University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Podcast https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com Podcast from the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:05:01 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Science 1440 episodic Podcast from the University of Michigan's Museum of Natural History University of Michigan Museum of Natural History University of Michigan Museum of Natural History No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/5505232/UMMNH_stacked_3000x3000.jpg University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Podcast https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com 144 144 Special Episode: The New Cretacious Period Diorama! Special Episode: The New Cretacious Period Diorama! https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/special-episdoe-the-new-cretacious-period-diorama/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/special-episdoe-the-new-cretacious-period-diorama/#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:05:01 -0300 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/4a9c74cf-3b96-353f-b286-a1fcfc521be1 In this special episode, we dive into the story behind our new exhibit – a 12-foot ammonite diorama made from recycled materials! Created in partnership with LSA Sustainability, inspired by the original work of George Marchand, and his diorama's decades-long presence in the museum. Listen to learn about its history and what made the Cretaceous period so fascinating.

]]> In this special episode, we dive into the story behind our new exhibit – a 12-foot ammonite diorama made from recycled materials! Created in partnership with LSA Sustainability, inspired by the original work of George Marchand, and his diorama's decades-long presence in the museum. Listen to learn about its history and what made the Cretaceous period so fascinating.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 555 33 full Science Cafe: A Problem So Small You Can See It From Space Science Cafe: A Problem So Small You Can See It From Space https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-a-problem-so-small-you-can-see-it-from-space/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-a-problem-so-small-you-can-see-it-from-space/#comments Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:54:00 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/30e7771b-c1e5-3c29-9892-6b10c2ad0cf1 Do we really consume a credit card’s worth of microplastics in a week? That depends largely on how you measure it. But one thing is certain: microplastics are all around us and they’re here to stay. These plastics may be small, but understanding their impact requires research at all scales. Zooming in, microplastics are not solo actors: they host an array of plastic-associated microbes that could be unexplored reservoirs of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Microbes also degrade plastic. Zooming out, the extent of the microplastic pollution in our waterways could be detected from space using remote sensing technology. Please join Chris Ruf, Principal Investigator of the Remote Sensing Group (RSG) in the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Department (CLaSP) and graduate student Gopal Sundaram of the College of Engineering; Melissa Duhaime, Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; and members of the Duhaime Lab (Rachel Cable, Lizy Michaelson, Skyler Har), for a discussion about one of our planet’s biggest tiny problems.

]]> Do we really consume a credit card’s worth of microplastics in a week? That depends largely on how you measure it. But one thing is certain: microplastics are all around us and they’re here to stay.
These plastics may be small, but understanding their impact requires research at all scales. Zooming in, microplastics are not solo actors: they host an array of plastic-associated microbes that could be unexplored reservoirs of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Microbes also degrade plastic. Zooming out, the extent of the microplastic pollution in our waterways could be detected from space using remote sensing technology.
Please join Chris Ruf, Principal Investigator of the Remote Sensing Group (RSG) in the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Department (CLaSP) and graduate student Gopal Sundaram of the College of Engineering; Melissa Duhaime, Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; and members of the Duhaime Lab (Rachel Cable, Lizy Michaelson, Skyler Har), for a discussion about one of our planet’s biggest tiny problems.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4567 32 full Science Cafe: Disinformation, Social Media, and Elections Science Cafe: Disinformation, Social Media, and Elections https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-disinformation-social-media-and-elections/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-disinformation-social-media-and-elections/#comments Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:40:00 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/c70c3302-4f63-3f73-bcdc-a64a69102660 Where do you get your news? How do "fake news" and social media affect your perspectives? New U-M research and scholarship can help us understand the widespread impact of disinformation and bias in our current ecosystem of social media and content sources. Please join Ariel Hasell from the Communication and Media department, and Barbara McQuade of the U-M Law School, for a discussion about truth, trust, government, and how we can be effective and critical technology users and consumers. Professor McQuade has recently published the book: Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America, and books will be available for sale.

]]> Where do you get your news? How do "fake news" and social media affect your perspectives? New U-M research and scholarship can help us understand the widespread impact of disinformation and bias in our current ecosystem of social media and content sources.
Please join Ariel Hasell from the Communication and Media department, and Barbara McQuade of the U-M Law School, for a discussion about truth, trust, government, and how we can be effective and critical technology users and consumers. Professor McQuade has recently published the book: Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America, and books will be available for sale.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4592 31 full Science Café: The Future of MRNA Vaccines Science Café: The Future of MRNA Vaccines https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-the-future-of-mrna-vaccines/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-the-future-of-mrna-vaccines/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:31:42 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/d4d097ab-9a0f-38f8-9f52-25fdc6d6cc8e We have seen how mRNA vaccines have changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the occurrence of severe illness and saving lives. What is the future of this biotechnology? Join Rachel Niederer and Nils Walter of the U-M Department of Chemistry and the Center for RNA Biomedicine to learn how mRNA vaccine technology could address influenza, Ebola, and other viruses—and even help fight cancer.

