Lab Libs

Debbie I

Real Life scientist Debbie and Megan share ”Science-y Stories With An Ad-libs Twist”

  1. 29 jun

    #18 An Unorthodox Nazi Resistance: ______ Surrealist Lesbian Activists

    For a special Pride Month episode of Lab Libs, Megan tells Debbie about the importance of learning queer history through the love story of two gender non-conforming lesbian artists from the 1920s whose work was forgotten for decades. Rediscovered years later, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore’s surreal photography, feminist writing, and rebellious art revealed how deeply they shaped both the Surrealist movement and anti-Nazi resistance in France. Together they created wildly ahead of their time art filled with drag-esque photoshoots, fashion, poetry, and political activism woven directly into their work. Later in life, the pair became the masterminds behind an elaborate and whimsical scheme to confuse and sow doubt among Nazi soldiers using nothing more than anonymous slips of paper. Naturally, Debbie learns all of this through crazy ad-libs and chaotic guesses. Then for the rabbit hole this week, Debbie tells Megan about the Freemasons, one of the world’s oldest and most mysterious fraternal organizations. But Debbie shares stories of some of their more charitable works. You won't want to miss this special episode of your favorite Science-y podcast.   Lab Libs: A yearly celebration A number from 1-5 A period of modern art A piece of feminine clothing A famous city in Europe A type of story A decade of life A type of news publication An animal that can be a pet A famous rock star of the 80s A major city in the Midwest USA   Sources: https://icarusfilms.com/if-artis7 https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2020/11/04/extract-or-how-artist-couple-claude-cahun-and-marcel-moore-resisted-the-nazis-with-their-paper-bullets https://www.splcenter.org/resources/stories/queer-people-have-always-existed-teach-like-it/ https://lithub.com/how-a-queer-couple-masterminded-a-nazi-resistance-campaign/ https://queerculturalcenter.org/claude-cahun/ https://camstl.org/exhibitions/and-i-saw-new-heavens-and-a-new-earth/ https://www.berlinale.de/en/2006/programme/20060123.html

    1 h 11 min
  2. 12 may

    #17 The _____ Emu War: Saving Crops, One Emu At A Time

    This week on Lab Libs, Debbie tells Megan the absolutely unbelievable story of the Great Emu War of 1932. Yes, an actual military operation where Australia went to war against thousands of giant flightless bird and somehow struggled to win. What started as an attempt to protect wheat farms from massive emu invasions quickly turned into a chaotic disaster involving machine guns, missed shots, military strategy failures, and emus that apparently mastered guerrilla Megan is trying to piece the whole thing together completely out of context, leading to some truly cursed guesses, increasingly dramatic descriptions of “gangly marauders,” and the growing realization that this story somehow gets more ridiculous every minute. Then Megan takes Debbie down a rabbit hole into the interesting history of the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. You won’t want to miss your favorite funny and informative podcast this week! Don’t forget to use the Lab Libs to make your own guesses! Lab Libs A continent A decade in the 1900s Were or Were not Two problems a farmer might have A type of crop A number between one and ten A color A number A single-digit number A large number A body part A weapon A large quantity word A number between 50,000 and 60,000 Sources https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/emu https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/the-emu-war-of-1932 https://www.historyhit.com/the-great-emu-war/ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/australian-emu-war-history

    1 h
  3. 10 abr

    #16 One Woman's Superpower: Detection __ Parkinson's Disease

    This week on Lab Libs, Megan tells Debbie the unbelievable true story of Joy Milne, the Scottish woman who discovered she could smell Parkinson’s disease before doctors could diagnose it. What started as her noticing a strange change in her husband’s scent eventually led researchers to realize that Parkinson’s may leave behind a unique odor signature on the skin. Meanwhile, Debbie dives headfirst into the completely chaotic rabbit hole about the 1904 Olympics, a story so ridiculous it sounds fake. Then they fall further into some other Olympic shenanigans. So naturally, this episode turns into a completely unhinged mix of superhuman noses and Olympic madness. Don’t forget to use the Lab Libs and see how well you do! Lab Libs: A neurodegenerative disease A type of pollutant One of the five senses A type of in-person meeting A middle school competition event A type of scientist A number between 1 and 5 A new kind of technology A number between 50 and 100   You can check out Lab Libs on Instagram @lablibs_podcast   Sources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-supersmeller-can-detect-the-scent-of-parkinsons-leading-to-an-experimental-test-for-the-illness/ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/23/820274501/her-incredible-sense-of-smell-is-helping-scientists-find-new-ways-to-diagnose-di https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/parkinsons-breakthrough-can-diagnose-disease-from-skin-swabs-in-3-minutes/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055 sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220223085828.htm https://www.sciencealert.com/parkinsons-disease-has-a-smell-that-some-dogs-can-detect

