BioTA Podcast explores the biological principles and concepts behind the biology we encounter in everyday life. Hosted by J. Phil Gibson, it connects fundamental ideas in biology to familiar living-world experiences. The show aims to make biology accessible and relevant to a general audience.
Episodes
Hues and Clues - #65
In part two of our interview, Dr. van der Kooi describes how his lab decodes the messages in ultraviolet patterns, flower shapes, and even the pros and cons of glossiness. These features are how flowers attract pollinators and guide them to the right place. He also describes what attracted him to this work with flowers.
Is Color Real? - #64
What color is that flower? In this episode, pollination biologist Dr. Casper van der Kooi explains how pigments and structure create flower colors. But that is only part of the story. Color isn't the same for everyone, and he explains why plants might look different to birds, butterflies, beetles, bees, and even you and me. So, if we see different colors, is color real?
Eyes of the Beholder - #63
Do spiders visit Sephora? In part 2 of our interview with Dr. Nathan Morehouse, he explains the evolution of color vision in peacock spiders, his creative experiments, and how you figure out what a spider sees when it looks at you.
Spider Vision - #62
There's more to color than meets the eye...specifically, spider eyes! In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nathan Morehouse about how peacock spider eyes are put together, how they work, and what matters to a female watching a male spider’s mating dance.
What is El Niño? - #61
Every few years, we hear that El Niño is on the way! But what does that actually mean? And what is El Niño, anyway? In this episode, Dr. Gary McManus of the Oklahoma Mesonet takes us beyond the headlines and hype to explain what El Niño is, what it isn’t, and how this recurring climate pattern can shape the weather we experience.
The Heat Is On - #60
In part two of our interview with neurobiologist Dr. Lemon, we learn more about taste and flavor. And to spice things up, we talk about how the fiery sensation from eating peppers isn’t triggering taste buds but instead is caused by capsaicin changing how pain receptors in your mouth work.
A Matter of Taste - #59
In this episode we interview neurobiologist Dr. Chris Lemon to learn about how receptors and neurons in your mouth work together and interact with other sensory systems to detect taste and give the sensation of flavor.
Phenotypic Plasticity - When Flexibility Actually Matters #58
In Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Stein, we explore some of her research on how plasticity helps organisms survive in their environments, what it reveals about the importance of biological flexibility, and where this field needs to go next to answer remaining questions about this important trait.
Phenotypic Plasticity - Keeping Your Options Open # 57
At its core, phenotypic plasticity is one genotype, multiple outcomes. But what does that actually look like in real biology? In this episode, Dr. Laura Stein introduces phenotypic plasticity: what it is, how it works, and why it is important that organisms aren’t fixed in form or function.
Tuberculosis - From Sanatoriums to Superbugs (Part 2) - #56
Tuberculosis can be devastating, but in the past, treatment could be too. Dr. Mehaffy walks us through tuberculosis treatments from the past and explains the challenges still faced by modern medicine in treating and controlling spread of this disease.
Tuberculosis - Ancient Disease, Modern Problems (Part 1) - #55
Tuberculosis is a devastating disease that has impacted humans for thousands of years. We spoke with Dr. Carolina Mehaffy, a microbiologist at Colorado State University, about what tuberculosis is, what it does to the body, and how scientists test for it.
Species Concepts Part 2: Defining Species, Deciding Futures - #54
In this episode, we conclude our interview with Dr. Abigail Moore and Dr. James Hung. They explain why species concepts are important and how they are applied in their conservation-focused work with the Oklahoma Biological Survey.
Species Concepts Part 1: Why Is This So Complicated? - #53
In this episode we interview Dr. Abigail Moore and Dr. James Hung from the Oklahoma Biological Survey to learn about species concepts. In Part 1 we get their perspective on what a species is and why it can be hard to define.
