The Science Pawdcast

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

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

Send us a text We explore fascinating examples of mutualism in nature and therapeutic relationships between humans and animals through two distinct scientific studies. • Squamillaria plants in Fiji function as apartment buildings for up to five different ant species • These plants have internal chambers with separate entrances preventing deadly conflicts between rival ant colonies • When chamber walls are broken, ants engage in fatal battles lasting only 30 minutes • The plant benefits from ant waste providing nutrients while ants receive safe housing • Some ant species even plant seeds in nearby bark, acting as farmers for their future homes • Facility dogs in physical therapy settings help patients persist 2.6 minutes longer in rehabilitation tasks • Participants without dogs at home showed even greater improvement with a facility dog present • Dogs may improve therapy outcomes through positive distraction and emotional support • First tasks with dogs present showed lower pain and heart rate measurements • Our own pets Bunsen, Beaker, and Bernoulli would need training before becoming therapy animals 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

Send us a text On this episode we look at the tsunamis that weren't from the Russian megaquake, and which dog breeds are super super hungry all the time. • Earthquake occurred in the Kural Kamchatka subduction zone where the Pacific plate slides under the Okhotsk plate at 75mm per year • Logarithmic earthquake scales mean each magnitude increase represents 10x more energy • Despite the earthquake's strength, the rupture didn't reach the seafloor, limiting tsunami development • Hawaiian and California coasts saw modest waves of 1-1.5 meters, far less than feared • Historical tsunamis like the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster (227,000+ deaths) demonstrate the potential danger • Texas A&M study of 15,000 dog owners reveals which breeds have highest "food motivation scores" • Sporting breeds like Labs and Golden Retrievers are 10% more likely to overeat than mixed breeds • Hound breeds (beagles, dachshunds) follow at 5.3% higher likelihood • City dogs and those in multi-dog households more prone to weight issues • Maintaining healthy dog weight reduces risks of diabetes, arthritis, and skin disease If you enjoy our content, consider joining our Patreon community at the Top Dogs level to support the Science Podcast. Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

Send us a text Pet Chat today has a special guest: Wildlife rehabilitator Janie Girardin who shares her experiences caring for orphaned and injured animals at Spicy Paws Wildlife Sanctuary, explaining the delicate process of rehabilitation and eventual release back to nature. • Specializes in rehabilitating squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, and fawns • Currently caring for eight baby squirrels, five rabbits, and six fawns • Animals typically come into care when orphaned, injured, or showing distress signals • Uses a "soft release" approach, allowing animals to transition gradually back to the wild • Minimizes human contact to ensure animals retain their wild instincts • Explains how to tell when wildlife truly needs human assistance • Debunks myth that touching baby birds causes mother rejection • Advises keeping distressed wildlife "warm, dark and quiet" until professional help arrives • Warns against feeding baby animals without professional guidance • Becoming a rehabilitator requires specific training, testing, and licensing If you'd like to support Spicy Paws Wildlife Sanctuary, visit their Facebook page. 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

Send us a text In this episode we explore scientific findings about optimal daily step counts, genetic predispositions for having children of the same sex, and how dogs perceive and interact with television. • Research shows 7,000 steps per day is the health "sweet spot," not the commonly cited 10,000 • At 7,000 steps, studies found 25% reduced cardiovascular disease risk, 37% lower cancer risk, and 38% decreased dementia-related deaths • Even modest increases from baseline (2,000 steps) show significant health benefits • Genetic study reveals some families may be predisposed to having children of primarily one sex • Older mothers showed strongest patterns of same-sex children, possibly due to biological mechanisms • Two gene variants identified that correlate with having all male or all female children • Modern LED TVs allow dogs to see continuous motion unlike older TVs • Dogs primarily see blue and yellow colors and 45% react to other dogs on screen • A dog's personality, not breed or age, determines their interest in television • Anxious dogs may find TV overstimulating rather than enriching 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