]]> We have seen how mRNA vaccines have changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the occurrence of severe illness and saving lives. What is the future of this biotechnology? Join Rachel Niederer and Nils Walter of the U-M Department of Chemistry and the Center for RNA Biomedicine to learn how mRNA vaccine technology could address influenza, Ebola, and other viruses—and even help fight cancer.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4094 30 full Science Café: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Science Café: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/machine-learning-and-artificial-intelligence/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/machine-learning-and-artificial-intelligence/#comments Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:22:33 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/0fd6d6ad-c8a2-3db9-8f7e-3b3706903653 What is machine learning? Is it the same as artificial intelligence? Please join Raed Al Kontar of the U-M Department of Industrial & Operations Engineering to discuss how machine learning algorithms can be applied to distributed systems such as cars, phones, and hospitals, where data comes from many sources. 

]]> What is machine learning? Is it the same as artificial intelligence? Please join Raed Al Kontar of the U-M Department of Industrial & Operations Engineering to discuss how machine learning algorithms can be applied to distributed systems such as cars, phones, and hospitals, where data comes from many sources. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3860 29 full Science Café: Politics and Power in Your Morning Coffee Science Café: Politics and Power in Your Morning Coffee https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/water-policy-pfas-and-public-health/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/water-policy-pfas-and-public-health/#comments Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:56:55 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/40867c09-db5a-3502-8b15-409c365dd8e4 Coffee production has a history as a colonial crop, destructive to the environment. Can coffee support biodiversity and local farms? What if we teach farmers how to grow coffee sustainably? What if doing so means opposing mega-corporations, or even advocating for political independence? Learn about new research and education efforts by two U-M scientists who are intent on revolutionizing coffee production to something sustainable that benefits local communities.

 

John Vandermeer (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and Ivette Perfecto (School for Environment and Sustainability) have worked with coffee production in Mexico, and are currently working in Puerto Rico. Learn about the obstacles to this important work - this conversation may change the source of your morning brew! Bring your coffee questions.

]]> Coffee production has a history as a colonial crop, destructive to the environment. Can coffee support biodiversity and local farms? What if we teach farmers how to grow coffee sustainably? What if doing so means opposing mega-corporations, or even advocating for political independence? Learn about new research and education efforts by two U-M scientists who are intent on revolutionizing coffee production to something sustainable that benefits local communities.

 

John Vandermeer (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and Ivette Perfecto (School for Environment and Sustainability) have worked with coffee production in Mexico, and are currently working in Puerto Rico. Learn about the obstacles to this important work - this conversation may change the source of your morning brew! Bring your coffee questions.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3938 28 full Science Cafe: High Tech Bones and Buildings Science Cafe: High Tech Bones and Buildings https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/high-tech-bones-and-buildings/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/high-tech-bones-and-buildings/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:36:00 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/532862bc-ac7a-3250-8400-507d2e907e4b High-resolution 3D scans, prints, and renderings are changing the way scientists work! Please join Adam Rountrey of the U-M Museum of Paleontology and Nic Terrenato of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology for a look at the research and educational opportunities made possible by 3D imaging and printing. With accurate digital "copies" available, are the original objects more or less important? How should 3D research data be shared and preserved? Can these copies make repatriation easier? What about equitable access to collections? Enjoy a presentation and casual conversation on the changing nature of historical sciences.

]]> High-resolution 3D scans, prints, and renderings are changing the way scientists work! Please join Adam Rountrey of the U-M Museum of Paleontology and Nic Terrenato of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology for a look at the research and educational opportunities made possible by 3D imaging and printing.
With accurate digital "copies" available, are the original objects more or less important? How should 3D research data be shared and preserved? Can these copies make repatriation easier? What about equitable access to collections? Enjoy a presentation and casual conversation on the changing nature of historical sciences.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3860 27 full Science Cafe: Policy from the Pulpit? Influences on Climate Change Skepticism Science Cafe: Policy from the Pulpit? Influences on Climate Change Skepticism https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/policy-from-the-pulpit-influences-on-climate-change-skepticism/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/policy-from-the-pulpit-influences-on-climate-change-skepticism/#comments Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:11:39 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/4d675b07-fa98-3673-ba5f-320a58c9ed97 Climate change action is one of the most urgent questions we face. What influences public opinion on this issue? Recent research has shown that religious affiliation is not a consistent predictor for climate change skepticism. The exception to this rule is evangelical protestants who consistently poll as more skeptical than the general population. Do local evangelical ministers fit the trend of this larger demographic, or is there more to the story? Join Buddy Stark (Ph.D. student with the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University) to discuss how the belief structures leading to skepticism among evangelicals are more complex than we might predict. We'll consider what approaches might be useful in moving us all forward. Buddy Stark is the planetarium manager at the U-M Museum of Natural History.