Cocoliztli: The Worst Epidemic You’ve Probably Never Heard Of - #52
In the 1500s, a disease called Cocoliztli devastated Indigenous communities in what is now Mexico. But what caused it? In this episode, we tell the story of Cocoliztli and how modern scientists used history, teeth, ancient DNA, and tree rings to identify the pathogen behind Cocoliztli, whose modern relatives still live among us.
Your Immune System: The Good, The Bad, and The Misunderstood - #51
Every day, your body fights a quiet, microscopic war. But how does the immune system know what to attack and what to leave alone? In this episode, Dr. Katriana Popichak, a researcher who focuses on how immune and inflammatory responses shape human health, helps us understand what the immune system is, how vaccines train it without giving you the disease, and how inflammation, meant to protect us,
Ricin Killed My Dogma - #50
What do a Cold War assassination, a vengeful ex-spouse, and a hit TV show all have in common? A poison so powerful it can shut down protein synthesis entirely. In this episode, we break down the central dogma of biology and describe what protein synthesis is, how it works, and how one of the deadliest natural toxins known can bring the process to a complete stop.
A Tale of Two Cell Walls: How the Gram Stain Divides Bacteria - #049
The Gram stain is a cornerstone of microbiology labs, but what is it actually telling us, and why does it work? In this episode, Jimena and Emma unpack the history and logic of the Gram stain, explain how differences in bacterial cell walls drive the result, and share practical tips for improving your staining technique.
BioTA Revisited: the Botany of Christmas
Revisit this holiday episode that looks into the botanical origins of many Christmas traditions in Saturnalia, Yule, and other winter celebrations.
BioTA Revisited: Halloween Botany
We’re reposting one of our most popular episodes! Learn about the botanical origins and symbolism of this ancient holiday. Happy Halloween!
Dogs and Dandelions – #048
What do dogs and dandelions have in common? More than you’d think. Both are products of artificial selection. Sometimes it’s deliberate, and sometimes totally accidental. In this episode, we dig into how human choices (and mistakes) have shaped species in surprising ways. From the lovable evolution of dogs to the rise of unstoppable, herbicide-resistant weeds, we explore how artificial selec
Microbes, Viruses, and Germs… Oh My! – #047
In this episode, we continue exploring microbiology by talking with Dr. Katriana Popichak about the tiny troublemakers all around us: bacteria and viruses. What are they? How do they infect us? And, more importantly, how can we push back against them? Grab some hand sanitizer and settle in as we untangle fact from fiction about microbes, antibiotics, vaccines, and the science of keeping microbes u
Antibiotic Resistance: Monsters We Created? – #046
In this second episode on antibiotics, the Infectious Minds duo explores an unintended, and occasionally terrifying consequence of these life-saving drugs, antibiotic resistance. What exactly is antibiotic resistance? How did it arise? And what kind of microbial “monsters” are we now up against? This episode unpacks the fundamental science behind one of medicine’s most urgent and literally evolvin
Antibiotics: The Solution We Found – #045
For most of human history, even a simple scrape could turn deadly. Then came antibiotics. They were powerful, mysterious, and world-changing. But what exactly are they? Where did they come from, and how do they work? In this episode, the Infectious Minds student podcasters step into the studio to bring you the science and share the story behind one of medicine’s most important discoveries.
