Tag: blood

• Mosquito Magnets

  Scientists have known that mosquitos are drawn to people at varying rates, but they have struggled to explain what makes certain people “mosquito magnets” while others get off bite-free. In a new paper published in the journal Cell, researchers suggest that certain body odors are the deciding factor. Jeff and Anthony draw out as much wisdom as they can from this vein, sucking every last morsel of insight. [more]

  December 19, 2022Episodes

• Mutating Astronaut Blood, A Cautionary Tale

  Researchers at NASA have been holding on to astronaut blood for 20 years. But that's not the story. The story is that over that period, the blood has been mutating. Anthony and Jeff discuss this new wrinkle in the dangers of space travel - and space colonization - and how some very smart people are thinking about it. [more]

  September 30, 2022Episodes

• Xenobots and Space Crime

  The US scientists who created the first living robots say the life forms, known as xenobots, can now reproduce in a way not seen in plants and animals. Anthony and Jeff step through this discovery and what it could mean for humanity. Then, it appears NASA is investigating first allegation of crime in space. Jeff and Anthony speculate on how this might play out, and what the future of intergalactic criminality could look like. [more]

  December 20, 2021Episodes

• Stressful Interruptions and Sky Diamonds

  New research suggests that micro interruptions during your day can have both mental a physical health impacts. Anthony and Jeff discuss the stress of being interrupted, as they both interrupt each other constantly. Then, what if we could make real diamonds and save the planet at the same time? One UK billionaire has a company to farm materials from the sky to create carbon negative diamonds. Jeff and Anthony get excited, then wonder where this man's secret underground lair might be. [more]

  November 13, 2020Episodes

• High Blood Treasure

  James Harrison, an Australian man whose blood contains a rare antibody that can create a treatment that saves babies' lives, has donated plasma one last time. Harrison, known as "the man with a golden arm," has donated blood and plasma regularly for more than six decades, from age 18 to age 81. The service estimates that over the course of his life, he has helped save some 2.4 million babies. Jeff and Anthony want to try some of that sweet, sweet blood. [more]

  May 21, 2018Episodes