]]> Climate change action is one of the most urgent questions we face. What influences public opinion on this issue? Recent research has shown that religious affiliation is not a consistent predictor for climate change skepticism. The exception to this rule is evangelical protestants who consistently poll as more skeptical than the general population. Do local evangelical ministers fit the trend of this larger demographic, or is there more to the story? Join Buddy Stark (Ph.D. student with the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University) to discuss how the belief structures leading to skepticism among evangelicals are more complex than we might predict. We'll consider what approaches might be useful in moving us all forward.
Buddy Stark is the planetarium manager at the U-M Museum of Natural History.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3599 26 full Pollinators Pollinators https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/pollinators/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/pollinators/#comments Mon, 01 Jan 2024 16:14:31 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/de787105-de6e-3c1c-b857-ea8ff2587012 Pollinators play a vital role in our food systems and are crucial to preserving the areas across the world being threatened by climate change and industrialization, but it takes more than just planting flowers to protect our pollinators.

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Fearon will walk us through the basics of pollination and pollinator health, former U-M Horticulture Supervisor Bill Kronberg will explain how the University is engaging in pollinator health through its new Bee Campus USA certification, and Matthaei Botanical Garden’s Natural Areas Specialist Steven Parrish will speak on what you can do in your very own backyard. Join host Lindsay Gooch as she speaks with these industry professionals to uncover and understand the complex and incredibly interesting world of pollinator health.

]]> Pollinators play a vital role in our food systems and are crucial to preserving the areas across the world being threatened by climate change and industrialization, but it takes more than just planting flowers to protect our pollinators.

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Fearon will walk us through the basics of pollination and pollinator health, former U-M Horticulture Supervisor Bill Kronberg will explain how the University is engaging in pollinator health through its new Bee Campus USA certification, and Matthaei Botanical Garden’s Natural Areas Specialist Steven Parrish will speak on what you can do in your very own backyard. Join host Lindsay Gooch as she speaks with these industry professionals to uncover and understand the complex and incredibly interesting world of pollinator health.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 1668 24 full Science Cafe: Extreme Science! Dark Matter and Dark Energy Research Science Cafe: Extreme Science! Dark Matter and Dark Energy Research https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/extreme-science-dark-matter-and-dark-energy-research/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/extreme-science-dark-matter-and-dark-energy-research/#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:16:52 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/43144f79-6e6d-3f0d-babc-651395bbc98e Sometimes scientists must go to the ends of the earth, and even deep underground, to see the unseen! Join us and meet two charismatic researchers from the U-M Department of Physics who do just that. Bjoern Penning studies dark matter a mile underground in the former Homestake gold mine in Lead, South Dakota, using Lux-Zeplin, the world's most sensitive dark matter experiment. Marcelle Soares Santos contributed to the construction of the Dark Energy Camera on a mountaintop in Chile, one of the largest telescope cameras in the world, which she now employs to search for gravitational wave-emitting collisions of neutron stars and black holes. Bring your physics questions for this exciting conversation!

]]> Sometimes scientists must go to the ends of the earth, and even deep underground, to see the unseen! Join us and meet two charismatic researchers from the U-M Department of Physics who do just that. Bjoern Penning studies dark matter a mile underground in the former Homestake gold mine in Lead, South Dakota, using Lux-Zeplin, the world's most sensitive dark matter experiment. Marcelle Soares Santos contributed to the construction of the Dark Energy Camera on a mountaintop in Chile, one of the largest telescope cameras in the world, which she now employs to search for gravitational wave-emitting collisions of neutron stars and black holes. Bring your physics questions for this exciting conversation!

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4074 23 full Science Café: Climate Solutions: Renewable Energy Storage and Carbon Capture Science Café: Climate Solutions: Renewable Energy Storage and Carbon Capture https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/climate-solutions-renewable-energy-storage-and-carbon-capture/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/climate-solutions-renewable-energy-storage-and-carbon-capture/#comments Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:42:53 -0300 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/a0de5ba6-2f0f-3152-bbd3-6dfe2bcb08df How can renewables such as wind and solar energy produce power for use when the sun isn't shining or the wind ebbs? How can we capture the carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere?