Vampire Bats, Rabies, and You – #044
In this episode, we sink our teeth into the world of vampire bats and rabies. Two fearless researchers take us from their jungle field sites to the lab as they track how hungry bats can spread viruses, including rabies! They also share what to do if you ever encounter a bat, raccoon, or other suspicious critter lurking in your home or yard. It’s a tale of blood, viruses, and the intersection of wi
DIY Evolution – Darwin and Artificial Selection – #043
From racehorses to fancy pigeons, Darwin saw selective breeding as humans applying one of nature’s most powerful forces, evolution by natural selection, to change domesticated species. This episode explores how Darwin used evidence of what he called artificial selection to support his ideas on natural selection and evolution, how modern genetics backs him up, and why selection is constantly
Genotypes and Phenotypes in the Biology Zone – #042
In this Twilight Zone-inspired episode of BioTA, two biology students prepping for lab encounter a pair of unexpected space travelers who want help unraveling a mystery: Why do some bacteria defy antibiotics while others perish? Why do some plants tolerate herbicides while others shrivel? With a crash course in the concepts of genotypes and phenotypes, the students explain some of the basic princi
Jurassic Park Genetics – #041
This episode uses the sci-fi action film Jurassic Park as a springboard to explore fundamental concepts in genetics. While the film imagines resurrecting dinosaurs through ancient DNA, we break down the real science behind this film, clarifying what a genome is, how chromosomes organize DNA, and how genes function as trait-coding units with alleles as their variations. By separating cinematic fict
The Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition – #040
Once a global scourge, smallpox devastated millions before Edward Jenner’s vaccine offered hope. But how do you deliver a life-saving cure to the farthest reaches of the world? In 1803, Spain launched the Balmis Expedition, a bold and ethically fraught mission to transport the vaccine across oceans. In this episode, we explore the science of viruses, vaccines, and immunity, while uncovering the su
CRISPR: Applications & Guardrails – An Interview with Dr. R. Barrangou part 2 – #039
CRIPSR-Cas9 technology allows scientists to edit genes with precision. But is this a beneficial tool or something more nefarious? In this episode, we conclude our conversation with Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou, one of the scientists who discovered CRISPR, and dive into the applications, ethical conundrums, and challenges of this new genetic tool. He also issues a challenge to all scientists about our re
CRISPR: Size & Scale – An Interview with Dr. R. Barrangou part 1 – #038
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is one of the newest and most promising tools in science. But what is it? How does it work? And what are scientists doing with this technology that has been described as a molecular genetic scalpel? In this first of two episodes, we talk with Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou, the first scientist to discover and publish results demonstrating what the CRISPR-Cas9 system can
Citizen Science – #037
While the terms citizen science and community science emerged and began gaining broad attention in the 1990s, the collaboration between scientists and the public has a rich history spanning over a century. Today, numerous citizen science projects covering a wide range of topics invite public participation. Innovative educators are now involving students to enhance STEM education and foster new for
Boulder Apple Tree Project – #036
Apples are a household favorite, but have you ever wondered why some varieties are common, but others are rare, coveted heirlooms? Or thought about the epic journey that brought apples from their birthplace in Central Asia to orchards spanning the globe or maybe your own yard? And why don’t we grow apple trees from seeds? We were curious too, which led us to invite Dr. Lisa Corwin and Amy Du
Cooper Bison Skull – #35
What can an ancient bison skull tell us about human history? In this episode we talk with Dr. Leland Bement, an archaeologist from the Oklahoma Archaeological Survey who helped in discovering the oldest intentionally painted artefact ever found in the US. Using techniques that included standard archaeological practices as well as interdisciplinary collaborations, Bement’s team was not only able to
Biofilms – #34
What does brushing your teeth have to do with the search for extraterrestrial life? To answer that question, you have to shrink down and explore the microscopic world of bacterial biofilms. In this episode three microbiologists will guide us through the world of these fascinating microbial communities by looking at what they are, how they impact our health, and how they may be similar to the life
Scientific Identity, an Interview with Dr. Bryan Dewsbury – 33
What does it mean to be a scientist? How do you think about yourself as a scientist? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bryan Dewsbury to explore what scientific identity is and what he has learned about its development through his Science Education and Society research program at Florida International University. Dive into how they are working to improve STEM education for everyone and suppor
Amphibian Apocalypse? – 032
What are amphibians, why are they important, and how could a fungus be threatening their existence? Is there anything we can do to help them? We asked Dr. Cameron Siler and Jessa Watters from the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History to answer these questions and more to help us learn if there is an amphibian extinction apocalypse , its causes, and potential solutions.
To Bee Or Not To Bee. Are Bees Really In Danger? – 031
Bees are important pollinators, and people often talk about saving them. But what does that mean? Which bees do we need to save? And how can we do that ? We explore these questions and more with Dr. James Hung a pollination biologist and bee expert from the Oklahoma Biological Survey.
