Send us a text

Fascinating new research reveals how catching a common cold may provide surprising protection against COVID-19, reducing infection risk by 50% and viral load by tenfold. We explore the science behind this finding and why children might experience milder COVID symptoms thanks to their frequent colds.

• Recent study shows having a cold in the previous month led to 50% lower risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2
• Participants with recent colds showed tenfold lower COVID-19 viral loads
• Common colds trigger production of airway defense proteins that stay active and help fight other infections
• Children have higher activation of these defense proteins and catch colds more frequently
• "Cross protection" may explain why kids often had milder or asymptomatic COVID cases
• This was an observational study before vaccines were available

We also dive into canine obesity research, examining why 50% of US dogs are overweight and what pet parents can do about it:

• Overweight dogs may live 2.5 years less than dogs at ideal weight
• Retrievers and spaniels show 10% higher food motivation than average
• Labrador retrievers have a genetic mutation (POMC gene) that prevents feeling full
• Multi-dog households and urban environments increase food motivation
• Body condition scoring (BCS) is an underutilized clinical tool for monitoring weight
• Structured feeding times, measured portions, exercise, and food puzzles help manage weight

Our all links to social media and more!

Support the show

For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

Send us a text

The Science Podcast explores surprising research that challenges conventional wisdom about dietary protein and cancer mortality while also examining how cats with dementia could unlock mysteries of human Alzheimer's disease. Water expert Cydian Kauffman reveals shocking truths about drinking water safety standards and the presence of "forever chemicals" in our water supply.

• New study shows animal protein may have a slight protective effect against cancer mortality
• Research contradicts previous findings that animal protein increases death risk
• Plant protein showed no association with mortality rates from any cause
• Cats naturally develop amyloid beta plaques similar to those in human Alzheimer's patients
• Studying feline dementia could lead to breakthroughs for both species
• EPA's legal limits for water contaminants are higher than health limits due to cost considerations
• PFAS "forever chemicals" present in water at extremely low but harmful concentrations
• Reverse osmosis systems now more affordable for home water treatment
• Water access directly impacts gender equality in developing regions
• Testing well water crucial as dangerous contaminants like arsenic are odorless and tasteless

Pure Water Northwest

Our all links to social media and more!

Support the show

For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

Send us a text

We explore fascinating examples of mutualism in nature and therapeutic relationships between humans and animals through two distinct scientific studies.

• Squamillaria plants in Fiji function as apartment buildings for up to five different ant species
• These plants have internal chambers with separate entrances preventing deadly conflicts between rival ant colonies
• When chamber walls are broken, ants engage in fatal battles lasting only 30 minutes
• The plant benefits from ant waste providing nutrients while ants receive safe housing
• Some ant species even plant seeds in nearby bark, acting as farmers for their future homes
• Facility dogs in physical therapy settings help patients persist 2.6 minutes longer in rehabilitation tasks
• Participants without dogs at home showed even greater improvement with a facility dog present
• Dogs may improve therapy outcomes through positive distraction and emotional support
• First tasks with dogs present showed lower pain and heart rate measurements
• Our own pets Bunsen, Beaker, and Bernoulli would need training before becoming therapy animals

Our all links to social media and more!

Support the show

For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd