Daily Discoveries
81 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsDaily Discoveries is a weekly podcast from The Daily. Each week hosts Oskar and Sanjana re-cap this week’s science news in one distilled episode.
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Episodes
RF Diffusion and Protein Design
May 10, 2023 21:03 - 38 minutes - 28.4 MBOn this episode, Oskar, Sanjana, and Hayden interview David Juergens and Joe Watson from David Baker’s lab about their recent publication “Broadly applicable and accurate protein design by integrating structure prediction networks and diffusion generative models.” Using the same principles underlying the image-generating software DALL-E, the Baker lab has been able to create software that […]
Assessing Binding Capabilities of s.pneumoniae
April 17, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 11.5 MBDaily Discoveries is starting off this quarter with an episode about a recent article that discusses how the structure of capsular polysaccharides on bacteria allow them to bind to human cells and cause infection.
Manipulating Microbiomes
February 27, 2023 21:27 - 14 minutes - 8.18 MBIn this episode, Hayden and Sanjana discuss recent advancements in CRISPR-Cas technology that allows for the specific enrichment or depletion of a single bacterial strain in a complex microbial community.
Human Cortical Organoids
February 16, 2023 01:52 - 21 minutes - 13.3 MBThis week Sanjana, Oskar, and Hayden discuss a study where an imaging technology was created in order to observe a mouse brain implant over time without disturbing the mouse or the implant.
Potential Hair Loss Treatment
January 23, 2023 22:31 - 20 minutes - 12.1 MBIn this episode, Hayden, Sanjana, and Oskar discuss a paper that explores potential alopecia treatments using machine learning.
Sweet New Discoveries
January 09, 2023 22:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBSanjana, Hayden, and Oskar dive into how scientists are turning to the natural world to discover new non-caloric sweeteners
Nobel Prize Recap
January 03, 2023 22:23 - 26 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week on Daily Discoveries, Oskar, Sanjana, and Hayden discuss the winners of the 2022 Nobel Prize, and what their discoveries mean for both their fields and science as a whole.
Growing Soft Robots
December 06, 2022 23:22 - 14 minutes - 8.45 MBOskar, Sanjana, and Hayden discuss a new innovation that allows for soft robots to grow by themselves.
Cell-based Meat
November 15, 2022 23:03 - 30 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this week’s episode, Sanjana, Oskar, and Hayden explain a study where meat was grown from just a couple of cells, and discuss whether they think it is a solution to eating meat more sustainably.
Engineering Sustainability
November 04, 2022 22:35 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBThis week Sanjana, Hayden, and Oskar discuss a recent cross-disciplinary study transforming CO2 into bioplastics through electrical and biological chemistry.
Tackling Antibiotic Resistance
October 27, 2022 19:09 - 33 minutes - 20 MBOskar, Sanjana, and Hayden discuss new advancements in combating antimicrobial resistance, from computational approaches to nanozymes.
Innovations in Nanotechnology
September 28, 2022 20:27 - 23 minutes - 17 MBOskar, Sanjana, and new host Hayden kick off the year by discussing three articles on recent developments in medical technology, using nanobots.
Undergraduate Research Symposium
July 03, 2022 18:23 - 12 minutes - 8.59 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the Undergraduate Research Symposium and their own experiences presenting, as well as The Daily’s coverage of the event by contributing writers Asma Masude, Evan Waara and Laura Schladetzky.
Parasite Research at UW
May 16, 2022 20:46 - 23 minutes - 16 MBOskar and Sanjana discuss the ins and outs of parasites, and the research done by Dr. Wood at the University of Washington in collaboration with the Burke Museum.
Dissolving Computer Mouse
May 04, 2022 16:44 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this week’s episode we discuss how we can transition from producing tons of e-waste to more sustainable electronic devices. A creative project done by UW engineering students and staff in order to tackle e-waste sparks our discussion.
Sand and Rejuvenation
April 26, 2022 20:35 - 14 minutes - 9.85 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss a new process that allows for the creation of a sand replacement from mining waste and new research that rejuvenates old skin cells to make them younger.
Preventing Cardiac Arrest
April 19, 2022 16:47 - 16 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this week’s episode, Sanjana and Oskar explore three different research studies on how computers and diet can help prevent or predict future cardiac arrest.
Sleeping Strategies
April 11, 2022 17:34 - 13 minutes - 9.22 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss a strategy that helps you recall your thoughts before you fall asleep and the science behind functioning with a shorter night’s rest.
Gene Therapy
April 04, 2022 17:37 - 11 minutes - 7.59 MBIn this episode, Sanjana and Oskar discuss the complicated yet fascinating history of gene therapy. They discuss the dangers of gene therapies in the past, how far it has come in recent years, and how it is expected to impact the future.
Memories and MRIs
March 09, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the science behind memories, singing, and how MRIs can improve breast cancer screening.
Energy and Creativity
March 01, 2022 21:33 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this week’s episode, Oskar and Sanjana discuss how humans spend energy and what it means to be creative.
New Innovations in Medicine
February 21, 2022 20:01 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss new innovations in the field of medicine such as a new blood clotting test and a gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
Microbes and Their Importance
February 14, 2022 22:14 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBMicrobes are often looked down upon and underestimated. However, this week Sanjana and Oskar discuss how microbes are affecting us right now globally, and how they may help us in the future by storing atmospheric carbon in the ground.
History of Materials
February 08, 2022 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.16 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the history of the materials that make up the objects we use today.
Two Year Pandemic Anniversary
January 31, 2022 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MBAs omicron surges in the U.S. and many other countries, Oskar and Sanjana discuss some updates on the current COVID-19 situation, as well as an interesting link between COVID-19 and diabetes.
