The Science Pawdcast

Jason and Kris Zackowski

The Science Pawdcast breaks down the latest science happening in the human world AND the pet world. Each episode will also bring you a guest to enthral you with their area of knowledge.You'll learn, be captivated, and laugh along with host Jason Zackowski. Pets and Science, it's the pawfect mix. You'll also get episodes of PetChat which are the live shows from social audio. PetChat is a live community gathering updates about the animals in our life, but also the animals in the wonderful community that supports us! Heart and Hope. Science and Shenanigans. 

  1. SEP 6

    Episode 26 Season 7: The Cold-COVID Connection and Chonky Dogs

    Send us a text Fascinating new research reveals how catching a common cold may provide surprising protection against COVID-19, reducing infection risk by 50% and viral load by tenfold. We explore the science behind this finding and why children might experience milder COVID symptoms thanks to their frequent colds. • Recent study shows having a cold in the previous month led to 50% lower risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 • Participants with recent colds showed tenfold lower COVID-19 viral loads • Common colds trigger production of airway defense proteins that stay active and help fight other infections • Children have higher activation of these defense proteins and catch colds more frequently • "Cross protection" may explain why kids often had milder or asymptomatic COVID cases • This was an observational study before vaccines were available We also dive into canine obesity research, examining why 50% of US dogs are overweight and what pet parents can do about it: • Overweight dogs may live 2.5 years less than dogs at ideal weight • Retrievers and spaniels show 10% higher food motivation than average • Labrador retrievers have a genetic mutation (POMC gene) that prevents feeling full • Multi-dog households and urban environments increase food motivation • Body condition scoring (BCS) is an underutilized clinical tool for monitoring weight • Structured feeding times, measured portions, exercise, and food puzzles help manage weight Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

    24 min
  2. AUG 29

    Episode 25 Season 7: Meat Eater Wins, Cat Dementia, and Cydian Kauffman on Water Quality

    Send us a text The Science Podcast explores surprising research that challenges conventional wisdom about dietary protein and cancer mortality while also examining how cats with dementia could unlock mysteries of human Alzheimer's disease. Water expert Cydian Kauffman reveals shocking truths about drinking water safety standards and the presence of "forever chemicals" in our water supply. • New study shows animal protein may have a slight protective effect against cancer mortality • Research contradicts previous findings that animal protein increases death risk • Plant protein showed no association with mortality rates from any cause • Cats naturally develop amyloid beta plaques similar to those in human Alzheimer's patients • Studying feline dementia could lead to breakthroughs for both species • EPA's legal limits for water contaminants are higher than health limits due to cost considerations • PFAS "forever chemicals" present in water at extremely low but harmful concentrations • Reverse osmosis systems now more affordable for home water treatment • Water access directly impacts gender equality in developing regions • Testing well water crucial as dangerous contaminants like arsenic are odorless and tasteless Pure Water Northwest Our all links to social media and more! Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

    54 min
  3. JUL 20

    Pet Chat July 20th: The Art of Johnny Heim Bringing Pet Stories to Life

    Send us a text Johnny Heim, pet artist extraordinaire, shares his journey from childhood drawings of Snoopy to creating art that has raised thousands of dollars for animal rescues worldwide. • Started drawing as a child in Winnipeg, perfecting his Snoopy technique during long winters • Won a shrine circus poster contest in grade six, realizing art could bring tangible rewards • Drew attention with his "Shark Attack" clothing line while in university • Used drawing skills in advertising career to help visualize concepts for clients • Reconnected with art during COVID and began focusing on pet portraits • Raised over $10,000 with his "We're All Made of Stars" portrait series in memory of Kuno • Creates all artwork traditionally with ink and paper, no digital tools • Lives by the motto "I draw because they can't" as motivation for his work • Collaborates with rescue organizations to raise funds through his artwork • Helps tell the stories of rescue animals through projects like "Unleashing Tales" books • Currently lives with Olive, his 8-year-old French Bulldog who "lets him live in her house" • Finds the most joy when people connect emotionally with his portraits of their pets Email johnny.heim@gmail.com to inquire about commissions. Find his work on X @JohnHeim or Instagram @art_by_heim. Our links: Our Website!  www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

    1 hr
  4. JUL 12

    Episode 21 Season 7: The Environmental Price of A.I. and Touching Pets

    Send us a text We dive into the environmental impact of AI technologies and explore the science behind how pet touch affects human well-being. • Generative AI consumes significant energy with a ChatGPT query using approximately 10 times more energy than a Google search • By 2028, data centers could account for 12% of US energy use, up from 4.4% currently • Companies rarely disclose the true energy costs of training and running AI models • Smaller AI models can achieve similar results with dramatically lower carbon footprints • Practical solutions include choosing efficient models, using AI during off-peak hours, and minimizing unnecessary words in prompts • Recent study of 443 pet owners shows both giving and receiving touch contributes to owner well-being • Stroking pets shows stronger positive effects on well-being than hugging or holding • Pet leaning behavior (like when dogs press against their owners) is particularly beneficial for emotional health • The act of giving touch to pets may be more beneficial than receiving touch from them • The physical mechanisms of touch involve specialized nerve fibers that respond differently in hairy versus non-hairy skin Our links: Our Website!  www.bunsenbernerbmd.com Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter! Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter: Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

    33 min
4.9
out of 5
128 Ratings

About

The Science Pawdcast breaks down the latest science happening in the human world AND the pet world. Each episode will also bring you a guest to enthral you with their area of knowledge.You'll learn, be captivated, and laugh along with host Jason Zackowski. Pets and Science, it's the pawfect mix. You'll also get episodes of PetChat which are the live shows from social audio. PetChat is a live community gathering updates about the animals in our life, but also the animals in the wonderful community that supports us! Heart and Hope. Science and Shenanigans. 

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