Epibatidine Poisoning Navalny, Feline Cancer Genomics, and Obama UFO Remarks | The Naked Scientists

First, the discussion centers on epibatidine, a frog-derived toxin implicated in Navalny’s poisoning case, detailing how the molecule binds to nicotinic receptors and can cause paralysis and suffocation, with notes on synthesis and potential antidotes. Second, the episode highlights a large-scale cat cancer genomics study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the One Health concept linking veterinary and human cancer, alongside Barack Obama’s UFO remarks and the broader debate about extraterrestrial life and evidence.

Overview

The Naked Scientists episode presents a trio of science stories spanning toxicology, veterinary genomics, and astrophysical mystery, all anchored by expert commentary and accessible explanations. The show frames these segments as real-world examples of how science investigates complex problems, from molecular mechanisms of toxins to cross-species disease research and even public perception of extraterrestrial life.

Segment 1: Poison biology and Navalny case

The episode begins with a discussion about the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, noting that the toxin at issue is epibatidine, a substance found on certain South American dart frogs. The conversation explains how epibatidine acts on nicotinic receptors in the nervous system and why it can be lethal: when the toxin binds to the receptor, it can lock the channel and prevent acetylcholine from properly cycling, leading to paralysis of muscles required for breathing. A chemist could synthesize the toxin, and while an antidote to epibatidine is not widely known, the discussion contrasts it with Novichok, a nerve agent for which antidotes exist if treated promptly. The host and Alastair Hay from the University of Leeds unpack the mechanism in accessible terms, illustrating how a molecule can disrupt neural signaling and lead to respiratory failure. "The toxin is called epibatidine, and it is produced in the frogs." - The Naked Scientists

Quote to highlight the mechanism of action illustrates the core of the toxicology discussion. "the chest wall to expand and relax" - The Naked Scientists

The segment also touches on the possibility that a sophisticated program, possibly involving synthetic chemistry, could recreate the toxin, and contrasts this with Novichok in terms of antidotes and detection capability. The discussion showcases how state-of-the-art laboratories, such as Porton Down, possess the sophistication to identify substances at very low quantities, which is relevant to how such agents might be detected or misattributed in high-profile cases. "A good organic chemist would be able to make this without any difficulty" - The Naked Scientists

Segment 2: Cat cancer genomics and One Health

The show then moves to veterinary science, presenting the Wellcome Sanger Institute study that represents the first large-scale genetic analysis of cancers in domestic cats. Louise van der Weyden explains that by sequencing tumours from veterinary patients, researchers seek to understand both the biology of feline cancers and their parallels with human cancers. The study finds common genetic themes, notably alterations in TP53, a guardian gene, across several tumour types, while other mutations appear to be tumour-type specific. The discussion emphasizes that some mutations are shared between cats, dogs, and humans, supporting the One Health concept that advances in veterinary medicine can inform human medicine and vice versa. "What we're proposing is part of the one medicine concept where people are saying, look, let's let veterinary medicine and human medicine progress." - Louise van der Weyden, Wellcome Sanger Institute

The conversation considers how this cross-species approach could guide targeted therapies and drug development for cats, while also offering insights into human cancer biology. The segment ends by highlighting the publication in Science and the broader implications for cross-species oncology research, reiterating that insights in cats could translate to humans and support a shared strategy for cancer treatment and understanding.

Segment 3: Stars, supernovae, and end states in astronomy

The episode then shifts to astrophysics, discussing an observation of a very bright star in the Andromeda Galaxy that appeared to fade and disappear over a period of years. The analysis uses stellar physics to infer the star's initial mass and its remnant mass after its end of life, challenging the conventional view that stars above a certain mass explode as supernovae. The team explains that neutrinos are central to the usual supernova mechanism but that neutrino physics can fail to trigger an outward explosion, potentially leaving behind a black hole. They outline the competing end-of-life channels for massive stars: neutron stars, black holes, or direct collapse, and acknowledge that which pathway dominates remains an active area of debate. The discussion emphasizes how direct observation of a disappearing star provides a rare data point about stellar evolution and end states in the universe.

Segment 4: Obama UFO remarks and extraterrestrial life

In the final science segment, the program covers Barack Obama’s remarks about aliens during a podcast interview and the ensuing UFO discourse. The piece features David Whitehouse discussing how Obama’s comments were interpreted by UFO enthusiasts and how public interest in Area 51 and extraterrestrial life has persisted in the media and popular culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of evidence-based assessment for extraordinary claims and notes that presidents have historically used light humor to address questions about aliens while avoiding definitive statements. "I think I became the first president to publicly mention Area 51" - Obama (paraphrase from transcript)

The episode rounds out with reflections on the broader scientific and cultural landscape surrounding UFOs, encouraging careful evaluation of claims and evidence while acknowledging the enduring appeal of the topic in science communication.

Concluding remarks

Throughout, the presenters tease upcoming guests and express gratitude to listeners and supporters, while underscoring the podcast’s aim to explore diverse science frontiers with clarity and curiosity. The content demonstrates how a single podcast episode can weave together chemistry, genetics, astronomy, and public-interest science to illustrate the interconnectedness of modern science and the role of rigorous investigation in fact-based inquiry.