The Science Pawdcast Jason Zackowski

Send us a Text Message.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, and sodium. Discover how this tidally locked planet experiences dramatic temperature differe...

Send us a Text Message.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 behind using volcanic rock to reduce atmospheric CO2 by up to 215 billion tons over the ne...

Send us a Text Message.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 heartfelt commitment to maintaining individual activities for each pet to ensure they all feel cherished.Next, we...

Send us a Text Message.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 conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to address modern-day species' vulnerabilities ...

Send us a Text Message.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, and cognitive gains that are both intriguing and heartwarming. Shifting gears, we're joined by David Be...

Send us a Text Message.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 wobbline...