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Big Picture Science

@bipisci.bsky.social
733 followers 32 following 1.1K posts

A weekly science radio show hosted by astronomer Seth Shostak and journalist Molly Bentley | Linktree: bit.ly/3GAzFVo

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 7h
The Nobel Prize in Physics celebrates the study of cosmic neutrinos, but self-styled neutrino hunters aren’t content to wait for the leptons to naturally occur. This week, we’re "On a Collision Course" buff.ly/M01THVj
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 9h
A new neutrino experiment may help reveal why matter, not antimatter, fills the universe and how we came to be. Have scientists finally glimpsed the primary component of nearly all matter: dark matter? That and more on this week's episode, "On a Collision Course" buff.ly/M01THVj
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
New research shows that getting too little sun exposure can lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and many cancers. But taking in too much sun can lead to skin cancer. So just how many rays should we be soaking up? buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
After more than 30 years, the FDA has approved a new type of sunscreen filter that has been used in other countries for decades. We're breaking down the science of and clearing up misconceptions about chemical and mineral filters on this week's episode buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
On this week's episode, we're going beyond skin-deep on the effects of UV light on the body, and how sunlight might offer surprising health benefits as well as health risks. It's "Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze" buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
According to a survey put out by the American Academy of Dermatology, a significant portion of respondents reported stopping their use of sunscreen due to safety concerns they saw on social media. buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
In his latest book, "In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure," author Rowan Jacobsen sheds light on what the latest research has to say about the health benefits of sunlight. He argues we may not always want to dive for the shade. buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Skin cancer rates are on the rise. But new research suggests that avoiding the sun altogether carries its own health risks. So how do we get that goldilocks amount of sunlight? This week's episode is "Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze" buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Chemical, mineral, UVA, UVB, SPF; we don't blame you if all the information on your sunscreen label has you in a daze. This week, we're diving into the science of sunblock. It's "Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze" buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
One beach day staple has become a source of burning controversy online. Journalist Brian Underwood joins us to examine influencer claims about sunscreen and misconceptions about sun protection. It's "Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze" buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A movement of sunscreen skeptics is growing online. But what does science have to say about sun exposure? This week's episode is "Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze" buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The sun is a stellar nuclear reactor, firing radiation at Earth. Too many of those rays can be harmful, but recent studies suggest that the right amount of sunlight is beneficial to our health. It’s Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze. buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Slather on the sunscreen or let the UV rays soak in? The controversy is heating up. It’s Skeptic Check: Sunny Daze. buff.ly/B78YFOB
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
You may not realize it, but many major cities have been built over rivers. Urban planners are experimenting with 'daylighting', which seeks to resurface and call attention to the water bodies our cities obscure. This week, we examine "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
When gold mining threatened the Los Cedros cloud forest in Ecuador, one resident went to court to save it, following a growing 'rights of nature' movement led by indigenous people. Learn more on this week's episode: buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In 2008, indigenous leaders in Ecuador made a historic decision. The rights of nature would now be enshrined in the country's constitution. This revolutionary moment would change the fate of the Los Cedros cloud forest and its many rivers buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Climate change is reshaping rivers across the world. In some cases, it's even causing river systems to die out. Now, advocates are finding innovative ways to protect these water bodies on which all life depends. It's "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A river doesn't stop at its banks, says Robert Macfarlane. Life radiates from it. He explores how looking at rivers as living beings rather than just resources could help save them from an uncertain future. buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
When dams were put into the Klamath River in the early 20th century, its wildlife suffered. Salmon, a source of food sovereignty for the Yurok tribe, could no longer reach their spawning grounds. Indigenous advocates worked for decades to bring them back. buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
People aren't always convinced that a river is alive, says author Robert Macfarlane. But they do know what a dead river looks like. Today, pollution, climate change, and over-damming have put rivers in crisis. It's "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In 2023, four hydroelectric dams were removed from the 250 mile long Klamath River on the Western Coast of the United States, allowing the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years. But why de-dam a river? We're looking at "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In his latest book, author Robert Macfarlane poses a profound question: Is A River Alive? This question is central to a growing movement that claims natural entities like rivers have legal rights. This week episode is "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Water is central to life. But our planet’s rivers are in crisis. Can the growing rights-of-nature movement help save our threatened watersheds upon which all life depends? buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Could a “great act of moral imagination” save our imperiled watersheds and their rivers? Writer Robert Macfarlane presents the case for why rivers are alive, on this week’s episode, "The Rights of Rivers." buff.ly/AOnWuTI
