Why scientists are stoked about mysterious black hole stars
Summary
Hosts Nate and Gina welcome Elsa Chang to discuss a mysterious "black hole star" detected by the James Webb Telescope, which may explain supermassive black hole origins. They also explore new research suggesting leisure-time exercise, unlike physical labor, better lowers dementia risk due to stress and socioeconomic factors. Finally, the episode covers long-clawed shrews that shrink their organs and bones to survive winter, a phenomenon with potential biomedical applications.
Topics discussed
Intro and Black Hole Quiz with Elsa Chang
Black Hole Facts: Shape, Spaghettification, and Galaxy Formation
Episode Preview and Sponsor Messages
Black Hole Stars: New Objects Found by James Webb Telescope
Leisure Exercise vs. Work Activity and Dementia Risk
Shrinking Shrews: Winter Adaptation and Bone Regrowth
Outro, Credits, and Final Sponsor Ads
Listen ad-free on Castria