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PNAS Science Sessions

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Welcome to Science Sessions, the PNAS podcast program. Listen to brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in PNAS, plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us.

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  • 21 episodes
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  • English

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  • August 17 · 10 min

    Economic toll of declining MMR vaccination

    Economic costs of measles outbreaks Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Alison Galvani explains the costs of waning measles vaccination rates. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[01:12] Epidemiologist Alison Galvani introduces the MMR vaccine and describes its efficacy. •[02:23] Galvani recounts the changes in MMR vaccination rates in recent years. •[03:56] She describes how the researchers modeled the economic impacts of measles outbreaks. •[05:49] Galvani talks about what the economic impacts look like in everyday life. •[06:39] She talks about the findings regarding the costs of measles outbreaks in 2025. •[07:06] Galvani enumerates the costs of a percentage decrease in vaccination rates. •[08:06] She lists the takeaways from the study, including the disproportionate societal effects of a small decrease in vaccination rates. •[08:58] She lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:13] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Alison Galvani Director, Center of Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis Yale School of Public Health View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2605971123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • August 3 · 10 min

    Geochemical record of subduction

    Evidence of early plate tectonics Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Brad Peters explores what we can learn from the journey of sediments from the early Earth through the rock cycle. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[01:04] Geochemist Brad Peters tells us about the Marquesas Archipelago and why is it a place of interest for geologists. •[02:42] He recounts evidence suggesting that one component of the Marquesas lavas was recycled sediment from the early Earth. •[04:59] Peters walks us through the likely journey of this sediment from its origins to its eruption on the Marquesas Archipelago. •[06:24] He explains what this lava tells us about the tectonic processes that were active four billion years ago. •[07:43] Peters summarizes how this result is different than what we previously thought about the inception of plate tectonics. •[08:19] He talks about what the results mean for the story of the early Earth. •[09:13] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:09] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Brad Peters Postdoctoral researcher ETH Zurich View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2500506123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • July 20 · 9 min

    Origins of bread wheat

    Domestication of wheat Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, David Lordkipanidze recounts archaeological findings from Georgia expanding the history of bread wheat. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[00:51] Archaeologist and paleobotanist David Lordkipanidze tells about the archaeological sites where wheat samples were found. •[02:53] He talks about methods for identifying plant grains among archeological artifacts. •[04:49] Lordkipanidze explains the significance of finding bread wheat and goat grass grains together. •[06:45] He talks about how the findings change the origin story of bread wheat. •[08:28] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:24] Conclusion. About Our Guest: David Lordkipanidze Director Georgia National Museum View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2537697123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • June 15 · 13 min

    Using AI to predict the weather

    Using AI to predict the weather Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, researchers discuss advances in AI-enabled weather forecasting. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:12] Jeffrey Shrader explains what 48 expert forecasters had to say about how weather predictions might further improve through 2100, including the potential role of AI. •[03:43] Ignacio Lopez-Gomez explains how he used generative AI to downscale large-scale earth system models into finer-scale regional climate projections. •[05:35] Xiaofeng Li explains how he used a machine learning model to forecast whether tropical cyclones will rapidly intensify. •[07:40] Hui Su explains what nowcasting is and how her deep diffusion model works. •[09:52] Pedram Hassanzadeh explains what grey swans are and why they may be challenging for AI to predict. •[10:47] Qiang Sun explains how he and his colleagues tested the ability of AI to predict gray swans. •[12:28] Final thoughts and conclusion. About Our Guests: Jeffrey Shrader Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs Columbia University Ignacio Lopez-Gomez Research Scientist Google Xiaofeng Li Research Scientist Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Hui Su Chair Professor Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Pedram Hassanzadeh Associate Professor University of Chicago Qiang Sun Research Scientist University of Chicago View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2523372123 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2420288122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2415501122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2517520122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2420914122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • June 1 · 10 min

    Brain function after cryopreservation

    Cryopreservation of brain tissue structures Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Alexander German explains how to cryopreserve brain tissue through vitrification. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[01:14] Physician-scientist Alexander German introduces the problems with traditional cryopreservation methods. •[02:22] German explains why we cryopreserve tissue. •[03:23] He tells about vitrification and why it's different than traditional cryopreservation. •[04:13] German explains why osmotic stress is a concern in cryopreservation. •[04:51] He talks about how the protocol minimizes damage to brain structures and tissues. •[06:26] He recounts the tests they performed to evaluate the preservation and function of the vitrified tissues. •[07:03] German describes the usefulness of vitrification. •[08:48] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:03] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Alexander German Resident Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2516848123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • May 18 · 10 min