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

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

Send us a text We explore groundbreaking science developments from space discovery to environmental innovation and canine intuition. The James Webb Space Telescope has directly imaged an exoplanet for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in our quest to understand distant worlds. • JWST captures first direct image of an exoplanet orbiting star TWA7, 111 light-years away • The Saturn-sized planet orbits 52 astronomical units from its star within a gap in the star's dusty debris disk • Scientists used a coronagraph to block the star's light, enabling them to see the much dimmer planet • Researchers genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to convert plastic waste into acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol • The bacteria achieved 92% conversion efficiency in 48 hours, offering potential solutions for plastic pollution and sustainable pharmaceutical production • Though promising, this process is not yet scalable for industrial applications • Study reveals 65% of participants noticed behavior changes in their dogs during pregnancy • 27% reported these changes occurred before they knew they were pregnant • Dogs showed increased attention-seeking, guarding behavior, and anxiety around other dogs • Canines can detect changes in human biochemistry, emotions, and scent during pregnancy If your dog detected your pregnancy before you knew, we'd love to hear your story! Check out our Patreon at the link in show notes to support the podcast and join our Paw Pack community. 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

Send us a text Jason an Kris share updates on their dogs Bunsen, Beaker, and Bernoulli, as well as cat Ginger, covering health updates, socialization progress, and hilarious escape stories. • Bunsen has recovered better than expected from his health issues but remains on-leash for safety • Ginger was a rescue whose name felt perfect without needing a science-themed replacement • Beaker has overcome socialization challenges through regular visits to doggy daycare • Bernoulli has discovered an unexpected friendship with miniature horses at a new care facility • Ginger has mastered multiple escape techniques, including using Bernoulli as an unwitting accomplice • Beaker provided comfort to students during final exams, showing her progress with strangers • The Fun Facts with Bernoulli book is completed and will soon be available in the store • The Bernoulli pre-sale stuffy opportunity remains open until the end of June Pet Chat will be on hiatus for the next two weeks, returning July 19th with special guest artist John 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

Send us a text We celebrate a milestone of 200,000 Instagram followers, reflecting on how their platform has grown from a "ghost town" into a thriving community where cute dogs help deliver science education. • The hosts share updates about their dogs, including Bunsen's recovery progress • Jason shares exciting wildlife footage captured on their trail cam, featuring a great horned owl • Community member Holly recounts the story of her cat Toby escaping through an unlatched door • Paula shares her experience rescuing a robin fledgling and connecting with a wildlife rehabilitator •Kris tells the story of rescuing a great horned owl that was later rehabilitated and released • The hosts and community members discuss the importance of proper wildlife rescue protocols • Bunsen and Ginger's "Operation Beauty and the Beast" team-up to raid the cat food Join us next Saturday for another episode of Pet Chat, and Paw Pack members can catch us tomorrow for our special community chat. 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

Send us a text Innovations in science are making daily life better through passive cooling paint and insights into pet interactions. In the Science News section we explore technologies that could transform how we maintain comfortable living spaces and manage our emotions at work. • Cement-based cooling paint from Nyang Technological University uses three cooling strategies: radiative cooling, evaporative cooling, and solar reflection • The specialized paint maintains effectiveness after two years of testing, reflecting 88-92% of sunlight while conventional paints yellow and lose performance • Buildings using this paint required 30-40% less electricity for air conditioning, potentially reducing urban heat islands • Research shows looking at photos of your own dog (not random dogs or cats) significantly reduces anger and aggressive intent The Guest in Ask an Expert... • Dr. Lori Palen discusses how data communication bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact • Data Soapbox helps scientists translate complex findings into accessible, engaging content that drives positive change • Science communication needs to be planned from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought Dr. Palen's links Data Soap Box: https://datasoapbox.com/ Dr. Palen on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/loripalen.bsky.social 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