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Our bodies have a unique cooling mechanism - sweating! In extreme heat however, the body cannot dissipate heat fast enough through sweat, and things can go downhill quickly. We explore the consequences of heat exposure in this week's episode "How Hot is Too Hot?" buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Life on Earth evolved in a specific range of temperatures, often referred to as the "Goldilocks Zone." But the climate crisis is starting to push us out of this comfortable range. How can we get back to a "just right" environment? buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Hotter temperatures are changing the migratory patterns of many animals, including bats, sharks, and even ticks. As our ecological landscape changes, so too does the geography of diseases like malaria and Dengue fever. Learn more on this week's episode: buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"As we heat our planet, we're causing a great rearrangement," says author Jeff Goodell. The more animals are forced to find new places to live, the more we risk coming into contact with new diseases. How heat is increasing tick and mosquito borne disease: buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
How can we combat extreme heat and build a cooler future? One way is by rethinking urban planning. Reintroducing nature into heat-stressed cities could be key. buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
As temperatures rise, we might be tempted to stay inside and crank up the AC - if we have access to it. But this dependence on air conditioning can lead to a vicious cycle, explains author Jeff Goodell, and isn't a long-term solution. buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Earth’s scorching temperatures aren’t yet Venusian, but our increasing average temperatures have made scientists worried about the long-term habitability of the planet. Are we leaving the Goldilocks Zone? This episode is “How Hot is Too Hot?” buff.ly/az9PZ7G
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Author Jeff Goodell joins us to talk about his new book, which lays out the insidious, deadly effects that rising temperatures are having on our landscape and bodies. This episode is “How Hot is Too Hot?” buff.ly/h8Zjmb1
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
On this week's episode, @neildegrassetyson.com joins the show to remind us that the universe is vast, expanding, and still has many weird and wonderful things left to explore. It's "A Coup de Grace in Space"! buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, a team of researchers believe they discovered a hybrid between a black hole and a star. The "black hole star" discovery may change our understanding of supermassive black holes. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Dark energy and dark matter make up over 95% of the universe, and we don't know much about these forces, explains astrophysicist @neildegrassetyson.com. Using tools like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, astronomers hope to make progress on this mystery. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Though the field of astronomy has changed a lot over the course of his career, @neildegrassetyson.com says one thing that hasn't is how the subject continues to capture our imaginations. This week, he discusses hot topics in astronomy and his latest book, "Lost in Space." buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This week, astrophysicist @neildegrassetyson.com joins Seth Shostak to discuss the Roman Space Telescope launch, black holes, and the future of astronomy. This week's episode is "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In addition to unraveling the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter, the Roman Space Telescope will also help us answer the question always on our minds - are we alone in the universe? This week, learn more about the promise Roman holds for further exoplanet discoveries. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
With its large field of view and infrared capabilities, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will be able to survey the sky a thousand times faster than Hubble. Scientists plan to use it to look further back into the early universe. This week, it's "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer and the "Mother of Hubble," played a pivotal role in getting the Hubble Space Telescope into space. Now, a new space telescope bearing her name has been sent skyward for an ambitious mission. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope successfully launched on August 30th. It's poised to give us a greater understanding of the universe, including black holes and dark matter. This week's episode is "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Seth Shostak chat about how astronomical instruments have evolved over their careers, and the project scientist for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope explains the mission’s science goals, including finding exoplanets. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This week, we talk black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets with the scientists behind NASA’s newly launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Also, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Seth chat about how astronomy has changed over their careers. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
In Malawi, a $9 motorbike ride may determine whether a pregnant woman gets prenatal care. Science Magazine and BPS spoke with Emily Mvula who had received prenatal counseling through USAID’s MOMENTUM mobile outreach clinics about what happened when the program’s funding ended. bit.ly/4yqdVTN
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi | caption: Aida Positani, a pregnant woman in labor is photographed at Makiyoni Health Centre in Salima central Malawi on Wednesday, 20 May 2026
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Our reporting in Malawi revealed that while USAID-funded NGOs weren't officially responsible for transporting women in medical emergencies, they could be counted as backups. After USAID cuts, emergency support has disappeared. Mothers in labor now may wait hours for an ambulance. bit.ly/4yqdVTN
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi | caption: Patients wait to see a doctor at Kasungu District Hospital in Kasungu central Malawi on Monday, 18 May 2026
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
In Malawi, the village of Katenje began crowdfunding to build its own health outpost about a year before the 2025 USAID cuts. Science Magazine’s Catherine Offord and BPS’s Shannon Geary visited the unfinished building, an attempt at self-sufficiency in a changing health landscape. bit.ly/4yqdVTN
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi | caption: Women are photographed outside a maternity shelter at Salima District Hospital in Salima central Malawi on Wednesday, 20 May 2026
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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
More than half of the health spending in Malawi, one of the world’s most aid-dependent countries, comes from foreign donors. More than 80% of the population lives in rural areas, making the loss of externally supported services, like those provided by USAID, especially consequential. bit.ly/4yqdVTN
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