    Paleoecology of Doggerland

    The lost forests of Doggerland Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Robin Allaby explores the paleoecology of the submerged area known as Doggerland. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[01:10] Evolutionary biologist Robin Allaby introduces the location of Doggerland and history of its exploration. •[02:58] He introduces sedimentary DNA, including how it can be used to reconstruct paleoecology. •[03:43] Allaby describes the methods of the study. •[05:18] He introduces the primary findings about the plant and animal life of Doggerland. •[06:14] He describes the surprising find of Pterocarya in Doggerland. •[08:07] Allaby discusses the habitability of Doggerland for Mesolithic societies. •[09:38] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:13] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Robin Allaby Professor University of Warwick View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2508402123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • May 4 · 10 min

    AI in scholarly publishing

    Generative AI and scientific journals Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Yi Bu explores how generative AI has changed academic publishing. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[00:50] Computational social scientist Yi Bu tells about the policies academic journals have introduced to address generative AI. •[02:17] Bu describes the dataset he analyzed and his findings regarding journals' policies. •[04:07] He answers the question: Did journal policies have any effect on AI usage? •[05:39] Bu talks about how the rate of AI disclosure compares with estimates of probable AI use. •[06:53] He explains the takeaway for journal editors and the scientific community at large. •[07:27] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:11] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Yi Bu Assistant Professor Peking University View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2526734123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • April 20 · 10 min

    Genomic history of the Golden Horde

    Genomics of the Golden Horde Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Ayken Askapuli explains genomic insights into the ancestors and descendants of the Golden Horde. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[00:56] Population geneticist Ayken Askapuli introduces the Golden Horde. •[02:01] He describes the individuals in the mausoleums whose DNA the team sampled. •[04:11] Askapuli explains findings about the modern populations the Golden Horde individuals were related to. •[05:08] He then explains findings about the Y chromosome characteristics of the Golden Horde individuals. •[06:14] Askapuli talks about what the results say about the ancestry of the Golden Horde. •[06:48] He describes how the results aid understanding of population genetics in central Eurasia. •[08:10] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:53] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Ayken Askapuli PhD candidate University of Wisconsin-Madison View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2531003123 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • April 6 · 10 min

    Concrete and carbon uptake

    How much carbon dioxide concrete can absorb Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Hessam Azarijafari explains the extent to which concrete can absorb carbon dioxide over its lifecycle. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction. •[00:56] Construction engineer Hessam Azarijafari introduces us to the recipe for concrete. •[01:41] He explains how concrete absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan, and why this absorption is important. •[02:52] Azarijafari talks about the background of the study. •[03:45] He describes the model built for the study and the data source. •[05:59] Azarijafari tells the study's results, including variation in absorption across sectors and between the US and Mexico. •[07:41] He compares this analysis with previous estimates of concrete carbon absorption. •[08:25] He explains the takeaways from this study for policymakers and the concrete industry. •[09:36] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:19] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Hessam Azarijafari Research Scientist Massachusetts Institute of Technology View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2515116122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • March 23 · 10 min

    Reconstructing extinct species' sense of smell

    Determining how well extinct animals could smell Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Quentin Martinez describes a reconstruction of olfactory capabilities in extinct mammals. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:14] Evolutionary biologist Quentin Martinez tell why we want to reconstruct olfaction in extinct animals. •[02:35] He introduces the olfactory bulb endocast, or space within the skull that contained the olfactory bulb, and explains why it's important in evaluating olfaction in extinct animals. •[04:24] Martinez talks about studying the genomics of chemoreceptor genes, in addition to the bony structure of the olfactory bulb endocast. •[05:23] He tells about the results of the study. •[07:46] Martinez lists possible insights from reconstructing extinct animals' olfaction. •[08:53] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:16] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Quentin Martinez Postdoctoral researcher Natural History Museum, Stuttgart, Germany View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2510575122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • February 23 · 9 min

    The hidden costs of AI

    Hidden sustainability costs of AI Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, researchers describe the sustainability impact of AI data centers. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:20] Bronis de Supinski describes how the energy demands of AI data centers have increased in recent years and why improvements in data center energy efficiency will not necessarily reduce total energy expenditures •[03:08] Eric Masanet explains the difficulty of tracking and projecting the energy usage of AI data centers. •[05:12] Shaolei Ren describes the water usage and air pollution associated with AI data centers. •[07:30] Tevfik Kosar explains how AI might be leveraged as a tool to help address climate change and sustainability challenges. •[09:00] Final thoughts and conclusion. About Our Guests: Bronis de Supinski Chief Technology Officer Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Eric Masanet Professor University of California Santa Barbara Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Shaolei Ren Associate Professor University of California Riverside Tevfik Kosar Professor University at Buffalo Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • February 9 · 9 min

