Summary: In this episode of Popular Science, we take a look at some key health studies recently published, including an update on Zika virus, the adverse effects of heartburn medication, and a detailed picture of the bacteria in your gut. We also find out the latest data emerging from Scott Kelly's 1-year expedition on the International Space Station. | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416.mp3" target="_blank">Download Full Episode #315</a> <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/zika-update-segment-1-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 1: Zika Update</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_01.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 1</a> Recent breakthroughs in three Zika studies have supplied proof that the virus does indeed cause microcephaly. This evidence will help scientists better understand how to prevent and treat symptoms. Dr. Meghan Rosen (<a href="https://twitter.com/meghandrosen" target="_blank">@MeghanDRosen</a>) from <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/" target="_blank">Science News</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceNews" target="_blank">@ScienceNews</a>) joins us to explain more. <em>For an in-depth explanation of the studies mentioned, visit the <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/science-ticker/week-zika-first-mouse-study-proof-zika-causes-microcephaly" target="_blank">Science News website</a>. </em> <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/feel-the-burn-segment-2-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 2: Feel the Burn</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_02.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 2</a> New research has shown that heartburn drugs can damage cells that line blood vessels, leading to many serious health issues. Dr. Meghan Rosen (<a href="https://twitter.com/meghandrosen" target="_blank">@MeghanDRosen</a>) has the details on this study, as well as what you can do to protect yourself. <em>Read the full article <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/heartburn-drugs-can-damage-cells-line-blood-vessels" target="_blank">here</a>.</em> <em></em><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/gut-feeling-segment-3-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 3: Gut Feeling</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_03.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 3</a> Alan brings in Dr. Laura Sanders (<a href="https://twitter.com/lssciencenews?lang=en" target="_blank">@lssciencenews</a>), a neuroscientist and writer for <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/" target="_blank">Science News</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceNews" target="_blank">@ScienceNews</a>). She's here to talk about an interesting new discovery in the microbial world known as your gut. Evidence suggests the types of bacteria in your gut can affect your brain, and even contribute to depression and anxiety. Listen in to find out more. <em>Dr. Laura's article can be found <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/microbes-can-play-games-mind" target="_blank">here</a>.</em> <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/depression-in-rats-segment-4-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 4: Depression in Rats</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_04.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 4</a> Continuing the talk on bacteria within the gut, Dr. Laura Sanders (<a href="https://twitter.com/lssciencenews?lang=en" target="_blank">@lssciencenews</a>) shares a study centered around people with depression. Through a bit of a nasty process, bacteria from a human is transferred to a rat. Curious about the result? Click now. <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/nasa-twin-study-segment-5-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 5: NASA Twin Study</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_05.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 5</a> Carl Zimmer (<a href="https://twitter.com/statnews?lang=en" target="_blank">@STATnews</a>), National Correspondent for <a href="https://www.statnews.com/" target="_blank">STAT News</a>, discusses Scott Kelly's recent year long stay on the International Space Station. NASA hopes to gain piles of data from this venture, such as how things like zero gravity and exposure to cosmic rays affect the human body over time. This information would be extremely helpful on future missions aiming for far off destinations - Mars, in particular. <em>Take a look at Carl Zimmer's <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/05/12/astronaut-scott-kelly-blood-science/" target="_blank">video series "Science Happens"</a> for more on this story.</em> <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/science-happens-segment-6-315" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 6: Science Happens</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PS_051416_IHEART_06.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 6</a> Carl Zimmer (<a href="https://twitter.com/statnews?lang=en" target="_blank">@STATnews</a>) wraps up this episode of Popular Science with some info on his video series "Science Happens." Carl's show brings us behind the scenes into labs where scores of amazing research projects are taking place every day. You can watch "<a href="https://www.statnews.com/category/the-regulars/science-happens/" target="_blank">Science Happens</a>" at Statnews.com.