Send us a text We explore the physics behind making the biggest splash in pool jumping and examine a promising new non-opioid painkiller that could revolutionize pain management without addiction risks. Our investigation into canine health reveals which dog breeds are most prone to diarrhea—with some surprising findings for particular designer breeds. • The science of Manu jumping reveals a precise 45-degree entry angle with V-shaped body posture creates the biggest pool splash • Underwater backward roll and leg extension forms an air pocket that collapses to create maximum splash height • New experimental drug SBI-810 targets pain pathways without causing addiction or euphoria • This non-opioid painkiller outperformed newer opioids in animal testing and could reduce reliance on addictive pain medications • Study of 2.25 million dogs shows breeds with names ending in "poo" have highest diarrhea rates • Cavapoos (14.95%), Maltese (14.6%), and Miniature Poodles (14.26%) top the list for diarrhea incidence • Most canine diarrhea cases (92%) involve only one event per year and resolve with a single vet visit • Common treatments include probiotics, dietary management, and sometimes antibiotics for more severe cases Here's a link of Manu jumping! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogkRgkf4YAo 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

Send us a text The cosmic dance of our solar system is more precarious than we realize, with rogue stars potentially disrupting Earth's orbit and sending us hurling into space—though the probability is a reassuring 0.2% over 5 billion years. Recent research reveals singing to babies significantly improves their overall mood, highlighting the universal evolutionary importance of lullabies as emotional regulation tools across cultures. Oh and Cockatoos have taught themselves how to drink from fountains. • Computer simulations show passing stars could disrupt our solar system with catastrophic consequences • Mercury would likely be the first planet affected, potentially creating a domino effect of planetary collisions • Earth has a 0.2% chance of being ejected from our solar system in the next 5 billion years • Parents who sing to babies under four months old observe significantly improved infant moods • Singing to babies appears to be a universal human behavior with evolutionary advantages • Sydney's cockatoos demonstrate remarkable intelligence by operating public drinking fountains • Around 70% of local cockatoos attempt to use fountains with 50% succeeding • Birds coordinate complex movements and wait in line, suggesting possible social bonding behavior 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

Send us a text We dive into the fascinating world of extinct giant sloths, explore how dogs are inspiring better swimming robots, and discuss the alarming resurgence of measles with immunologist Dr. Elisabeth Marnick. • Ancient sloths evolved wide body size diversity based primarily on their habitat preference • Tree-dwelling sloths evolved to be smaller while ground-dwelling species became massive • The largest ground sloths were predated by enormous short-faced bears and likely hunted by humans • Engineers created an amphibious robot that mimics dogs' swimming motion rather than reptiles or insects • The dog-inspired robot achieves better transition between land and water with superior stability And our guest: • Dr. Elizabeth Marnick explains that measles causes "immune amnesia," erasing the body's memory of other infections • The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles infection with two doses • One in four measles cases requires hospitalization, with potentially severe complications • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can appear 7-10 years after measles infection and is 100% fatal • Science communicators face significant challenges combating misinformation on social media Dr. Marnick's Links Instagram Substack 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

Send us a text We explore the science behind HBO's "The Last of Us," investigating whether a fungal apocalypse could happen in real life and if a vaccine for fungal infections is possible. The Royal Tyrrell Museum's new "Breakthroughs" exhibit showcases five groundbreaking fossil discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life. Lastly we look at the cause of the orange color in orange cats! • Fungal infections like cordyceps jumping to humans is extremely unlikely, though climate change impacts fungal evolution • Scientists have no approved fungal vaccines available, with only four new antifungal drugs approved in the last decade • The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta showcases world-class dinosaur specimens including Canada's best-preserved nodosaur • Five breakthrough fossils include a Mosasaurus with preserved cartilage, feathered Ornithomimus, and exceptionally preserved Borealopelta • Recent studies reveal orange cats share a single genetic mutation near the RH-GAP36 gene that originated 900 years ago • Female orange cats are rare because they need the mutation on both X chromosomes, while males only need one copy Support the show For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness! Being Kind is a Superpower. https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

Send us a text We explore the cutting-edge science of extending dog lifespan through innovative drug development with Loyal founder and CEO Celine Halioua, who shares the company's groundbreaking approach to canine longevity and health. In Science News: • Cold water immersion after exercise shows no benefits for women despite its popularity among fitness influencers In Pet Science: • Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds now resemble each other more than their wild ancestors due to selective breeding Our Guest Speaks about: • Loyal's first drug mimics the longevity benefits of caloric restriction without reducing appetite • Large dog breeds age faster due to persistently high growth hormone levels that weren't naturally selected for • Loyal is conducting the largest animal health study ever with 1,300 dogs to test longevity interventions • The company hopes to bring their first longevity drug to market within a year • The goal is to add at least one healthier year to dogs' lives while improving quality of life during aging • Aging dogs develop many of the same diseases as aging humans, making them excellent models for longevity research Loyal: https://loyal.com/ 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

