Science in Society
32 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago -Does caffeine give you superpowers? Will humans ever make it to Mars? Is our DNA the key to the Fountain of Youth? Science in Society breaks down the world's scientific unknowns in a way that's understandable, digestible, and fun. Join hosts Liv & Drew Zbihley - lab partners turned lovebirds - as they enlist experts around the world to tour the intricacies of science in our everyday lives.
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Episodes
The Science of Community & Chem-Impex with Jamie Shah
October 02, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this captivating episode of "Science in Society," hosts Drew and Liv dive into the fascinating world of chemistry, community, and entrepreneurship with their special guest, Jamie Shah. Jamie is not just any guest; she's the driving force behind Chem-Impex, a renowned family-owned chemical supply company. Join Drew, Liv, and Jamie as they unravel the intriguing story of Chem Impex, a business rooted in family, science, and innovation. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running a famil...
The Science of Endocrine Disruptors with Drs. Neff & Mourikes
September 04, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBHave you ever left a plastic water bottle in a car on a hot summer day and returned to notice it tasted different? Does opening your windows on a pleasant day really feel like a breath of fresh air? If either of these apply to you, you have firsthand experience with environmental toxins affecting your everyday life. This month, Drew & Liv have the privilege of chatting about all things environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors with Drs. Alison Neff & Vicki Mourikes. Throughout the disc...
The Science of Precision Nutrition with Ari Tulla
August 07, 2023 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBIf you are anything like Drew & Liv, you have – at least once – been exasperated with the constantly changing nutritional recommendations originating from largely observational and retrospective studies. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to optimize your nutrition to improve your energy, performance, or recovery, you know that the more accurate and personalized information you can gather, the better off you will be. In this episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Ari Tulla, co-founder & CEO ...
The Science of Precision Oncology with Dr. Kevin Parker
July 03, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBHave you, a loved one, or a close friend had a run-in with cancer at some point? Chances are that the answer is yes. The more involved you were in the treatment process, the more you can appreciate the relative imperfections of currently-available treatment options, though they are steadily improving. In this episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Dr. Kevin Parker, CEO and co-founder of Cartography Biosciences, who is at the forefront of developing personalized cancer treatment regimens. In this ...
The Science of Psilocybin with Doug Drysdale
June 05, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBDid last month’s episode leave you wanting to learn more about the rapidly developing space of psychedelic compounds’ use in treating psychiatric conditions like Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and various addiction disorders? Drew & Liv had a feeling you would, so look no further than this episode, where they bring on Doug Drysdale, CEO of Cybin Inc., to discuss his company’s mission and progress in this space. Throughout this episode, you will learn how psilocybin a...
The Science of Major Depressive Disorder with Dr. Charles B. Nemeroff
May 15, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBMental health has increasingly become the topic of discussion in recent years, and while we–as a society–have become better at recognizing the signs of mental health issues, have you ever wondered exactly what they are, how they are treated, and what happens if the tools available to us aren’t enough? You might be surprised to hear that–by some estimates–at least 30% of people diagnosed with depression are resistant to the current options we have. That’s where our guest, Dr. Charles Nemeroff...
The Science of Nanotech with Pavle Jeremic
June 06, 2022 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIf you had to rank your favorite 3 superheroes, would Iron Man make your list? Have you ever wondered if there could one day be a real-life Tony Stark? This month’s guest, Pavle Jeremic, is trying to make that science fiction a reality. In this episode, you, along with Drew & Liv, will learn how Jeremic and his team at Aether plan to use chemistry, biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence to develop a toolkit of molecular assemblers capable of synthesizing any desired arrangement of...
The Science of Gene Therapies with Dr. Laurence Reid
May 02, 2022 13:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBDid you know that there are over 100 types of hearing loss? Are you also aware that there exist exceptionally few therapeutic options for those affected by one of those conditions? This month, Drew & Liv had the privilege of bringing on one of the people leading the charge to develop new therapeutics for hearing and balance loss: Dr. Laurence Reid, CEO of Decibel Therapeutics. Dr. Reid provides a behind-the-scenes look at hearing restoration development and how single-cell genomics in a lab...
The Science of CRISPR with Dr. Benjamin Oakes
April 04, 2022 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBWhat do the wheel, assembly line, electricity, fire, and CRISPR all have in common? Each of them gave humans the ability to access the next level of their respective fields, and this month Drew & Liv had the incredible opportunity to chat with Dr. Benjamin L. Oakes: one of the first people to work with CRISPR and see it grow to where it is today. In this episode, you will learn exactly what CRISPR is, how it revolutionized biological research, and how Scribe Therapeutics will take it to its ...
After the BS: Advanced Degrees in STEM featuring Ben Smith & Tulsy Uthay
March 07, 2022 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBHave you ever wondered how some of the brightest minds in medicine and science got their start? You are in luck because this month, Drew & Liv sit down with two budding, young professionals in the sciences to take a peek behind the curtain of their professional lives and their journey to where they are today. Tulsy Uthay, a second-year Ph.D. candidate, provides her perspective as to how her Ph.D. program provided her the best opportunity to pursue her interests in therapeutics development re...
