Shielding astronauts from cosmic rays, and planning the end of fossil fuels

Science Magazine Podcast

Science Podcast

News, News Commentary, Science

4.3 • 842 Ratings

🗓️ 29 January 2026

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

First up on the podcast, how do we protect astronauts when they leave the shelter of Earth’s protective magnetic fields and face the slow, constant bombardment of space radiation? Freelance science journalist Elie Dolgin joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss what we know about the damage from high-velocity particles and the research being done to curb their biological toll. Next on the show, modeling the fall of fossil fuels during the decarbonization of energy systems, with civil engineer and environmental sociologist Emily Grubert and historian and engineer Joshua Lappen, both at the University of Notre Dame. The pair wrote a policy forum on predicting chokepoints or “minimum viable scales” in the decline of fossil fuel networks—in effect, when a system might get too small to maintain its function. Understanding how to keep things online until they are no longer needed is important to maintain energy for all, as renewables grow and mines, pipelines, and refineries shrink. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This podcast is supported by the Icon School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, an international leader in research, education, and patient care.
0:07.9	The medical and graduate school is part of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic medical systems in New York City.
0:15.6	Ranked among the top recipients of NIH funding, researchers at Mount Sinai have made breakthrough discoveries advancing the
0:22.1	health of patients. Here, clinicians and scientists push the boundaries in cardiology, cancer,
0:28.4	immunology, neuroscience, genomics, geriatrics, environmental medicine, and artificial intelligence.
0:35.0	The Icon School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, we find a way.
0:38.5	This podcast is supported by Jian Xiaoutang, Liverpool University,
0:42.3	where East meets West to redefine the future of learning and discovery.
0:47.1	This year, we're turning 20.
0:49.2	Celebrate with us as we honor two decades of breakthroughs, cross-cultural exchange, and world-changing research.
0:57.0	Curious about how we're making waves, join the party at www.xjtlu.edu.c.c.n.
1:05.0	slash E.N.
1:07.0	This is the science podcast for January 29, 2026.
1:11.6	I'm Sarah Crespi.
1:13.6	First this week, how do we protect astronauts
1:16.6	in deep space from cosmic radiation?
1:19.6	Freeland science journalist Ailey Dolgan
1:21.6	joins us to discuss what we know about the damage
1:24.6	from these high-velocity particles.
1:26.6	We also chat about deep space research being done on the upcoming Artemis II mission,
1:31.7	which will take astronauts the furthest away from Earth so far.
1:35.4	Next on the show, modeling the fall of fossil fuels during the decarbonization of our energy
	...

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