Ancient Soil DNA, CRISPR, and Protein Structures
January 25, 2022 01:39 - 12 minutes - 7.7 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss some of the runner-ups and breakthroughs of the year in Science Magazine’s People’s Choice Awards 2021.
Genetically Modified Organisms
January 17, 2022 16:00 - 14 minutes - 9.02 MBThis week Sanjana and Oskar are back with Daily Discoveries discussing different ways scientists in the past year have used gene editing to improve health care, food, and disease control.
New Climate Mapping Model and Electric Vehicles
January 10, 2022 20:38 - 8 minutes - 5.14 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss a new climate mapping model created by a team at the University of Arizona and how electric vehicles are affecting the climate.
UW Coronavirus Study, New Variant, and More
December 06, 2021 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.77 MBSanjana and Oskar are back this week to discuss University studies relating to COVID-19 vaccines, as well as different COVID-19 variants. (Note: Per CNBC, while omicron was “first identified” in South Africa, its exact origins are still being debated)
The Science Behind COVID-19 Tests
November 22, 2021 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.9 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for children and the differences between PCR and rapid response COVID-19 tests.
How Genetically Modified Plants Can Help Clean Our Air
November 15, 2021 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.4 MBDaily Discoveries is back for week seven where Oskar and Sanjana discuss how a group from the University of Washington have genetically modified a houseplant that is capable of cleaning polluted indoor air.
James Webb Space Telescope
November 08, 2021 16:00 - 14 minutes - 9.56 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the new James Webb Space Telescope and the expectations scientists have, as well as comparing the Webb to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Pig to Human Kidney Transplant
November 01, 2021 21:02 - 11 minutes - 7.56 MBThis week on Daily Discoveries Oskar and Sanjana discuss the first successful xenotransplantation on a human, and the research and ethical discussions behind it.
Nature and Mental Health
October 25, 2021 20:32 - 11 minutes - 7.78 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss the science behind stress and the relationship between mental health and nature.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Trials at UW Medical Center
October 18, 2021 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.3 MBSanjana and Oskar are back to discuss more COVID-19 related information. On this episode, they discuss a study being done at UW Medical Center on Booster Vaccines, before transitioning into general opinions on the COVID vaccine right now.
Record-breaking Pacific Northwest Heatwave
October 11, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBSanjana and Oskar discuss and share their own experiences with the Pacific Northwest Heatwave that occurred this summer and its implications for the future.
Returning to Campus during the Pandemic
October 04, 2021 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBDaily Discoveries returns with a discussion of thoughts and feelings from students and faculty about in-person schooling and UW’s current health and safety measures.
Series Finale
June 04, 2021 21:26 - 29 minutes - 21.2 MBThelonious and Rhea check-in for the last time. They take a trip down memory lane and discuss their favorite articles and podcast episodes during their time recording.
COVID Deaths Double Previous Estimates
May 28, 2021 18:15 - 34 minutes - 25.7 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss an IHME study showing that actual global deaths from COVID-19 are likely double what has been previously reported by other organizations and governments.
Deepfakes and Maps
May 21, 2021 17:04 - 18 minutes - 13.2 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss a UW geography study analyzing AI manipulation of geospatial data. They discuss the study’s call for data literacy, and the real world impacts that falsified data can have.
Vaccines: UW, King County, & Breakthrough Cases
May 14, 2021 17:17 - 21 minutes - 15.7 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss UW popup vaccine clinics, King County’s COVID rates, boosters, and breakthrough cases (vaccinated people who still contract COVID).
In Person Learning and Vaccination Requirements
May 08, 2021 02:56 - 23 minutes - 16.9 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss the implications of the recent announcement that UW is planning for a mostly in person fall quarter, and that students who return will be required to be vaccinated.
How Computational Language Models can Further Environmental Degradation
April 30, 2021 21:39 - 21 minutes - 15.8 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss a UW research project on natural language processing, the automatic manipulation of speech and text by software. The data you feed software isn’t always diverse, and specific and harmful language processes can be overrepresented.
J & J Vaccine Pause
April 23, 2021 23:39 - 37 minutes - 27.7 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss the recent pause on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine due to a small number of those vaccinated experiencing major side effects. Additionally, they discuss a UW study that found significant vaccine distrust among incarcerated populations.
Mostly In Person Fall Quarter?
April 19, 2021 01:57 - 34 minutes - 24.8 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss recent news and its implications from the UW Daily. The University Provost has said that UW is aiming for a mostly in person fall quarter and that the vaccine won’t be required for students.
Smart Speakers Detect Irregular Heartbeats
April 09, 2021 22:17 - 26 minutes - 19.5 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss two projects at UW: the first, research on smart speakers that can detect problems in heart beat, and the second, looking at the efficacy of home delivery HIV treatments in curbing the virus.
Curing HIV and Mammogram Access
April 02, 2021 06:02 - 39 minutes - 30.1 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss the 70 million dollar UW project to attempt to cure HIV and other blood disorders using a gene editing technology. They also discuss a UW study on racial and socioeconomic disparities in mammogram access.
UW Researchers find New Law of Physics
March 19, 2021 18:05 - 24 minutes - 18.4 MBUW researchers have discovered a new law of physics that allows researches to define the maximum slope of an aircraft fuselage, which will aid in reducing drag. Rhea and Thelonious discuss how this discovery could lead to more fuel efficient aircrafts.
COVID in your neighborhood? Check your poop.
March 16, 2021 23:52 - 19 minutes - 15.2 MBIf you have COVID, the viral particles will show up in your waste. Rhea and Thelonious discuss the surprising way researchers are testing the sewage of neighborhoods to track if COVID is in the area.
UW Spinal Cord Injury Research
March 08, 2021 02:43 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBRhea and Thelonious discuss UW researchers who are using electric spinal cord stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain upper limb function.