Mammal Conservation & the Gut Microbiome 030
Conservation often brings to mind protecting particular species, but we also need to protect the species they depend on to survive. In this episode, we talk with two biologists who are working to protect bears, martens, other mammals, and their habitats by studying the microbes that live in their gut.
The Gut Microbiome – Invisible Multitudes – 029
There are trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your intestines and other places, but don’t be alarmed. These microbes form your microbiome and they are supposed to be there. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Erin McKinney and Dr. Diana Lafferty about what the gut microbiome is, how it varies among animals, and what we can learn about an animal’s ecology and the envir
Metagenomic Disease Hunters #028
Some researchers may not have the most glamorous samples to study, but the information scientists can gather from them can be extremely useful in detecting and monitoring diseases in large populations in a non-invasive manner. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Kara De León and Dr. Amy Kirby to learn about the samples they study, how they study them, and what they can tell us about diseases.
Metagenomics 2 027
Metagenomics is an approach that is opening new frontiers for biological researchers. This episode is part two of an interview with Dr. Andrew Hasley. In this episode he expands on his description of metagenomics from the previous episode and explains how samples are collected, prepared, sequenced, and the resulting data analyzed.
Metagenomics 1 #026
Metagenomics is a new approach being used to sample environmental DNA to better understand populations and communities of organisms, especially bacterial microbiomes. But what is metagenonimcs, how is it different from other genomic analyses, and how is it done? In part one of a two part episode we interview Dr. Andrew Hasley to learn what metagenomics is and the kind of research questions it can
Belyaev’s Farm Fox Experiment 025
Where did domesticated dogs come from? In 1959, Dr. Dimitry Belyaev began an experiment to answer that question. Although the experiment was illegal in the U.S.S.R. and could have cost him his life, through hard work and a little luck, he not only conducted the experiment, but he also began unlocking some of the mysteries of dog and animal domestication. In this episode we explore the famous Farm
The Botany of Saturnalia, Yule, and Christmas 024
Many holiday traditions trace their origins to ancient beliefs and rituals that indicate awareness of the importance of the sun and seasonal changes. In this BioTA episode we explore why we have these botanical traditions. Why do we deck the halls and why is holly a preferred plant for that task? In this episode we explore the botanical symbols in celebrations at the winter solstice.
Chocolate Is Life 023
Chocolate is one of the most popular food items in the world. How did cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, go from small tropical tree to the foundation of a multi-billion dollar industry? How will changing climate affect cacao’s future? To answer these questions, I am joined by gourmet chocolatier Robert Bowden, President of Vivere Chocolates, to talk about the past, present, and future
The Oklahoma Mesonet (Part 2) 022
In Part 2 of my interview with Senior Climatologist Gary McManus, he discusses how we don’t have to wait to see evidence of climate change in Oklahoma and the rest of the world, because “It’s already here!” He also explains why the patterns of changes in extreme weather events that have been observed by the Oklahoma Mesonet (mesonet.org) are a serious concern when thinking
The Oklahoma Mesonet (Part 1) 021
The Oklahoma Mesonet (www.mesonet.org) is a state of the art weather monitoring system that provides unparalleled information about the dynamic Oklahoma atmosphere and mesoscale meteorological events . In this episode, Senior Climatologist Gary McManus describes how the mesonet operates and how it is used to monitor and forecast Oklahoma weather.
Missing Links Episode: Population Concepts and Brood X 020
During the spring and summer of 2021, the periodical cicadas in Brood X emerged from the soil where they had been living for the past 17 years. Once they came to the surface, all they wanted was to eat and reproduce. In this Missing Links Episode, the fascinating life cycle of the periodical cicadas in Brood X of the genus Magicicada is used as an example of the cohort concept and to demonstrate
Virus, Vaccines, & Variants 019
In this one year anniversary episode we revisit the SARS-Cov-2 virus and talk with Dr. Carlos Goller, a biotechnology specialist from North Carolina State University, about where we are at in the pandemic, how the vaccines to fight this virus work, and what is going on with these variants.
