The Dose: Cyborg Cockroaches
Cyborg cockroaches, season 3 is back, and new data on the bivalent booster
We’re Back!
That’s right! Season 3 of The Unbiased Science Podcast just launched on September 28th. We’re kicking off this season with a HOT topic - naturopathy. If you haven’t already, make sure to listen. Remember, we’re doing shorter weekly episodes this season!
The Serious Stuff
In this section, we share the most important pandemic and science updates.
Exciting new data alert! A new peer-reviewed study on the updated bivalent Covid-19 booster demonstrated significantly higher neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in all participants, regardless of prior infection. This is great news as the weather begins to cool down in the U.S. and folks start gathering indoors again. Read more.
New information on The Black Death. Using DNA samples, researchers have presented evidence for the potential location and timeframe that the bubonic plague originated.
The Beautiful Stuff
In this section, we share pieces at the intersection of science and art that have us obsessed.
Cyborg cockroaches? We’ve all heard the old adage that long after a nuclear holocaust, cockroaches would still be roaming the Earth. And it’s safe to say that the majority of humans are terrified or disgusted by these large bugs. But what if a cockroach could be used to save your life? Researchers in Japan have been working to make this a reality! Kenjiro Fukuda and his team at the Thin-Film Device Laboratory have developed “backpack” technology that can be fitted to Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches to control their movements and direct them into tight fitting spaces such as the rubble after an earthquake. The roaches could locate and identify people trapped after a major catastrophe. Cool? Yes! Do we still feel a little squeamish? Also yes! Read more here.
Neptune, is that you? The James Webb Space Telescope continues to dazzle and deliver. In a recently released infrared image from the telescope, Neptune’s rings are seen for the first time in over 30 years. The last time we saw Neptune’s rings was in 1989, thanks to NASA’s Voyager 2. Read more here.
Intern Corner
This week, we asked our intern team about their favorite weird/creepy/strange animals or insects. Here are their answers, and we’ve linked sources where you can learn more about each! Enjoy!
Jarrod, Design & Editing: Chrysina limbata, AKA, scarab beetle, AKA mirror beetle. I ran across this article just the other day. Pretty cool!
Brandi, Design: Giant siphonophore that I learned about on a kids show on Netflix called The Octonauts (super-fun nature show)
Veda, Design: Stink bugs! It’s not the bug that’s strange or creepy, but the way this thing smells is exactly what cilantro taste like for me. (You’re not alone, Veda!)
Lucia, Design: Hummingbird hawk-moth! I used to observe it every summer in my grandma's garden and cross foxes; these melanistic foxes are creatures from fairytales to me
Miguel, Research & Design: Anglerfish takes the cake for me. Ever since Finding Nemo, I can't stomach the deep sea,but these guys are all in one
Ilze, Research & Design: My all time favorite is pangolin, I know they’ve become more popular and talked about recently but still remain the most trafficked mammal in the world and are slowly going extinct, so I feel like they deserve some spotlight
Our It List
Check out this section for deals and discount codes on some of the things we love!
We recently partnered with Topicals to discuss one of the most common skin conditions - eczema. In addition to loving the proven products at Topicals, we love their motto of “perfect skin doesn’t exist”, their eye-catching website, and their commitment to mental health advocacy. Head to their website and enter code UNBIASEDSCI to receive 10% off your purchase!
Apple season is here, and Unbiased Science is pleased to partner with Yes!Apples this fall, to discuss the (positive) changes they’re bringing to the agriculture industry. Yes!Apples grows and partners with [the best] farmers across New York to produce great-tasting apples that satisfy to the core. They also work with 1% for the Planet to support organizations that foster and support farmworkers, protect our land, and feed communities that need greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Can't make it to the orchard? No problem! Head to yesapples.shop and get their crisp, delicious varieties delivered straight to your door!
Use code UNBIASED10 for $10 off your first order!
That’s it for this issue!
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