Ugly animals and asteroid Apophis
2Digest
This episode of BBC Inside Science begins by discussing the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific research. The episode features interviews with scientists who discuss how the pandemic has accelerated research in areas like wastewater monitoring and mRNA vaccine development. The episode then shifts to the importance of conserving "ugly" animals, highlighting the work of Dr. Panima Devi Barman and the Hargilla Army in protecting the Greater Adjutant, a critically endangered bird species. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming close encounter with a large asteroid named Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in 2029. Scientists are excited about this opportunity to study the asteroid up close and learn more about its composition and potential threat to Earth.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast, Inside Science, and its host, Mony Chesterton. The episode begins by discussing the idea that everything around us is potential data for scientific exploration. The episode then previews the topics to be covered, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific research, the importance of conserving "ugly" animals, and the upcoming close encounter with a large asteroid.
Wastewater Monitoring and the Pandemic
This Chapter focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wastewater monitoring. Barbara Cashbick-Horden, a professor of environmental and analytical chemistry, discusses how the pandemic significantly increased the importance of wastewater monitoring as a tool for public health surveillance. She highlights the use of wastewater data to track the spread of COVID-19 and its potential applications in monitoring other pathogens and chemical exposures.
The Ugly Animal Preservation Society
This Chapter explores the importance of conserving "ugly" animals. Simon Watt, founder of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, discusses the bias towards conserving cute and cuddly animals and the need to protect less charismatic species. He highlights the work of Dr. Panima Devi Barman and the Hargilla Army in protecting the Greater Adjutant, a critically endangered bird species.
Bug Splats and Insect Decline
This Chapter investigates the use of bug splats on license plates as a measure of insect populations. The episode features a field experiment by producer Ella Hubba, who finds a surprising lack of bug splats, suggesting a potential decline in insect populations. Lawrence Ball, a lead data analyst at the Kent Wildlife Trust, discusses the results of the Bugs Matter citizen science survey, which has shown a declining trend in insect populations over the past two decades. He explores potential causes for this decline, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Apophis: The Asteroid That Will Buzz Earth
This Chapter focuses on the upcoming close encounter with a large asteroid named Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in 2029. The episode discusses the scientific significance of this event, as it provides a unique opportunity to study an asteroid up close and learn more about its composition and potential threat to Earth. The episode also highlights the efforts of scientists to launch a mission to study Apophis and the challenges they face in securing funding for the project.
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic
The global health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which began in late 2019 and continues to have significant impacts on societies and economies worldwide. The pandemic has led to widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and a surge in scientific research focused on understanding and mitigating the virus.
Wastewater monitoring
A method of public health surveillance that involves analyzing wastewater samples to detect the presence of pathogens, chemicals, and other indicators of human health. Wastewater monitoring has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it provides a comprehensive and real-time picture of the health of a community.
mRNA vaccines
A type of vaccine that uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct the body to produce a specific protein, triggering an immune response. mRNA vaccines have revolutionized vaccine development, allowing for rapid development and production of vaccines against emerging pathogens, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Greater Adjutant
A critically endangered bird species found in India and Southeast Asia. The Greater Adjutant is known for its distinctive appearance, which includes a large, bald head, a long, wrinkled neck, and a large, fleshy pouch hanging from its throat. The species is facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and persecution by humans.
Ugly Animal Preservation Society
A non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of conserving "ugly" animals. The society advocates for the protection of less charismatic species, arguing that all animals deserve conservation efforts, regardless of their appearance.
Apophis
A large asteroid that will pass close to Earth in 2029. Apophis is approximately 340 meters wide and will come closer to Earth than geosynchronous satellites. The close encounter provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid up close and learn more about its composition and potential threat to Earth.
Asteroid science
The study of asteroids, which are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun. Asteroid science encompasses a wide range of research areas, including the composition, origin, and potential hazards of asteroids. The field has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the potential threat posed by asteroids to Earth.
Citizen science
Scientific research that involves the participation of non-scientists in data collection, analysis, or interpretation. Citizen science projects often rely on volunteers to contribute data from their own observations or experiences, providing valuable insights into a wide range of scientific topics.
Insect decline
A global phenomenon characterized by a decline in insect populations, driven by factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Insect decline has significant implications for ecosystems, as insects play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Biodiversity
The variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of ecosystems, providing a range of benefits to humans, including food, medicine, and ecosystem services.
Q&A
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted scientific research?
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research in areas like wastewater monitoring and mRNA vaccine development. It has also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the need for a more streamlined process for vaccine development and approval.
Why is it important to conserve "ugly" animals?
Conserving "ugly" animals is important because they play vital roles in ecosystems and deserve protection just as much as charismatic species. Focusing solely on cute and cuddly animals can lead to a bias in conservation efforts, neglecting the needs of less appealing species.
What is the significance of the upcoming close encounter with Apophis?
The close encounter with Apophis provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study an asteroid up close and learn more about its composition and potential threat to Earth. It also highlights the need for continued research and development of technologies to mitigate the risks posed by asteroids.
What are some of the potential causes of insect decline?
Insect decline is driven by a range of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and the use of pesticides. These factors are interconnected and contribute to the overall decline in insect populations.
What can individuals do to help declining insect populations?
Individuals can help declining insect populations by supporting local conservation organizations, practicing wildlife-friendly gardening, and avoiding the use of pesticides. They can also advocate for policies that protect insect habitats and promote sustainable land management practices.
What are some of the challenges facing scientists who want to launch a mission to study Apophis?
Scientists face challenges in securing funding for a mission to study Apophis, as it requires significant resources and time. They also need to overcome political hurdles and ensure that the mission is launched in time to intercept the asteroid.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the public's interaction with science?
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased public engagement with science, leading to a greater understanding of scientific concepts and a surge in interest in scientific careers. However, it has also led to the rise of misinformation and the need for greater scientific literacy.
What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of citizen science?
Citizen science projects can provide valuable data and insights into a wide range of scientific topics, but they also require careful planning and quality control to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.
What are some of the potential applications of wastewater monitoring beyond the COVID-19 pandemic?
Wastewater monitoring can be used to track the spread of other pathogens, monitor chemical exposures, and assess the overall health of a community. It has the potential to become a valuable tool for public health surveillance and environmental monitoring.
Show Notes
One year ago, the World Health Organisation declared that COVID-19 would no longer be categorised as a global health emergency. But the pandemic has left us with a new normal in all areas of our lives. From vaccine rollout to wastewater monitoring, we’re asking: how has COVID altered the scientific landscape? Marnie Chesterton is joined in the studio by Linda Geddes, science journalist, and Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Professor in Environmental and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Bath, to discuss.
Are ugly animals getting the short end of the conservation stick? Whilst a few beautiful creatures, like tigers and panda bears, get good marketing and attract the most conservation efforts, comedian and biologist Simon Watt argues that the endangered animals which are less pleasing to the eye are being forgotten.
Also this week, we answer a listener’s question about the accuracy of using bug splats on cars to measure insect populations. Lead data analyst from the Kent Wildlife Trust, Lawrence Ball, gives us the details about the national citizen science survey, Bugs Matter, which sees people around the country measure insect splats on vehicle number plates as a marker of insect abundance.
And science journalist Roland Pease discusses the unprecedented scientific opportunity hurtling towards Earth in the form of asteroid Apophis. It will just miss our planet – in astronomical terms at least – but its proximity has astronomers excited.
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producers: Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston and Hannah Robins
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
Table of contents
United States