    How mosquitoes time their bites

    Molecular regulation of mosquito biting timing Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Laura Duvall introduces a potential pathway for disrupting the biting behavior of mosquitoes. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[00:57] Mosquito neuroscientist Laura Duvall introduces us to the normal biting behavior of mosquitoes. •[02:46] She tells why the biting behavior of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is of particular interest. •[03:24] Duvall describes findings regarding how mosquitoes' responses to CO2 vary over times of day. •[05:37] She introduces the PDF peptide that might be regulating timing of biting behavior and explains how losing that peptide changed mosquitoes' behavior. •[08:07] Duvall talks about the takeaways from the study for control of mosquito-borne illnesses. •[08:53] She lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:26] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Laura Duvall Assistant Professor Columbia University View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2520826122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • January 26 · 10 min

    Impact of flu vaccines on hospital burden

    How well flu vaccines protect public health Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Lauren Meyers explains what the 2022-2023 influenza season taught us about the effectiveness of flu vaccines. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:16] Computational epidemiologist Lauren Meyers introduces the health and hospitalization burden of seasonal influenza. •[01:47] She defines vaccine effectiveness. •[02:37] Meyers describes the features of the 2022-2023 flu season. •[04:05] She describes how the researchers estimated the hospitalizations prevented by vaccination. •[05:11] Meyers tells how vaccination of young adults protected adults over 65 years of age. •[06:56] She describes the takeaways of the study for future flu seasons. •[08:08] Meyers lists the caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:49] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Lauren Meyers Professor University of Texas at Austin View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2505175122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • January 12 · 9 min

    Secrets of Earth's climate in six-million-year-old ice

    Air quality and pet health Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Sarah Shackleton shares climate lessons learned from 6 million-year-old ice. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:02] Paleoclimate and ice scientist Sarah Shackleton introduces the information researchers can glean from ice cores. •[02:02] She recounts the age extent of previous ice cores. •[03:03] Shackleton describes the Allan Hills Ice Area. •[04:35] She describes the method for ascertaining the age of air in an ice core. •[05:49] She explains the results of the study and the insights into the climate in Antarctica over the last 6 million years. •[06:32] Shackleton talks about the ice at the base of the core, and the research implications of the study. •[08:13] Caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:11] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Sarah Shackleton Assistant scientist Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2502681122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Dec 29, 2025 · 10 min

    China, ascendent

    China's science leadership Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, James Evans explains how and why China's leadership in global science is rising. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[00:56] Social and complex systems scientist James Evans recounts the recent history of the trajectories of science in the U.S. and in China. •[01:50] He explains how to measure a country's scientific leadership and introduces the data sources used in the study. •[04:18] Evans tells the results of the study, and talks about some areas of science in which China's leadership has particularly advanced. •[06:20] He lists the key takeaways from the study for policymakers and the benefits of global science engagement. •[08:47] Evans talks about the caveats and limitations of the work. •[09:54] Conclusion About Our Guest: James Evans Max Plofsky Professor of Sociology and Data Science University of Chicago View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2414893122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Dec 8, 2025 · 15 min

    Genetic history of dog domestication

    Genetic history of dog domestication Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, researchers explore the impact of domestication on dog genetics and behavior. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:00] Greger Larson explains how the history of gene flow between dogs and their wild relatives differs from what we know about other domestic species. •[02:38] Audrey Lin finds that low levels of wolf ancestry are found in almost two thirds of dog breeds. •[04:18] Linus Girdland Flink documents evidence of two genetic wolves on a remote Scandinavian island that may have been under human control. •[06:13] Clément Car explores how the mating systems of free-ranging village dogs could provide insight into canine domestication •[07:43] Katia Bougiouri explains how she used a statistical method to improve ancient genomes and what her results reveal about the history of inbreeding in dogs. •[09:21] Lachie Scarsbrook explains how he used museum specimens to reconstruct the history of inbreeding in German Shepherd Dogs. •[11:10] Eleanor Raffan analyzes genetic data and owner-submitted behavioral questionaries from 1,343 golden retrievers. •[12:54] Kathryn Lord finds that genetic testing cannot accurately predict canine behaviors. •[14:25] Final thoughts and conclusion. About Our Guest: Greger Larson Professor University of Oxford Audrey Lin Gerstner Postdoctoral Scholar American Museum of Natural History Linus Girdland Flink Lecturer University of Aberdeen Clément Car Postdoctoral Researcher University of Gdańsk Katia Bougiouri Postdoctoral Researcher University of Copenhagen Lachie Scarsbrook Postdoctoral Researcher University of Oxford, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Eleanor Raffan University Associate Professor University of Cambridge Kathryn Lord Postdoctoral fellow University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2528616122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421768122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421759122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421756122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2416980122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421755122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421757122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421752122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Nov 24, 2025 · 9 min

