloved pets—Bunsen, Beaker, Bernoulli, and Ginger—add their own unique twists to our week, with Bernoulli making a memorable visit to a local school and Bunsen showing...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what bacteria might be lurking in your microwave? You're about to find out! This episode kicks off with an emotional update on Bunsen's miraculous recovery from his near-death surgery, immersing you in the highs and lows of this heartwarming journey. We then shift gears to discuss a recent foodborne illness outbreak in Calgary, sharing our personal experien...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how medications interact with summer heat, or why dog owners might be more resilient than cat owners? Join us as we uncover these mysteries and more in an episode bursting with heartfelt stories, scientific insights, and thought-provoking discussions. We kick things off by thanking our wonderful listeners for their support during Bunsen's emergency surg...

Send us Fan Mail What would you do if your beloved pet's life was hanging in the balance? In this emotionally charged episode, we recount the heart-stopping ordeal our dear science dog, Bunsen, faced when he suddenly showed signs of severe bloat. From the horrifying moment of recognizing his distress to the frantic rush to the emergency vet, we share the critical importance of swift action in...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had one of those days where everything goes hilariously awry? Join us on Pet Chat as Kris recounts an eventful outing to the puppy play area with Bernoulli, where unexpected warm weather and a wardrobe mishap led to some laugh-out-loud moments. Kris braved the chaos solo while Jason battled a migraine, and despite the challenges, Bernoulli had a fantastic time, even taking an...

Send us Fan Mail Could ancient microbial life have once thrived on Mars? Join us as we explore this tantalizing possibility, revealed by the Perseverance rover's groundbreaking discovery of organic molecules in Jezero crater. Learn about the mission's history, the significance of these findings, and how they compare to previous discoveries by the Curiosity rover in Gale crater. We also d...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a mischievous puppy can outsmart older dogs? Join us in this lively episode of Pet Chat! We share laugh-out-loud moments, like Bernoulli's surprising ability to share chews with his doggy siblings and his playful tussles with Ginger. Our adventurous hikes with our dogs in Grotto Canyon and White Goat Falls add a touch of thrill as we navigate challenging ter...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as we kick off this riveting episode with a deeply moving update on the recent Jasper, Alberta forest fire and the unfortunate loss of the beloved Jasper Veterinary Clinic. We transition into the fascinating realm of chemistry, unveiling a revolutionary technique that might just add a super heavy element to the periodic table. Chris...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a gas giant located 700 light years away from Earth? Buckle up as we unpack the mysteries of exoplanet WASP-39b, a fascinating celestial body larger than Jupiter. Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope, we reveal groundbreaking insights into its atmosphere, including the presence of gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, water vapor, a...

Send us Fan Mail Are facility dogs with black fur unfairly judged? Join us as we uncover the findings of a recent study tackling black dog bias in courtrooms, revealing surprising insights that could reshape how facility dogs are viewed in legal settings. Prepare to be amazed by the potential of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) as we explore its role in combating climate change. Discover the science...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Pet Chat, we promise an episode filled with heartwarming updates, groundbreaking philanthropy, and practical pet care tips. First, we kick things off with the latest on our beloved pets, including the fantastic news from Bunsen's CAT scan results, Bernoulli's adventures at puppy school, and Beaker's triumphant return to dock diving. We share our heartfe...

Send us Fan Mail What really caused the extinction of the last woolly mammoths? This episode challenges the familiar narrative of genetic downfall, presenting groundbreaking genetic analyses of Wrangel Island mammoths. We uncover how harmful mutations were eradicated from their genomes, leading us to consider other culpable factors like climate change and disease. Our discussion sheds new light on...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if the Earth's core could change its direction? This fascinating theory is backed by decades of earthquake data and challenges long-held beliefs in geophysics. We're taking a trip to the Middle East to highlight the unique impact of camel ownership on the Omani Bedouin culture. The bond between the Bedouin youth and their camels offers emotional, social, an...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 pack...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail  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 wi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 insigh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 everyth...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cos...

Send us Fan Mail 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 quirki...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ca...

Send us Fan Mail 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...