Join Charles McCrory of the U-M Department of Chemistry and David Kwabi of the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering to discuss new research on renewable energy storage: using renewable electricity to charge batteries and produce chemical fuels like hydrogen that can be used for later energy generation.

We'll also discuss how renewable energy may be used to mitigate climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, or converting it into useful products.

]]> How can renewables such as wind and solar energy produce power for use when the sun isn't shining or the wind ebbs? How can we capture the carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere?

Join Charles McCrory of the U-M Department of Chemistry and David Kwabi of the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering to discuss new research on renewable energy storage: using renewable electricity to charge batteries and produce chemical fuels like hydrogen that can be used for later energy generation.

We'll also discuss how renewable energy may be used to mitigate climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, or converting it into useful products.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3457 22 full Science Café: Mapping ocean biodiversity hotspots Science Café: Mapping ocean biodiversity hotspots https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-mapping-ocean-biodiversity-hotspots/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-mapping-ocean-biodiversity-hotspots/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:25:28 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/991a2621-3278-3314-a70e-db353ecd3a97 How does ocean biodiversity change over deep time? Join Matt Friedman, director of the U-M Museum of Paleontology, and Hernán López-Fernández, chair for collections and curator of fishes in the U-M Museum of Zoology. We will discuss how Matt uses old fossil fishes to answer new questions about biodiversity hotspots in ancient oceans. Hernán will help us consider how this research can shed light on the biodiversity changes we see today.

Originally recorded November 16, 2022

]]> How does ocean biodiversity change over deep time? Join Matt Friedman, director of the U-M Museum of Paleontology, and Hernán López-Fernández, chair for collections and curator of fishes in the U-M Museum of Zoology. We will discuss how Matt uses old fossil fishes to answer new questions about biodiversity hotspots in ancient oceans. Hernán will help us consider how this research can shed light on the biodiversity changes we see today.

Originally recorded November 16, 2022

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4090 21 full Science Café: Of the Galaxy, and Beyond—Photos from the Webb telescope Science Café: Of the Galaxy, and Beyond—Photos from the Webb telescope https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-of-the-galaxy-and-beyond%e2%80%94photos-from-the-webb-telescope/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-of-the-galaxy-and-beyond%e2%80%94photos-from-the-webb-telescope/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:20:29 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/2da408ca-44d8-3448-a3dc-f62e02ea18de The James Webb Space Telescope increases the clarity and resolution of space photography, both within our galaxy and beyond. What do these photos tell us so far and what can we expect in the future? What does it take to put a project like this together? Join Professor and Chair Ted Bergin from the U-M Department of Astronomy as we celebrate the return of Science Cafés with an out-of-this-world conversation.

 

Originally recorded on October 26, 2022. 

]]> The James Webb Space Telescope increases the clarity and resolution of space photography, both within our galaxy and beyond. What do these photos tell us so far and what can we expect in the future? What does it take to put a project like this together? Join Professor and Chair Ted Bergin from the U-M Department of Astronomy as we celebrate the return of Science Cafés with an out-of-this-world conversation.

 

Originally recorded on October 26, 2022. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4535 20 full Science Café: Something Fishy in Lake Michigan Science Café: Something Fishy in Lake Michigan https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-something-fishy-in-lake-michigan-1582655840/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/science-cafe-something-fishy-in-lake-michigan-1582655840/#comments Tue, 25 Feb 2020 14:38:22 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/b96ae79d-be50-5589-b1ee-fad9e02c5d23 Great Lakes fisheries are managed intensively to reduce nutrients from fertilizer runoff and to increase game fish populations such as trout and salmon. When you add invasive species such as non-native mussels and the possibility of carp, we have a very fragile system. Join us to discuss the past, present, and possible futures of Lake Michigan fisheries with Bo Bunnell of the U.S.G.S. Great Lakes Science Center and U-M School for Environment and Sustainability, Yu-Chun Kao of MSU's Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, and Ed Rutherford of the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab.

Originally recorded on February 19, 2020. 

]]> Great Lakes fisheries are managed intensively to reduce nutrients from fertilizer runoff and to increase game fish populations such as trout and salmon. When you add invasive species such as non-native mussels and the possibility of carp, we have a very fragile system. Join us to discuss the past, present, and possible futures of Lake Michigan fisheries with Bo Bunnell of the U.S.G.S. Great Lakes Science Center and U-M School for Environment and Sustainability, Yu-Chun Kao of MSU's Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, and Ed Rutherford of the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab.

