Best Microbetv Podcasts (2026)

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115 - Protein Structure II (w/ Clint Stalnecker!) 41:48

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4+ y ago41:48

41:48

Our last episode about proteins discussed protein structure. What happens when protein has little or no structure? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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114 - J&J Vaccine Hesitancy (w/ Brianne Barker!) 24:12

4+ y ago24:12

24:12

It's time for an April update for the coronavirus vaccines that are being deployed worldwide. What's going on with Johnson and Johnson and do we need that third Pfizer dose? Do we know? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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113 - Ancient Food Preservation (w/ Rachel Kruger!) 37:06

4+ y ago37:06

37:06

A bad apple spoils the bunch. So now you're left without a bunch of apples. In an age that lends itself to immediate availability of food, this might not feel like such an issue, but what about before common food preservation techniques? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can naviga…

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112 - Ticks (w/ Samantha Pelletier!) 50:34

4+ y ago50:34

50:34

We've previously discussed ticks as arthropod vectors, but there is clearly more to this organism than carrying human pathogens. What is a tick? Why do they matter and why might someone study them? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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111 - Academic Dishonesty (w/ Eric Everett!) 50:36

5y ago50:36

50:36

To maintain an open and rigorous basis for scientific discovery, there must be firm rules and understandings about academic dishonesty. What are some different forms of academic dishonesty and why would they occur? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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110 - Scientists of the World I (w/ Sabastine Eugene Arthur!) 43:33

5y ago43:33

43:33

Science is a global effort undertaken by individuals of vastly different backgrounds. What inspires someone to be a scientist? How different can each person's path be? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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109 - Acute Flaccid Myelitis (w/ Matthew Vogt!) 1:12:59

5y ago1:12:59

1:12:59

This podcast has previously discussed enteroviruses that are not poliovirus, but we haven't had the chance to delve into clinical presentations of infection. What is acute flaccid myelitis? Why is it relevant for human health across the globe? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can …

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108 - Organoids (w/ David Aponte-Díaz!) 42:26

5y ago42:26

42:26

This show has talked about organelles, cell culture, and organs themselves. Today, we discuss a new technique to be able to study a variety of medically relevant scientific topics. What are organoids? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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107 - Animal Consciousness II (w/ Molly Rathbun!) 48:31

5y ago48:31

48:31

Sometimes it's hard to define philosophical concepts scientifically; often it's troubling to consider science philosophically. Today we'll talk about consciousness and how Homo sapien sapiens fit into the kingdom of animalia and beyond. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. This is a Monday released episode making up for the first of thr…

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106 - Animal Consciousness I (w/ Molly Rathbun!) 53:57

5y ago53:57

53:57

Sometimes it's hard to define philosophical concepts scientifically; often it's troubling to consider science philosophically. Today we'll talk about consciousness and how Homo sapien sapiens fit into the kingdom of animalia and beyond. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigat…

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105 - Tumor Suppressor Genes (w/ Pat Faughnan!) 40:49

5y ago40:49

40:49

In 2020, approximately 1.8 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone. Last time, we discussed the basic foundations of cancer. Today, we talk about gene products responsible for reducing the prevalence of cancer and the consequences of missing those gene products. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For al…

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104 - Speciation (w/ Rachel Kruger!) 35:07

5y ago35:07

35:07

What's in a name? Would that which we call a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Maybe. But what we call groups of organisms is about more than just a catchy title; studying speciation gives us greater insight into how evolution and biodiversity exist in our world. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemen…

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103 - Lizards (w/ Aaron Griffing!) 44:48

5y ago44:48

44:48

After a couple of weeks of virology and immunology, it's time to step back into the world of organismal biology. What is a lizard? What is a squamate? What is some of their evolutionary history? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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102 - SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines (w/ Brianne Barker!) 41:05

5y ago41:05

41:05

Last week we discussed vaccines at a 50,000 foot perspective, but today we focus on vaccines for one pathogen: SARS-CoV-2. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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101 - Vaccines Primer (w/ Brianne Barker!) 49:41

5y ago49:41

49:41

Oh boy, another nail biter! Today, we have to discuss the topic of vaccines. Are vaccines effective? If so, at what? Are they safe? Of course, to all of those questions, but still. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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100 - Redwoods (w/ Michael Glore and Lathrop Leonard!) 1:02:02

5y ago1:02:02

1:02:02

A truly tall episode. Today, we'll discuss the majesty of the redwood tree and how they contribute to their local ecosystems. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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99 - Salmonella (w/ Edward Miao!) 1:04:33

5y ago1:04:33

1:04:33

There's more to Salmonella than just Salmonellosis. What is salmonella? Why is it often related to foodborne illness? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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98 - Innovator Inc(ubator) II (w/ Rachel Kruger!) 38:14