Send us a text On this show we explore the contentious debate around fluoride in municipal water, the science behind pedigree cat adoptions, and innovative approaches to teaching science to non-science majors. • Examination of the fluoride controversy using Calgary, Alberta as a case study • Discussion of how fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents acid damage • Review of research showing increased tooth decay rates in children after fluoride was removed from Calgary's water • Analysis of a study suggesting people with higher status sensitivity are less likely to adopt non-pedigree cats • Interview with Dr. Katie Burnette about cat genetics and why most calico cats are female • Exploration of X chromosome inactivation and how it creates unique coat patterns • Insight into developing engaging science curriculum for non-science majors • Discussion of a DNA-based project identifying fish fraud at restaurants • Personal pet stories including cats bringing "gifts" into the home Dr. Burnette's Links: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katie-Burnette 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

Send us a text This week we look to deunk myths about rising autism rates and explain the genetic and environmental factors at play, while exploring the resurrection of dire wolves through genetic engineering and how puppy cognition predicts adult dog behavior. • CDC data shows autism diagnoses increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 in 2022 • Approximately 80% of autism cases stem from inherited genetic variations with 200+ genes linked to early brain development • Better screening, diagnosis, and awareness accounts for much of the increase in autism rates • Scientists have genetically engineered puppies with dire wolf traits using DNA from ancient remains • The three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—received 20 gene edits targeting coat color, body size, and facial features • Study of 1,400+ puppies shows early cognitive traits persist into adulthood • Puppies good at following pointing gestures became more trainable adults, while those with better impulse control grew into calmer dogs • Understanding puppy cognition allows for customized training approaches that support lifelong well-being Some Links and Studies: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/autism-adhd-risk-not-linked-prenatal-exposure-antidepressants S. Gilman et al. Rare de novo variants associated with autism implicate a large functional network of genes involved in formation and function of synapses. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.021 D. Levy et al. Rare De Novo and Transmitted Copy-Number Variation in Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.015 Y. Sakai et al. Protein interactome reveals converging molecular pathways among autism disorders. Science Translational Medicine, Vol. 3, June 8, 2011. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002166 Sanders et al. Multiple Recurrent De Novo CNVs, Including Duplications of the 7q11.23 Williams Syndrome Region, Are Strongly Associated with Autism. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.015 C. Schaaf et al. Oligogenic heterozygosity in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Human Molecular Genetics. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddr243. Available online: [Go to] C.P. Schaaf and H.Y. Zoghbi. Solving the autism puzzle a few pieces at a time. Neuron, Vol. 70, June 9, 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.025 I. Voineagu et al. Transcriptomic analysis of autistic brain reveals convergent molecular pathology. Nature. doi: doi:10.1038/nature10110 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

Send us a text In this episode we explore potential signs of alien life on exoplanet K2-18b and discuss how pets impact our sleep quality, while special guest Dr. Sabina Vorah-Miller provides expert insights on vaccine misinformation and avian flu safety. • Bunsen's recovery from a UTI and continued mobility improvements • Recent James Webb Space Telescope findings detected dimethyl sulfide on exoplanet K2-18b • Why scientists remain cautiously optimistic but skeptical about alien life evidence • Study reveals pets in bed may not significantly impact sleep quality despite perception • Dogs in bed provide stronger feelings of comfort than cats or human partners And our guest: • Public health expert Sabina Vorau-Miller explains vaccine hesitancy origins and misconceptions • Current measles outbreaks and the importance of MMR vaccination • HPV vaccine success in preventing cervical cancer • Avian influenza (H5N1) spillover from birds to cattle and precautions for humans and pets • Safety tips: consume only pasteurized milk, thoroughly cook meat, keep pets away from wild birds Take care! Happy Easter if you celebrate! Sabina's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unambiguousscience/ Linktree 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