Originally recorded on February 19, 2020. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4272 19 full Science Café: DNA, Chromosome Structure, and Health Science Café: DNA, Chromosome Structure, and Health https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/dna-chromosome-structure-and-health/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/dna-chromosome-structure-and-health/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:06:42 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/b5ef7390-1e89-5527-8ab6-60f2d0292346 If you stretched the DNA in one human cell all the way out, it would be about two meters long. How does all that DNA fit into one tiny cell? How does the way it is packaged matter for human health? Join Gyorgyi Csankovszki of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology for a discussion of current research into basic cellular biology and the implications this research may have on human health. This Science Café is part of a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Originally recorded on January 22, 2020. 

]]> If you stretched the DNA in one human cell all the way out, it would be about two meters long. How does all that DNA fit into one tiny cell? How does the way it is packaged matter for human health? Join Gyorgyi Csankovszki of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology for a discussion of current research into basic cellular biology and the implications this research may have on human health. This Science Café is part of a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Originally recorded on January 22, 2020. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4422 1 17 full Science Café: The Secrets of Birds Science Café: The Secrets of Birds https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-secrets-of-birds/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-secrets-of-birds/#comments Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:43:12 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/the-secrets-of-birds-dde74ab088b985507dd2e624aebfbb21 Hidden in the feathers of museum specimens of birds is information on the air quality of past decades - very detailed information. These specimens also contain evidence of the impacts of recent climate change on birds. What do these birds have to say? Join Shane DuBay and Ben Winger of the U-M Museum of Zoology to discuss what bird specimens can tell us about air quality, climate change impacts, and what we can all do to help rapidly declining bird populations now.

Originally recorded on October 16, 2019.

]]> Hidden in the feathers of museum specimens of birds is information on the air quality of past decades - very detailed information. These specimens also contain evidence of the impacts of recent climate change on birds. What do these birds have to say? Join Shane DuBay and Ben Winger of the U-M Museum of Zoology to discuss what bird specimens can tell us about air quality, climate change impacts, and what we can all do to help rapidly declining bird populations now.

Originally recorded on October 16, 2019.

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4065 1 16 full Science Café: What does water sustainability have to do with microbes? Science Café: What does water sustainability have to do with microbes? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/what-does-water-sustainability-have-to-do-with-microbes/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/what-does-water-sustainability-have-to-do-with-microbes/#comments Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:41:26 -0400 umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/what-does-water-sustainability-have-to-do-with-microbes-7df248d848d46ad64a3924271b401a6a Microbes in the water take carbon from the atmosphere, break down plastics, and even cause and prevent toxic algae blooms. Join Dr. Melissa Duhaime of the U-M's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and members of her lab team to discuss the ecology of aquatic microbes, and how what we learn about them now could have huge impacts on our future.

Originally recorded November 20, 2019.

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> Microbes in the water take carbon from the atmosphere, break down plastics, and even cause and prevent toxic algae blooms. Join Dr. Melissa Duhaime of the U-M's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and members of her lab team to discuss the ecology of aquatic microbes, and how what we learn about them now could have huge impacts on our future.

Originally recorded November 20, 2019.

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4131 1 15 full Science Café: You’re the scientist now! Citizen and community science in a connected world Science Café: You’re the scientist now! Citizen and community science in a connected world https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/you-re-the-scientist-now-citizen-and-community-science-in-a-connected-world/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/you-re-the-scientist-now-citizen-and-community-science-in-a-connected-world/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:14:43 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/you-re-the-scientist-now-citizen-and-community-science-in-a-connected-world-0cdb379028e3f441cb865926158cdae7 Have you ever helped with research by doing a Christmas bird count, helping to identify photos for an online project, or participating in local water testing? Join us as we explore the potential roles of citizen and community science projects in scientific research and public policy. We’ll highlight some U-M projects, with opportunities for involvement. 

  • Nyeema Harris - Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab (U-M Ann Arbor)
  • Marty Kaufman -  Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment (U-M Flint); 
  • Natalie Sampson - Department of Health & Human Services (U-M Dearborn)
  • Justin Schell - Shapiro Design Lab (U-M Ann Arbor Library)

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> Have you ever helped with research by doing a Christmas bird count, helping to identify photos for an online project, or participating in local water testing? Join us as we explore the potential roles of citizen and community science projects in scientific research and public policy. We’ll highlight some U-M projects, with opportunities for involvement. 