5y ago38:14

38:14

Many scientists have adapted Hollywood's traditional "elevator pitch": a brief, persuasive spiel that you use to spark interest in you, your organization, or your product. Today, we'll take that elevator pitch to its roots to compete for who can propose a 'better' science television show for a non-scientist audience. Let's learn to be scientificall…

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97 - Atomic Orbitals (w/ Adele Musicant!) 36:56

5y ago36:56

36:56

A common misconception is that electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom, like a planet around the sun. Why is this wrong? What are atomic orbitals? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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96 - Academic Journals (w/ Stanley Maloy!) 54:58

5y ago54:58

54:58

Scientific progress is fueled by scientific publication. What is a scientific journal? Why do scientists rely on them? Who is responsible for vetting that work? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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95 - Local Government Public Health (w/ Pam Hemminger!) 36:38

5y ago36:38

36:38

The show has previously spoken with elected officials, but never during a time of a public health crisis. Today, we discuss Chapel Hill's response to COVID19. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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94 - Governmental Funding for Science in the US (w/ Brian Redder!) 37:47

5y ago37:47

37:47

Scientific progress costs cold, hard cash. For US governmental agencies, many of which not-for-profit, this money comes from the taxpayer. How does this process work? Is one party more likely to support scientific progress? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. Also, go vote. For all references and supplemental information, you can navig…

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93 - Household Predators (w/ Kyla Garten!) 46:32

5y ago46:32

46:32

You don't have to be the big cat to be the top dog. Today, we'll discuss how our feline friends impact the world and natural world around us. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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92 - Non-Mendelian Genetics (w/ Nate Diehl!) 44:07

5y ago44:07

44:07

We've discussed the concept of the genome and the individual genes that make it up, but this show hasn't yet delved into how that blueprint expresses you. Today, we discuss exceptions to what Gregor Mendel discovered. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.c…

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91 - Mendelian Genetics (w/ Spencer Nystrom!) 47:31

5y ago47:31

47:31

We've discussed the concept of the genome and the individual genes that make it up, but this show hasn't yet delved into how that blueprint expresses you. Today, we discuss genetics and the early scientist Gregor Mendel. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to asciencesho…

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90 - Science in Movies IV (w/ Allison Williams and TJ Russell!) 1:06:10

5+ y ago1:06:10

1:06:10

It is common to be exposed to topics involving science in school, but this rarely is made as exciting as watching a sci-fi film. What creative liberties do filmmakers take to make their masterpiece, and what do they get right? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascie…

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89 - Arthropod Vectors (w/ Helen Lazear!) 44:33

5+ y ago44:33

44:33

Ticks and mosquitos, everyone's favorite arthropods. Why do these organisms tend to have a bad rap to humanity? Why are they potential disease-carrying vectors? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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88 - Book Club I (w/ Molly Rathbun!) 1:24:12

5+ y ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Yet another long promised episode! Curioscity's inaugural book club starts with an important piece of literature: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot. Who was Henrietta Lacks, and how does she outweigh hundreds of millions of people today in mass? How did she contribute to the discussion of body autonomy and medical rights? Let'…

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87 - Computer Guts (w/ Archer Harmony!) 44:08

5+ y ago44:08

44:08

Just what the heck makes my computer do computey stuff? Is there anything inside of the box responsible for loading my Friendster and Myspace pages? Does this episode justify having a laptop on the season 2 artwork? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com…

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86 - The Kidneys (w/ Zachary Billman!) 32:26

5+ y ago32:26

32:26

The kidneys: indispensable for life as animals know it. What are organs? Why do we need them? What are kidneys? How are they different than kidney beans? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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85 - The Supposed "Biogenetic Law" (w/ Kshitij Sharma!) 37:34

5+ y ago37:34

37:34

Today is a discussion of biological history and a famous, controversial naturalist. Just what is biogenetic law? Does ontogeny recapitulate phylogeny? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.By Calvin Yeager

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84 - FAQ I (w/ Rachel Kruger!) 36:55

5+ y ago36:55

36:55

This podcast has been running for nearly two years, and over its tenure we've acquired some questions about the program and the participants. Today, we take some time to discuss frequently asked questions about Curioscity. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to asciences…

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83 - Horseshoe Crabs (w/ Adele Musicant!) 45:38

5+ y ago45:38

45:38

You may have been walking upon a beach and noticed a horseshoe crab. Their appearance can be severe, but they provide important contributions to their ecosystems. Today, we will discuss these arthropods and some of their unique characteristics. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can…

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82 - Mitosis and Meiosis (w/ Carolyn Turcotte!) 39:00

5+ y ago39:00

39:00

A long promised episode! Somehow, cells must become more cells. What are the processes required for reproduction? How are mitosis and meiosis different? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.

