FULL EPISODE: Beware the Cold Blob - July 2, 2026

What this episode covers

Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson brings science news to the show with the following stories: Physicists reveal there is a universal law hidden in the shape of all poop; Humans in the Andes seem to have evolved a strange genetic ability; Scientists just found a planet that got a second life after its star died; and A strange 'cold blob' in the Atlantic signals we're almost at a tipping point. Health communication researcher and professor Allison Lazard outlines how certain social media messages may help counter the youth loneliness epidemic by encouraging real-world connection. Marketing, health, and sustainability researcher Cameron McRae goes over his study explaining why shoppers avoid plant-based proteins. Cybersecurity expert Francis Syms explains how researchers discovered an age bias in a commonly used AI tool. Pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Danielle Mercurio-Porter discusses the potential dangers of heat waves, the importance of A/C during one, and who's most at risk. Social psychology professor Daryl Van Tongeren reveals how everyone wants to think they're open-minded, but why most people are not. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:09) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Allison Lazard (30:00) Cameron McRae (39:50) Francis Syms (49:50) Dr. Danielle Mercurio-Porter (59:50) Daryl Van Tongeren pt. 1 (1:09:50) Daryl Van Tongeren pt. 2 (1:19:03) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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