    1 h 12 min
  4. 5 mar

    #14 Reef Rescue: Science __ Action

    In this episode of Lab Libs, Megan takes Debbie beneath the surface of the ocean to explore the race to save the world’s coral. From cute coral nurseries to heat-resistant super corals, she unpacks the real science behind how researchers are fighting bleaching and rebuilding fragile ecosystems. It’s hopeful, innovative, and way more intense than you’d expect from something that just appears like colorful underwater rock. Then Debbie takes a sharp turn down into her rabbit hole of British slang, because what pairs better with coral restoration like some cheeky British chat? Debbie unpacks the history, humor, and crudeness of it all. It’s fun, science, culture, conservation, and questionable accents all wrapped into one episode. Don’t forget to create your own Lab Lib blanks and play along with your favorite science podcast! Lab Libs A worldwide crisis A scientific job requiring a lot of math A number 1-20 A type of pollution A type of ocean animal A common fraction A method of sun protection A type of coral A percentage 1-100% A short amount of time A region of Florida Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/Articles/c04gqez4lkyo https://www.vox.com/down-to-eArth/24098428/scientists-oceAn-corAl-spAwning-bleAching-greAt-barrier-reef https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-coral-reefs-might-survive-climate-change-feature https://www.flaquarium.org/conservation/leaders-in-conservation/coral-conservation/ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/13/coral-reefs-ice-sheets-amazon-rainforest-tipping-point-global-heating-scientists-report https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fox13news.com/news/florida-aquarium-works-renew-floridas-coral-reefs.amp https://fsc.org/en/blog/good-climate-news https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/02/hannah-ritchie-not-the-end-of-the-world-extract-climate-crisis https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/habitat-conservation/restoring-seven-iconic-reefs-mission-recover-coral-reefs-florida-keys

    1 h 23 min
  5. 13 feb

    #13 Maps, Messages & Missing People: The Lost Colony __ Roanoke

    In this episode of Lab Libs, Debbie takes Megan deep into one of America’s oldest cold cases, the disappearance of the settlers on Roanoke Island, better known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke. From the eerie “CROATOAN” clue to the long absence of governor John White, Debbie walks through what we actually know, what archaeology can (and can’t) prove, and how modern researchers like the team at the First Colony Foundation are using real science to untangle a 400-year-old mystery. Then, in classic Lab Libs fashion, Megan launches into a completely unhinged but fascinating rabbit hole: the chaotic, risky, and surprisingly emotional world of the very first organ transplants, starting with groundbreaking heart surgery. Then new and unsual transplant attempts. From vanished colonists to transplanted hearts, this episode collides early modern history with medical innovation and proves that sometimes the wildest science stories span centuries. Enjoy this funny yet informative science podcast by writing down your own Lab Lib answers! Lab Libs: A country in Europe  A continent  A number less than 150 A state in the Southeast A symbol A number less than 5 A plant (not specific) A number between 500 and 900 Item that an archaeologist might find A metal A scientific field   https://www.history.com/articles/archaeologists-find-new-clues-to-lost-colony-mystery https://www.iflscience.com/archaeologists-shine-new-light-on-the-history-of-the-lost-roanoke-colony-74119 https://www.pbsnc.org/blogs/science/new-clues-bring-search-for-indigenous-village-of-roanoke-to-elizabethan-gardens https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/11/lost-colony-roanoke-assimilated-native-americans 2025 The HISTORY® Channel Roanoke Descendants Revealed by DNA Test | In Search Of (Season 2)

    1 h 7 min
  6. 30 ene

    #12 The Internet DNA Marketplace: Curiosity Kits __ Data Assets

    In this episode, Megan pulls Debbie into the tangled world of DNA collection and tracking websites. What starts as a science-forward look at genetic testing, data storage, and how your spit ends up on the internet quickly spirals into questions about privacy, law enforcement, and whether your ancestors unknowingly signed you up for a lifelong surveillance program. Then, Debbie disappears down an urban exploration rabbit hole, abandoned houses, theme parks, and hospitals, and the very real science of decay. And they will examine the mystery about abandoned houses. Along the way, they connect the dots between forgotten places, forgotten data, and the unsettling fact that once something is collected, it rarely stays lost. Join Debbie and Megan in this ad-lib riddled science comedy podcast. Don’t forget to use the Lab Libs, and create your own answers! Lab Libs A percentage to one decimal, between 90%-100% A step required before publishing a scientific study A type of family member A type of insurance A reason for couples to break up A number between 1 and 1000 A continent A type of legal process for a company A number between 1 and 10 A common government employee A type of survey https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-companies-measure-dna-discover-your-ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/c/dna-learning-hub/ancestrydna-test-accuracy https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/dtcgenetictesting/dtcrisksbenefits/ https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2017/07/06/535767665/why-you-should-think-twice-about-those-dna-by-mail-results https://www.reddit.com/r/MyHeritage/comments/18hjz68/palestinian_results/ https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/1/28/18194560/ancestry-dna-23-me-myheritage-science-explainer https://nulawreview.org/forum-posts/2022/8/23/law-enforcements-use-of-dna-ancestry-websites-and-why-your-consent-may-not-matter https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2021/05/ancestry-tests-affect-race-self-identification https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00118-y.epdf?no_publisher_access=1&r3_referer=nature https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/commercial-dna-tests-are-unreliable-and-risky/8569 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/30/nx-s1-5451398/23andme-sale-approved-dna-data

    1 h 16 min

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Real Life scientist Debbie and Megan share ”Science-y Stories With An Ad-libs Twist”