Season 5 Episode 25: Sports Supplements Deception, What Dogs Hear, and Biochemistry PhD Candidate Grant Steiner

08/04/23 • 69 min

10 Listeners

Prepare to be shocked as we expose the deceptive world of sports supplements, revealing that only 11% of the 60 tested products contained an accurate amount of the ingredients listed on the label. With prohibited compounds lurking in 7 of these supplements, we question how these inaccuracies bypass the FDA's attention. But it's not all gloom and doom; we also dive into the commendable efforts made by organizations to ensure these supplements are accurately represented.
We also look at a study that mapped dog brains after hearing human and dog sounds. What do you think the findings were? You'll have to listen to find out!
Our guest for this episode is the dynamic Grant Steiner, a biochemistry PhD candidate at Loyola Chicago. His personal encounter with a cancer scare at 13 fostered his fascination with foundational sciences and their role in understanding the human body. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Grant’s current research on cyanobacteria, photosynthesis, and the Great Oxygenation Event offers intriguing insights into the planet’s history and future. We also touch on his studies on carbon capture as a climate change mitigation strategy and the critical role of Rubisco, the most abundant protein on Earth.
Adding a touch of warmth and humor, we slide into discussions about Grant's lifelong love for animals, starting with his beloved pet, Shelby. Discover how pet ownership can cultivate empathy for animals. We emphasize the importance of engaging young minds in STEM and environmentalism, and the significant role of voting in shaping these fields. And of course, no show can end without some laughter, so we wrap up with a light-hearted conversation about Annalise's donut-craving cats, Mouse and Larry. So, brace yourself for an exciting mix of science, pet tales, and environmental advocacies!
Here is the link for Bark and Beyond!
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Bunsen and Beaker Links:
The Ginger Stuffie is on presale so check the link here:
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Also use the code BEAKER5 to save FIVE bucks off a Beaker stuffie in July!
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Support the show

For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
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Previous Episode

PetChat July 29th: Laughter, Learning, and Love: Exploring the World of Pets with Pet Chat

4 Recommendations

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Ready for a hearty mix of laughter, compassion, and knowledge?
This episode of Pet Chat is just the ticket! We kick off with a game centered around my (Jason's) adorable dogs - Bunsen and Beaker, and then take you on a journey through the world of pets. Alongside, we extend the conversation to include our listeners' stories and answer their questions. There's also a surprising revelation as to why there was a recent dip in our content.
From there, we navigate the waters of climate change, focusing on the impact it has on El Niño, bringing you face-to-face with an issue that's affecting us all. Amidst the serious talk, we lighten the air with conversations about pet adventures - from Jamie's athletic dogs River and Rosie to the hilarious couch wars between our own four-legged pals. But that's not all; our episode also provides insights into the online world of pet lovers, from Twitter's recent changes to the benefits of joining an online dog community.
Finally, we delve into issues that hit close to home. You'll hear a powerful story from Karen about her service dog, Remy, and their experience with discrimination - a story that is both shocking and inspiring. To top it all, we touch upon the fascinating subject of time zones and how they affect our pets. Trust us, it's as intriguing as it sounds! Whether you're a pet lover or just someone seeking a fun, informative chat, you're in the right place. Here's to another episode of Pet Chat, where every chat brings you closer to the world of pets. See you on the inside!
Here is the link for Bark and Beyond!
Bark and Beyond!
(use the code BUNSEN to save 10%)
Bunsen and Beaker Links:
The Ginger Stuffie is on presale so check the link here:
www.bunsenbernerbmd.com
Also use the code BEAKER5 to save FIVE bucks off a Beaker stuffie in July!
Join The Paw Pack to Support The Show!
https://bunsenbernerbmd.com/pages/paw-pack-plus-community
The Bunsen and Beaker Website has adorable merch with hundreds of different combinations of designs and apparel- all with Printful- one of the highest quality companies we could find!
www.bunsenbernerbmd.com
Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter!
Our Spaces Sponsor: Bark and Beyond Supply
https://barkandbeyondsupply.com/
Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter:
Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok:
Bunsen and Beaker on Facebook
InstaBunsandBeaks

Support the show

For Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!
Being Kind is a Superpower.
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Next Episode

Season 5 Episode 26: The Effects of Extreme Heat, Dog Pessimists, and Gene Editing with Dr. Jocelyn Pearl