  • Nyeema Harris - Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab (U-M Ann Arbor)
  • Marty Kaufman -  Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment (U-M Flint); 
  • Natalie Sampson - Department of Health & Human Services (U-M Dearborn)
  • Justin Schell - Shapiro Design Lab (U-M Ann Arbor Library)

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3784 1 1 full Science Café: Politics and Psychology from Mussolini to the Alt-Right Science Café: Politics and Psychology from Mussolini to the Alt-Right https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/politics-and-psychology-from-mussolini-to-the-alt-right/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/politics-and-psychology-from-mussolini-to-the-alt-right/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:14:24 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/politics-and-psychology-from-mussolini-to-the-alt-right-eba764fbea27d09699d693224cf218e4 A discussion of the history and social psychology of nationalist and fascist politics and what light this scholarship may or may not shed on current events. 

  • Joshua Rabinowitz, lecturer, U-M Psychology Department
  • Dario Gaggio, professor, U-M History Department

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> A discussion of the history and social psychology of nationalist and fascist politics and what light this scholarship may or may not shed on current events. 

  • Joshua Rabinowitz, lecturer, U-M Psychology Department
  • Dario Gaggio, professor, U-M History Department

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3855 1 12 full Science Café: Designer Genes? Genetic engineering in the age of CRISPR Science Café: Designer Genes? Genetic engineering in the age of CRISPR https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/designer-genes-genetic-engineering-in-the-age-of-crispr/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/designer-genes-genetic-engineering-in-the-age-of-crispr/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:14:13 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/designer-genes-genetic-engineering-in-the-age-of-crispr-22193eb041ca815f809389a5e007ee7e New technology makes gene editing easier. Its use is being explored to correct diseases caused by genetic mutations, to fight cancer, and even to learn about human evolutionary adaptations, and its potential is amazing. We'll explore the capabilities and research that CRISPR Cas9 gene editing brings, as well as its ethical, legal, and social implications.

  • Jody Platt, Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Health Sciences at the U-M Medical School
  • Daniel Thiel, doctoral student at the U-M School of Public Health and Department of Sociology
  • Thom Saunders, Director of the U-M Transgenic Animal Model Core

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> New technology makes gene editing easier. Its use is being explored to correct diseases caused by genetic mutations, to fight cancer, and even to learn about human evolutionary adaptations, and its potential is amazing. We'll explore the capabilities and research that CRISPR Cas9 gene editing brings, as well as its ethical, legal, and social implications.

  • Jody Platt, Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Health Sciences at the U-M Medical School
  • Daniel Thiel, doctoral student at the U-M School of Public Health and Department of Sociology
  • Thom Saunders, Director of the U-M Transgenic Animal Model Core

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3919 1 2 full Science Café: Postcards from the Anthropocene Science Café: Postcards from the Anthropocene https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/postcards-from-the-anthropocene/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/postcards-from-the-anthropocene/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:13:55 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/postcards-from-the-anthropocene-f088e27974848557de555f0e24cd5a27 Human beings have changed Earth so extensively that geologists now propose renaming our current epoch as the Anthropocene—the era defined by people. Human influences are apparent in the shape of landscapes, the extent of biodiversity, ocean chemistry, and our climate. We will explore the history of human influence on Earth and the ideas driving the concept of the Age of Humans, taking time to discuss consequences and implications for our future world.

  • Julia Cole, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Naomi Levin, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> Human beings have changed Earth so extensively that geologists now propose renaming our current epoch as the Anthropocene—the era defined by people. Human influences are apparent in the shape of landscapes, the extent of biodiversity, ocean chemistry, and our climate. We will explore the history of human influence on Earth and the ideas driving the concept of the Age of Humans, taking time to discuss consequences and implications for our future world.

  • Julia Cole, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Naomi Levin, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3919 1 4 full Science Café: An Archaeology of Migration Science Café: An Archaeology of Migration https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/an-archaeology-of-migration/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/an-archaeology-of-migration/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:13:40 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/an-archaeology-of-migration-415422b60b5d76804181712047275cca What are the stories of contemporary Latin American migration, and how do we uncover them? What can these stories tell us about borders, their impact, and the struggles of many families to find a new life? How can such stories inform policy and/or political action?

  • Jason De Leon, U-M Department of Anthropology

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> What are the stories of contemporary Latin American migration, and how do we uncover them? What can these stories tell us about borders, their impact, and the struggles of many families to find a new life? How can such stories inform policy and/or political action?