The Science of Addiction with Dr. Anna Lembke
February 07, 2022 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBHave you ever felt your phone buzz in your pocket only to find that there was no notification waiting to be cleared? If you have seen The Social Dilemma, you know that in the age of social media, our phones can have quite the addictive potential. In this episode, Drew & Liv have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Anna Lembke, one of the leaders in addiction medicine who also made an appearance in The Social Dilemma. From this episode, you will learn the biochemical basis of opioid addiction, ...
The Science of Addiction with Dr. Anna Lembke
February 07, 2022 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBHave you ever felt your phone buzz in your pocket only to find that there was no notification waiting to be cleared? If you have seen The Social Dilemma, you know that in the age of social media, our phones can have quite the addictive potential. In this episode, Drew & Liv have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Anna Lembke, one of the leaders in addiction medicine who also made an appearance in The Social Dilemma. From this episode, you will learn the biochemical basis of opioid addiction, ...
The Science of Biotech with Dr. Parag Mallick
January 03, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBWhat do magic and cutting-edge biotechnology research and development have in common? This month, Drew & Liv had the pleasure of hearing from one scientist-entrepreneur who is doing both! Dr. Parag Mallick sits down to describe exactly how his company, Nautilus Biotechnology, is building the next generation of diagnostic and prognostic tools that he hopes to bring to labs across the world. In this episode, you will learn about how the crossroads of computer science and biology led Parag to f...
The Science of Metabolism with Dr. Oliver Fiehn
December 06, 2021 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBDo you find yourself reaching for the cookie jar a little more frequently during the holidays? Maybe this time of year gets your appetite for baked goods going and, while it’s our brain telling us we want that chocolate chip cookie, our stomachs have a lot of influence on those signals. Tune into episode 3, The Science of Metabolism, to find out why. In this episode, Liv & Drew interview Dr. Oliver Fiehn to discuss the development of the gut microbiome, its role in regulating appetite, an...
The Science of Stem Cells with Dr. Thomas Carmichael
November 01, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBAre stem cells the key to the fountain of youth? If you listen to the news, that’s what you would think. While the true answer to that question may elude us for decades, new research in stem cells is coming out faster than the newest TikTok trend. In this episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Dr. Thomas Carmichael to discuss some of the cutting edge science behind stem cells and their newest applications throughout our brains. You will learn everything from the organization of our nervous system...
The Science of Nutrition, Part 2 with Dr. Margaret Westwater
April 19, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBHave you ever met someone that doesn’t like chocolate? -- neither have Drew & Liv. Everyone has that one food they absolutely can’t resist, but is there real science to support this temptation? This week, Drew & Liv bring on Dr. Maggie Westwater to discuss another perspective on the science behind food addiction. You will learn about the other side of the argument against food addiction and why it may not live up to the attention it has received. Dr. Westwater can be found on twitter @maggi...
The Science of Nutrition with Dr. Nicole Avena
April 05, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWe have reached the point of spring where the New Year’s Resolutions have begun to fade and the usual realization is beginning to set in: beach season is fast approaching. That begs the question, “Why am I still going back to the grocery store for my third pint of ice cream this week?”. You will need to wonder no longer as, this week, Drew & Liv host Dr. Nicole Avena – a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction. Together, we uncover some uncomfortab...
The Science of OCD with Dr. David Adam
March 22, 2021 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThis week on "Science and Society", Drew & Liv sit down with scientist-turned-author, Dr. David Adam, to get a look into his journey with OCD and why society must bring attention to this disease. Before it's all over, you'll know how to recognize obsessions, the current progress of pharmaceutical research and development for OCD, and how one chemical engineer became an author and advocate. David's incredible book, The Man Who Couldn't Stop: OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought ...
The Science of Immunity with Dr. John Flaherty
March 08, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThey say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but what happens when a pig or a bat get involved? As you may well know, those animals have been linked to major viral outbreaks in recent memory and – thanks to our immune systems – we have been able to fight those outbreaks. This week, Drew & Liv bring on infectious disease expert, Dr. John Flaherty to talk all things immunity. You’ll learn about the new COVID-19 vaccine, why playing in a sandbox when you were little has ben...
The Science of Love, Part 2 with Dr. Jacqueline Olds & Dr. Richard Schwartz
February 22, 2021 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBSo nice, it’s an episode topic twice! Ebbs and flows, distance alarms, and the COVID-19 pandemic all have played a role in our relationships in one way or another. This week, Drew & Liv interview science power couple, Drs. Jacqueline Olds & Richard Schwartz of Harvard Medical School, to talk all things love. From this episode, you will learn how to better communicate in your relationships and the impact COVID-19 has had on relationships worldwide. You can find Dr. Old’s and Dr. Schwartz’s ...
The Science of Love, Part 1 with Dr. Larry Young
February 08, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBFebruary is the month of love and, as wonderful as that is, there is more biochemistry behind romcoms and the fairytale ending of your favorite Disney movie than you might think. In Part 1 of their two-part series on Love, Drew & Liv sit down with Emory Psychiatry professor, Dr. Larry Young, to discuss the molecules responsible for giving you butterflies as you talk to your crush this Valentine's Day. You will learn how social bonds are formed in every mammal from voles to humans and why eve...
