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The Science PawdcastAuthor: Jason and Kris Zackowski
The Science Pawdcast breaks down the latest science happening in the human world AND the pet world. Each episode will also bring you a guest to enthral you with their area of knowledge.You'll learn, be captivated, and laugh along with host Jason Zackowski. Pets and Science, it's the pawfect mix. You'll also get episodes of PetChat which are the live shows from social audio. PetChat is a live community gathering updates about the animals in our life, but also the animals in the wonderful community that supports us!Heart and Hope.Science and Shenanigans. Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 36 Season 7: Seahorse Dads, Dogs vs Horses, and Smarter Health with Dr. Shazma Mithani
Episode 36
Saturday, 13 December, 2025
Send us a textA father that gives birth, a horse that says “no,” and an ER doctor who wants to keep you out of the hospital—this episode brings science and everyday choices into sharp focus. We start with a mind-bending dive into seahorses, where males carry the pregnancy and build a placenta-like environment from skin. New research shows familiar pregnancy genes at work inside the brood pouch, but with an unexpected hormonal switch: androgens, not estrogens, drive gestation. It’s evolution repurposing its toolkit—and a powerful reminder that sex roles in nature are more flexible than we think.From there, we move into animal-assisted therapy and the role of consent in touch. A new study comparing dogs and horses found that forced interactions with horses raised heart rate and lowered HRV, signaling more stress, while choice calmed people down. Dogs showed no significant difference between conditions, suggesting human perception and species-specific behavior shape outcomes. If you run therapy programs, the insight is simple and humane: build animal choice into sessions, especially with horses, and track long-term welfare alongside human benefits.Then ER physician Dr. Shazma Mithani joins us to turn insight into prevention. We talk helmets for anything on wheels or snow, why e‑scooters drive more severe injuries per use than bikes, and how regular checkups and screening prevent emergencies before they start. We break down wildfire smoke—how particulates inflame lungs and harm the heart and brain—plus when to wear a well-fitted N95 outside and how to upgrade home air with MERV 11–13 filters or HEPA purifiers. Finally, we tackle measles: an airborne virus that lingers for hours, demands 95% vaccination for herd immunity, and is best stopped with two doses of MMR. Unsure where to get trusted answers? Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or public health nurse, and lean on credible sources rather than influencers.If this helped you think differently about biology, safety, or public health, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’ll feature our favorites next week.Dr. Shazma Mithani's links:Her websiteHer PodcastInstagramOur links!Support the showFor Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!