    Air pollution and pet health

    Air quality and pet health Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Stephen Jarvis explores the health impacts of poor air quality on pets. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[00:51] Environmental economist Stephen Jarvis explains how he became interested in the effects of air quality on pets. •[01:59] He talks about the similarities in exposure between humans and pets, and introduces the veterinary dataset used in the study. •[03:30] Jarvis explains the results of the study and the potential physiological effects of poor air quality. •[05:40] He talks about the implications of reducing air pollution for petcare and the takeaway messages of the study. •[08:17] Jarvis explains the caveats and limitations of the study. •[09:14] Conclusion. About Our Guest: Stephen Jarvis Assistant professor London School of Economics View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2504553122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Nov 10, 2025 · 10 min

    Probing the die-off of Pacific oysters

    A giant virus associated with oyster aquaculture mortality Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Curtis Suttle and Kevin Xu Zhong explain how a previously unidentified virus may be connected to mass die-offs of farmed Pacific oysters. In this episode, we cover: • [00:00] Introduction • [01:03] Environmental virologist Curtis Suttle introduces the importance of the Pacific oyster to aquaculture. • [01:42] Suttle describes mass mortality events, including one he witnessed. • [02:42] Environmental microbiologist Kevin Xu Zhong talks about the methods used to identify the Pacific Oyster Nidovirus 1. • [03:53] Zhong describes the notable features of the nidovirus. • [05:19] Zhong and Suttle explain how the nidovirus merits designation of a nidovirus family. • [06:25] Suttle explores the takeaways for oyster farmers and regulators. • [08:15] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study. • [09:40] Conclusion. About Our Guests: Kevin Xu Zhong Research Associate University of British Columbia Curtis Suttle Professor University of British Columbia View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2426923122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Oct 27, 2025 · 10 min

    Swamp lights and bat sight

    Swamp lights and bat sight Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, researchers explore two spooky mysteries: the source of will-o'-the-wisps and how bats integrate vision with echolocation. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[00:58] Richard Zare's background and expertise. •[01:26] Richard, have you ever seen will-o'-the-wisps in the wild? •[01:31] What did we already know about will-o'-the-wisps before your study? •[02:42] How could water droplets ignite methane? •[03:24] Tell us about the methods of your study. How did you explore this phenomenon? •[04:17] What are the broader implications of your findings, beyond just will-o'-the-wisps? •[05:20] What are the caveats or the limitations of the study? •[05:40] Laura Stidsholt's background and expertise. •[06:06] Laura, what can you tell us about the species you studied? •[06:25] What instruments did you attach to the bats? •[07:03] How did the bats' echolocation behavior compare in dark versus lit environments? •[08:14] What do the results suggest about the benefits of integrating information from multiple senses while hunting prey? •[08:58] What do the results imply about the potential impact of artificial light on bats? •[09:43] Final thoughts and conclusion. About Our Guests: Richard Zare Marguerite Blake Wilbur Professor of Natural Science Stanford University Laura Stidsholt Assistant Professor Aarhus University View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2521255122 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2515087122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

  • Oct 13, 2025 · 10 min

    Enzyme linked with brain evolution

    Implications of a mutation in modern humans Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, Xiangchun Ju and Svante Pääbo explore the evolutionary implications of a mutation that separates modern humans from ancestral hominins. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] •[01:22] Neurobiologist Xiangchun Ju introduces the enzyme adenylosuccinate lyase, or ADSL, and its role in the synthesis of purine. •[02:09] Evolutionary anthropologist Svante Pääbo talks about the discovery of the A429V mutation, which is present in modern humans but not Neanderthals or Denisovans. •[03:38] Ju and Pääbo talk about the methods to humanize mice in order to study the evolutionary importance of the A429V mutation. •[05:04] They explain the results of the behavioral studies of the humanized mice. •[06:27] Pääbo explores the takeaways from the study. •[08:05] He contextualizes the study alongside other studies of modern human development. •[09:17] Pääbo and Ju list the caveats and limitations of the study. •[10:14] Conclusion. About Our Guests: Xiangchun Ju Postdoctoral scholar Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Svante Pääbo Director Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2508540122 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs! Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter

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