Smokey Okies Cannabis Growers Interview 018
Medicinal cannabis legalization has introduced a new player in the agricultural industry of many states. But how is medicinal cannabis grown on a large scale? in this episode I interview one of the owners of Smokey Okies Cannabis to learn about how this is done and career options for botanists and others in this growing industry.
N. I. Vavilov – Plant Hunter (Part 2) 017
This episode continues the story of Nikolai Vavilov and his efforts to protect plant diversity and the field of genetics against Josef Stalin and the pseudoscientist Trofim Lysenko. Hear how Vavilov’s bravery led to tremendous acts of heroism during the siege of Leningrad, and, ultimately, his recognition as one of the greatest biological thinkers of the 20th Century.
N. I. Vavilov – Plant Hunter (Part 1) 016
Nikolai Vavilov was one of the greatest botanists, geneticists, and plant hunters of the 20th Century. Despite making incredible discoveries, his story is not widely known. In this episode, we follow Vavilov as he travels the globe searching for unique local varieties of crops to add to his seed bank collections and improve agriculture for all people.
Missing Links Episode: Trees 012
There is no single botanical definition of what makes a plant a tree, but there are certain features that we use to identify trees. This episode explains what a long-lived, woody perennial is and highlights some of the records setting trees on Earth.
Pleistocene Megafauna Extinction 011
The Pleistocene is known for the large mammals that lived during the “Ice Age” and the mass extinction of the mammalian megafauna that occurred as it ended. In this episode, I talk with Tom Luczycki and Dr. Hayley Lanier from the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History to learn about the Pleistocene megafauna of Oklahoma and the probable causes and consequences of their extinction
Tree Thinking 010
With a tree diagram and the simple phrase “I think” written next to it, Charles Darwin gave us a new way to look at evolution. This episode explains the basic principles and processes of reading phylogenetic trees called tree thinking. Dedicated to Dr. V. Funk, the greatest cladist.
Charles Darwin’s Mail & Notebook 009
This episode commemorates Darwin Day 2021 by looking at his contributions to evolutionary biology from the perspective of an old mystery and a new one.
Missing Links Episode: Systems & Models 008
Systems are an important biological concept for understanding the world around us. In this Missing Links Episode, I explain what systems are, how systems are described with models, and how systems have emergent properties.
The Botany of Halloween 005
The Halloween that many people think of with candy and trick-or-treating is dramatically different from the ancient traditions of Samhain. This episode of BioTA explores the origins of Halloween and its botanical iconography. So, pull up a seat, get a little closer to the fire, and bundle up against the October wind as we celebrate Halloween on Biota.
Bloodsucking Vectors 004
Ticks are not just parasites that like to attach to animals for a blood meal, they can also be incredibly important vectors for spreading viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens to their hosts. In this episode, I interview Dr. Heather Ketchum, a medical, veterinary, forensic entomologist to learn what ticks do, how they transmit diseases, and what you can learn from a maggot. [note: Like many t
Models, Cholera, & COVID-19 003
This episode turns back the clock to look at how scientists use models and systems-based thinking to study diseases and pandemics ranging from the Soho cholera outbreak of 1854 to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.
Mutation, Selection, & Coronavirus 002
This episode explores mutation, compare two types of selection, and looks at the differences between evolution and herd immunity. By exploring these topics, we can not only understand the source of the different traits we see in species, lineages, and populations, but also how different organisms ranging from dogs to viruses change in response to their environment. How they adapt. How they evolve.
Is Novel Coronavirus Alive? 001
In late 2019, reports came out of Wuhan, China that there was an outbreak of a new respiratory disease that was spreading rapidly and having serious, often lethal consequences for some of its victims. Scientists identified the virus causing the disease as a new strain of coronavirus, a large group of viruses that contains at least eight viruses known to affect humans. In this episod
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