  • Jason De Leon, U-M Department of Anthropology

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4324 1 5 full Science Café: What Cost, Basic Research? Science Café: What Cost, Basic Research? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/what-cost-basic-research/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/what-cost-basic-research/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:13:25 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/what-cost-basic-research-8a3e6c1170827e0acb5b27741dbf6414 Basic science research seeks to improve our understanding of the world, without any direct, obvious application. Much of it is funded by government grants, including those from the National Science Foundation.  That funding may soon face cuts. A discussion on how much we spend on such research, what the rationale is, and what the implications of such cuts might be.  

  • Meghan Duffy, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Kristin Koutmou, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> Basic science research seeks to improve our understanding of the world, without any direct, obvious application. Much of it is funded by government grants, including those from the National Science Foundation.  That funding may soon face cuts. A discussion on how much we spend on such research, what the rationale is, and what the implications of such cuts might be.  

  • Meghan Duffy, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Kristin Koutmou, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3065 1 6 full Science Café: Oil and Soil: The Forces of Climate Change Science Café: Oil and Soil: The Forces of Climate Change https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/oil-and-soil-the-forces-of-climate-change/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/oil-and-soil-the-forces-of-climate-change/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:13:10 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/oil-and-soil-the-forces-of-climate-change-3d818899b100841f8873be454bd7eb78 A discussion on the politics of oil, water, and food production and how they are deeply intertwined with human-caused climate change and political upheaval, especially in the Middle East.  

  • Jennifer Blesh, Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability, U-M School for Environment and Sustainability
  • Juan Cole, Professor of History and Director for U-M Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies 

Sponsored by Science for the People and MC²: Michigan & the Climate Crisis which is presented in conjunction with the Bicentennial LSA Theme Semester.

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> A discussion on the politics of oil, water, and food production and how they are deeply intertwined with human-caused climate change and political upheaval, especially in the Middle East.  

  • Jennifer Blesh, Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability, U-M School for Environment and Sustainability
  • Juan Cole, Professor of History and Director for U-M Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies 

Sponsored by Science for the People and MC²: Michigan & the Climate Crisis which is presented in conjunction with the Bicentennial LSA Theme Semester.

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4017 1 7 full Lecture: The Human Era: Living in the Anthropocene Lecture: The Human Era: Living in the Anthropocene https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-human-era-living-in-the-anthropocene/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-human-era-living-in-the-anthropocene/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:12:49 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/the-human-era-living-in-the-anthropocene-d9465c296aca5418ed841bce13bf8e19 Today's geologic era—the Anthropocene—is dominated by human activity. In this talk, Ben van der Pluijm explored the impacts of a growing human population and our increasing needs for resources, such as food, water and energy, and solutions toward a thriving human society in this new era.

  • Ben van der Pluijm, B.R. Clark Collegiate Professor, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> Today's geologic era—the Anthropocene—is dominated by human activity. In this talk, Ben van der Pluijm explored the impacts of a growing human population and our increasing needs for resources, such as food, water and energy, and solutions toward a thriving human society in this new era.

  • Ben van der Pluijm, B.R. Clark Collegiate Professor, U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3661 1 8 full Science Café: Safeguarding Science: Expanding Access to Public Data Science Café: Safeguarding Science: Expanding Access to Public Data https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/safeguarding-science-expanding-access-to-public-data/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/safeguarding-science-expanding-access-to-public-data/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:12:34 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/safeguarding-science-expanding-access-to-public-data-6178fca60aee5148e3801f7744d1e82a A discussion with U-M faculty and librarians participating in the national DataRefuge project, which looks to preserve, organize, and increase access to publicly-funded research data.

  • Jake Carlson, Research Data Services Manager, U-M Library
  • Paul Edwards, Professor of Information, School of Information and Professor of History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
  • Catherine Morse, Government Information, Law and Political Science Librarian
  • Justin Schell, Director, Shapiro Design Lab, U-M Library

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> A discussion with U-M faculty and librarians participating in the national DataRefuge project, which looks to preserve, organize, and increase access to publicly-funded research data.

  • Jake Carlson, Research Data Services Manager, U-M Library
  • Paul Edwards, Professor of Information, School of Information and Professor of History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
  • Catherine Morse, Government Information, Law and Political Science Librarian
  • Justin Schell, Director, Shapiro Design Lab, U-M Library

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4324 1 9 full Science Café: Can Nutrition, Stress, and Environmental Exposures Change Your DNA? Science Café: Can Nutrition, Stress, and Environmental Exposures Change Your DNA? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/can-nutrition-stress-and-environmental-exposures-change-your-dna/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/can-nutrition-stress-and-environmental-exposures-change-your-dna/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:12:18 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/can-nutrition-stress-and-environmental-exposures-change-your-dna-7b4faa847d0edcc8d1448494ce295a87 A discussion on the biological effects of past nutrition, stress, and toxicant exposures on our health and well-being. Are these changes heritable? Can diet and exercise protect our DNA?