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81 - Radioactivity (w/ Roger Sit!) 41:57

5+ y ago41:57

41:57

Radiation brings along images of post-apocalyptic landscapes and mutant ghouls, but there are also aspects of radioactivity that directly contribute to scientific research. Today, we'll discuss radioactivity. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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80 - Chikungunya and Togaviruses (w/ Jenny Loome!) 38:01

5+ y ago38:01

38:01

RNA viruses can appear in global pandemics suddenly and without warning (as we know from a recent, rude example). Today, we discuss the viral family Togaviridae and Alphavirus genus members like chikungunya. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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79 - Major Spotlight: Pseudo Major (w/ Noah Jager!) 45:17

5+ y ago45:17

45:17

How diverse are degrees from University? What are some of the most striking parts of those fields of study? Today, we discuss a biological science degree and how broad (or useless) it can be. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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78 - Major Spotlight: Organismal Biology (w/ Kyla Garten!) 39:37

5+ y ago39:37

39:37

How diverse are degrees from University? What are some of the most striking parts of those fields of study? Today, we discuss a biological science degree and how broad (or specific) it can be. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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77 - Cancer Primer (w/ Pat Faughnan!) 40:01

5+ y ago40:01

40:01

In 2020, approximately 1.8 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone. The disease is so infamous that some scientists say that merely uttering its name leads to a better chance of grant funding, and so challenging to treat that it has become commonplace to embolden new generations of scientists by saying they will "cur…

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76 - Major Spotlight: Computer Science (w/ Archer Harmony!) 37:52

5+ y ago37:52

37:52

How diverse are degrees from University? What are some of the most striking parts of those fields of study? Today, we discuss a computer science degree and how broad (or specific) it can be. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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75 - Major Spotlight: Material Science (w/ Gavin Hennessy!) 41:54

5+ y ago41:54

41:54

How diverse are degrees from University? What are some of the most striking parts of those fields of study? Today, we discuss a material science degree and how broad (or specific) it can be. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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74 - Coronavirus Myths (w/ Brianne Barker!) 1:02:25

5+ y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

In times of significance, it seems like everyone is a certified virologist… even those who purport factually incorrect information. Today, we'll discuss some common myths of COVID-19 and scientific literacy. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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73 - Black Lives Matter 6:22

5+ y ago6:22

6:22

I hope everyone stays safe, uses their time to educate others or themselves, and can overcome apathy. This is a point in time that will soon be referred as "history". I urge everyone to be on the right side of it.By Calvin Yeager

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72 - Coffee... and Birds! (w/ Fabiola Rodriguez!) 46:52

5+ y ago46:52

46:52

This show has talked about biodiversity, but we haven't been the best at pointing the magnifying glass at ourselves. How do growth of non-essential crops like coffee impact biodiversity across the globe? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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71 - Genome Size (w/ Mike Itgen!) 38:30

5+ y ago38:30

38:30

Everyone listening has a unique combination of nucleic acids that make up their genome: a blueprint of you. We humans have over 3 billion nucleotides of DNA, but how does this vary for other organisms? Are there benefits or consequences to these differences? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental inform…

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70 - Capsaicin (w/ Aaron Griffing!) 40:28

5+ y ago40:28

40:28

Let's sink our teeth into some pepper lore. It's gonna be a spicy episode, we're gonna warm up and listen to Under the Bridge (despite being a little chili), we're gonna talk about whether or not we believe in ghost peppers, we're gonna feel hot hot hot. Capsaicin. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental…

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69 - Nitrogen Fixation (w/ Rachel Kruger!) 41:38

5+ y ago41:38

41:38

Just what is this seventh element on the periodic table? Why is nitrogen so important to life? Why do plants require a long-term relationship with microorganisms to enjoy nitrogen? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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68 - Gene Editing (w/ Josh Yoder!) 49:32

5+ y ago49:32

49:32

There are many different ways to treat disease, but this show has not yet discussed gene therapy. What is a gene? What is gene therapy? What kind of diseases could be impacted by gene therapy? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…

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67 - Science in Movies III (w/ Allison Williams and TJ Russell!) 50:51

5+ y ago50:51

50:51

It is common to be exposed to topics involving science in school, but this rarely is made as exciting as watching a sci-fi film. What creative liberties do filmmakers take to make their masterpiece, and what do they get right? Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascie…

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66 - Simple Machines (w/ Adele Musicant!) 52:39

5+ y ago52:39

52:39

Fundamental physical properties govern our lives and how our world operates. Today, we will discuss simple machines and how they have contributed to human advancement. Let's learn to be scientifically conversational. For all references and supplemental information, you can navigate to ascienceshow.com.…