1 Recommendations

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As we grapple with the scorching heat of July 2023, the hottest month in human history, we tackle the intense effects of extreme heat on the human body. From increased perspiration and blood circulation to overworked hearts, the dialogue gets heated. We examine the perilous role of dehydration and the hindrance high humidity plays on our cooling processes. We also look at a fun test to determine if dog's see the glass half empty or half full! Are dogs optimistic?
Jocelyn Pearl, a guiding force in the Decentralized Science Initiative (DSI), brings us into her world of gene editing. Discover how proteins can target DNA regions and message cells, and the potential future of cellular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. It's a candid conversation, where Jocelyn shares her journey into biomedical research and her role with the DSI. Then we shift gears and welcome Vega Shaw and Madeline Odin to discuss animal communication and gene editing. Bridging software with biology and patient advocacy with research, our conversation extends into animals' understanding of higher-order thinking, sparked by a heartwarming pet story.
Dr. Arielle Johnson narrates the story of David Faganbaum, shedding light on diagnosing rare diseases and the importance of access to treatments. She speaks passionately about a nonprofit empowering families to find therapeutic solutions. We also explore the realm of repurposing FDA-approved drugs and the crucial need for funding further research. In a lighter vein, we delve into the democratisation of sailing offered by the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle. As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we share adventures and experiences and express our gratitude to our sponsor Bark and Beyond Supplycom. Don’t forget to use the coupon code Bunsen for a 10% discount.
Dr. Pearl's Links:
https://twitter.com/JocelynnPearl
https://twitter.com/LadyScientistP1

Here is the link for Bark and Beyond!
Bark and Beyond!
(use the code BUNSEN to save 10%)
Bunsen and Beaker Links:
The Ginger Stuffie is on presale so check the link here:
www.bunsenbernerbmd.com
Also use the code BEAKER5 to save FIVE bucks off a Beaker stuffie!
Join The Paw Pack to Support The Show!
https://bunsenbernerbmd.com/pages/paw-pack-plus-community
The Bunsen and Beaker Website has adorable merch with hundreds of different combinations of designs and apparel- all with Printful- one of the highest quality companies we could find!
www.bunsenbernerbmd.com
Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter!
Our Spaces Sponsor: Bark and Beyond Supply
https://barkandbeyondsupply.com/
Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter:
Bunsen and Beaker on TikTok:
Bunsen and Beaker on Facebook
InstaBunsandBeaks

Support the show

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

The Science Pawdcast - Season 5 Episode 25: Sports Supplements Deception, What Dogs Hear, and Biochemistry PhD Candidate Grant Steiner

Transcript Summary

In this episode titled "Sports Supplements Deception, What Dogs Hear, and Biochemistry PhD Candidate Grant Steiner," the hosts delve into a variety of intriguing topics. They discuss the deception in sports supplements and the lack of accuracy in ingredient labels, shedding light on the safety concerns surrounding these products. The conversation then shifts to a study on how dogs process human and canine sounds differently, revealing fascinating insights into their brainwaves and reactions. The hosts also interview Grant Steiner, a biochemistry PhD candidate, who shares his passion for studying photosynthesis and the potential for renewable energy sources. They emphasize the importance of empathy for animals and the environment, while also discussing the role of technology, such as solar energy, in mitigating climate change. The episode concludes with amusing anecdotes about cats and dogs, showcasing the hosts' love for their furry friends. With a range of engaging and thought-provoking topics, this episode offers a compelling listening experience that explores science, environmentalism, and the wonders of animal behavior.

Transcript

Speaker 200:00:08.050

Hello science enthusiasts . My name is Jason Zikowski . I'm a high school chemistry teacher and a science communicator , but I'm also the dog dad of Bunsen and Beaker , the science dogs on social media . If you love science and you love pets , you've come to the right place . Put on your lab coat , put on your safety glasses and hold onto your tail . This is the Science Podcast .

Season 5 Episode 25: Sports Supplements Deception, What Dogs Hear, and Biochemistry PhD Candidate Grant Steiner Top Questions Answered

What is cyclic electron flow and how does it prevent damage in photosynthetic organisms?

Cyclic electron flow is a process in photosynthetic organisms that helps cycle excess energy and prevent damage to proteins.

How accurate are sports supplements in terms of their listed ingredients?

According to a study, only 11% of tested sports supplements contained the accurate amount of ingredients listed on the label.

How many out of 57 muscle-building supplements actually contained the claimed ingredient?

Out of the 57 muscle-building supplements analyzed, only 34 actually contained the claimed ingredient.

How much variation was found in the accuracy of the ingredients in the tested supplements?

Some supplements were off by as much as 334%, indicating significant variation in the accuracy of ingredients.

Can the FDA approve or disapprove dietary supplements before they are sold?

No, the FDA does not have authority to approve or disapprove dietary supplements before they are sold.

How does dogs' brain process human and canine sounds differently?

According to a study, dogs' brains process human and canine sounds differently, showing more positive brain wave activity when hearing human sounds compared to dog sounds.

Why is it important to involve young people in environmentalism and STEM?

Involving young people in environmentalism and STEM is important for future generations to address environmental issues and promote scientific advancements.