  • Kelly Bakulski and Dana Dolinoy of the U-M School of Public Health
  • Srijan Sen of the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan Medicine

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> A discussion on the biological effects of past nutrition, stress, and toxicant exposures on our health and well-being. Are these changes heritable? Can diet and exercise protect our DNA?

  • Kelly Bakulski and Dana Dolinoy of the U-M School of Public Health
  • Srijan Sen of the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan Medicine

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3907 1 10 full Science Café: Ancient Climates, Future Climates: What Can the Deep Past Tell Us? Science Café: Ancient Climates, Future Climates: What Can the Deep Past Tell Us? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/ancient-climates-future-climates%e2%80%93what-can-the-deep-past-tell-us/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/ancient-climates-future-climates%e2%80%93what-can-the-deep-past-tell-us/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:09:56 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/ancient-climates-future-climates%e2%80%93what-can-the-deep-past-tell-us-8e1e5ab5c0ea6656e7ac19f43083851c A discussion on how the Earth's climate has changed many times, and the mechanisms of these changes may shed light on what we can expect in the future.  

  • Chris Poulsen, Professor and Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Nathan Sheldon, Associate Professor Earth and Environmental Sciences, Associate Director of the Program in the Environment

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> A discussion on how the Earth's climate has changed many times, and the mechanisms of these changes may shed light on what we can expect in the future.  

  • Chris Poulsen, Professor and Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Nathan Sheldon, Associate Professor Earth and Environmental Sciences, Associate Director of the Program in the Environment

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3855 1 11 full Science Café: Has Particle Physics Fizzled? Science Café: Has Particle Physics Fizzled? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/has-particle-physics-fizzled/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/has-particle-physics-fizzled/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:09:23 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/has-particle-physics-fizzled-d140579be086a9fd9001469cf58f6afd In 2012, physicists at large particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) found evidence of the Higgs boson, long predicted by the Standard Model in physics. But since then, they have yet to find evidence of other predicted particles.

  • Dante Amidei, U-M Professor of Physics 
  • Aaron Pierce, U-M Professor of Physics and Director of the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> In 2012, physicists at large particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) found evidence of the Higgs boson, long predicted by the Standard Model in physics. But since then, they have yet to find evidence of other predicted particles.

  • Dante Amidei, U-M Professor of Physics 
  • Aaron Pierce, U-M Professor of Physics and Director of the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4167 1 13 full Science Café: The Bristle Mammoth Discovery Science Café: The Bristle Mammoth Discovery https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-bristle-mammoth-discovery/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/the-bristle-mammoth-discovery/#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 14:08:47 -0400 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/the-bristle-mammoth-discovery-62cee398d32df29bcd3913a851639edc In the fall of 2015, a farmer near Chelsea discovered part of a mammoth skeleton and donated it to U-M.  U-M scientists discussed the excavation and early research on the Bristle Mammoth -- named for Jim and Melody Bristle on whose land it was found.

  • Professor Daniel C. Fisher, Director of the U-M Museum of Paleontology
  • Adam Rountrey, Collection Manager for Vertebrate Fossils, U-M Museum of Paleontology

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> In the fall of 2015, a farmer near Chelsea discovered part of a mammoth skeleton and donated it to U-M.  U-M scientists discussed the excavation and early research on the Bristle Mammoth -- named for Jim and Melody Bristle on whose land it was found.

  • Professor Daniel C. Fisher, Director of the U-M Museum of Paleontology
  • Adam Rountrey, Collection Manager for Vertebrate Fossils, U-M Museum of Paleontology

For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

]]> University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 3476 1 14 full Science Café: Cyanobacteria: Toxic tide or treasure? Science Café: Cyanobacteria: Toxic tide or treasure? https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/cyanobacteria-toxic-tide-or-treasure/ https://umnaturalhistory.podbean.com/e/cyanobacteria-toxic-tide-or-treasure/#comments Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:30:12 -0300 umsciencecafe.podbean.com/cyanobacteria-toxic-tide-or-treasure-bc325ae671bf3b7f324a3dc7b7ed8dec
  • Vincent Denef of the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Anthony Vecchiarelli of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

    • For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

    ]]>
  • Vincent Denef of the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Anthony Vecchiarelli of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

    • For more information on future Science Cafes, please visit our website. 

    ]]>     University of Michigan Museum of Natural History false No 4290 1 3 full