The Science of Studying with Drew & Liv
January 25, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBWe have all been students at one time or another in our lives, so we all know the stress that comes with learning, exams, and big presentations. In this episode, Drew & Liv are shaking it up and sitting down with...each other! Talking about all things learning and memory, they're go ing behind the scenes and provide a window into their personal experiences with learning and studying. By the end, you will have learned about the different types of memory, how you can set yourself (and your phy...
Untitled Episode
January 25, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBWe have all been students at one time or another in our lives, so we all know the stress that comes with learning, exams, and big presentations. In this episode, Drew & Liv are shaking it up and sitting down with...each other! Talking about all things learning and memory, they're go ing behind the scenes and provide a window into their personal experiences with learning and studying. By the end, you will have learned about the different types of memory, how you can set yourself (and your phy...
The Science of Seasonal Affective Disorder with Dr. Jonah Meyerhoff
January 11, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBDays get shorter, temperatures get colder, and we start spending more time inside. For many people, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can start to creep into our lives. In this episode, Drew & Liv bring on Dr. Jonah Meyerhoff to talk about all things SAD. You will finish this episode equipped with knowledge and strategies to help you avoid the seasonal slump and enjoy all of the great things winter has to offer! If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or SAD, you can call 1...
Hangovers with Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall
December 21, 2020 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBWhat if we told you, we cracked the hangover code? The holiday season is one of indulgences and, while we may not have the office parties to look forward to, that doesn’t mean we are can't enjoy the occasional adult beverage. Sometimes we overindulge—leaving us with a pounding headache, upset stomach or any other host of maladies that we call a hangover. For centuries, humankind has sought to avoid or cure this condition to no avail — until now, that is. This week, Drew & Liv sit down with ...
Cryotherapy with TheCryoBar
December 07, 2020 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBWho is crazy enough to stand in -200°F chambers, wearing nothing but socks and underwear? Unsurprisingly, Science in Society co-hosts, Drew & Liv, are! Why would anyone do that voluntarily? Turns out, there is a reason... and a good one at that. In this weeks episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Sara & Andrew of TheCryoBar to learn about the history and benefits of cryotherapy and discuss their experiences in the ice-cold chamber. They’ll also cover some cryotherapy basics and take a look behin...
Blue Light with Dr. Josh Mouland
October 19, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBIn the work-from-home age, we are spending more time than ever staring at blue-light emitting screens each day. While blue light isn’t all bad, circadian clock disruption has sprung a new age of blue light-filtering products and features that limit exposure. In this episode, Drew & Liv chat with neuroscience researcher, Dr. Josh Mouland, whose interests lie in our brain’s response to light. You will learn about melanopsin’s role in light perception and the misconceptions about blue light. ...
Social Media with Dr. Ariel Shensa
October 05, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBAre you one of the 3.5 billion social media users worldwide? Chances are, yes. Whether you know it or not, social media plays a big role in your emotional well-being. In this Episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Dr. Ariel Shensa, a biostatistician whose expertise lies at the intersection of media and health. Her recent research focuses on the relationship between social media and mental health. You’ll learn the psychological impacts of social media usage, the complexity underlying these impacts...
Sleep with Dr. Kristen Knutson
September 21, 2020 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThere are few things that (literally) every human on earth does, but SLEEP is one of them! To learn more about this universal pass-time, Drew & Liv chat with Dr. Kristen Knutson, a sleep researcher at Northwestern University. Dr. Knutson's research studies how sociocultural factors interact with physiology to impact sleep, as well as the relationship between sleep and chronic disease. This episode will tell you all you need to know about getting a good night's rest - and do lots of mythbusti...
Vitality with Dr. Vonda Wright
September 07, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBEvery year, people spend billions of dollars trying to look and feel younger, but what if that key to youth and longevity was free? In this Episode, Drew & Liv sit down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, healthy living advocate, and highly-regarded public speaker, to uncover the secrets to living a long, healthy life. You’ll learn the misconceptions behind aging, the best habits we can form to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and the expansive reach of our influence on our neighbors....
Habit Formation with Dr. Ben Gardner
August 24, 2020 12:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBYou've probably heard the phrase: "humans are creatures of habit". Are we? How much control do we really have over our routines? How can we make those good habits stick (and kick the bad ones) faster? In this Episode, Drew & Liv speak with Dr. Ben Gardner, a professor in Psychology at King's College London, whose research focuses on habit formation. Follow along as we learn what a habit really is, the truth behind the "21-Day" myth, and why you shouldn’t step on three grates in a row. You c...
Caffeine with Dr. Craig Pickering
August 04, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBWith over 2 billion cups of coffee consumed globally each day, there's no denying humanity's love for caffeine. In this Episode, Drew & Liv interview Dr. Craig Pickering –Olympian turned scientist. After a career-ending injury, Dr. Pickering found a new passion and dove into researching caffeine's impact on human performance. You'll learn about the neurological mechanism behind caffeine, its prevalence in athletics, and whether or not your coffee addiction is actually a problem. You can fo...