The Naked Scientists: Melanoma Trends, Postpartum Brain Changes, Artificial Eggs and Coffee Voltammetry

Podcast snapshot

The Naked Scientists examine how May heat waves in Europe align with rising UK melanoma rates, explore postpartum brain remodeling, and profile two cutting edge biotech and analytical chemistry stories: artificial eggs for extinct birds and a voltammetry based method to map coffee roast to flavor.

• Melanoma risk and prevention in the context of sun exposure and UV light
• Pregnancy and postpartum brain changes linked to dopamine and epigenetic gene regulation
• Colossal Biosciences' artificial eggs for resurrecting extinct birds
• A novel coffee flavor profiling technique using voltammetry

Overview

The episode weaves together multiple science stories, starting with climate related health headlines in Europe. May heat records across Europe coincide with UK cancer statistics showing melanoma has surpassed 20 000 new cases per year for the first time. The discussion with a dermatologist, Faisal Ali, centers on why melanoma is increasing, how UV exposure from sun and artificial sources contributes, which age groups are affected, and how early detection and sun protection can improve outcomes. The program then shifts to neuroscience and biology with Jennifer Ochan describing how pregnancy and postpartum alter the female brain, the role of dopamine in remodeling neural circuits, and the lasting functional and structural brain changes observed in animal models. Finally, two biotech stories are featured: a Colossal Biosciences interview about artificial eggs enabling resurrection efforts for extinct birds, and a coffee science segment on voltammetry as a quantitative measure of roast related flavor properties.

Melanoma and sun exposure

The episode opens with the claim that heat waves are becoming more frequent in Europe and May heat records are being set. At the same time, melanoma incidence in the UK is rising, with more diagnoses across age groups. The interview with Faisal Ali explains that melanoma accounts for a smaller fraction of skin cancers than non melanoma skin cancers, but its potential to spread makes it a major public health concern. He notes that aging populations and lifetime UV exposure from outdoor activities, holidays, and sunbeds drive rising melanoma rates. The conversation covers how early detection largely cures melanoma when removed surgically, provided it is caught early, and the importance of monthly skin checks to identify any changes in moles or patches. Practical sun safety guidance is offered, including avoiding peak sun between 11 am and 3 pm, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and using broad UVA and UVB protection with SPF 30 or higher, with reapplication every two hours.

Pregnancy, postpartum and the brain

The podcast then turns to a Nature/Mount Sinai study on how pregnancy and postpartum can remodel the maternal brain. Jennifer Ochan discusses how dopamine acts as a key driver for epigenetic changes that alter gene activity and neuronal wiring. The research shows both structural changes in brain regions, notably the hippocampus, and functional changes in learning, memory and maternal behaviors, months after the postpartum period. The team uses mouse models to map gene activity across 11 brain regions and to explore upstream hormonal regulators such as estrogen and oxytocin. The findings suggest a “new normal” for the maternal brain, but also highlight vulnerability to stress during pregnancy and postpartum, underscoring the need to protect these periods for new parents.

Artificial eggs and de-extinction ambitions

The program shifts to Colossal Biosciences where Ben Lamb explains their approach to bring back extinct birds such as the dodo and the South Island giant moa. The method involves editing primordial germ cells and using an emu surrogate to lay eggs, with the embryos gestated in an artificial egg that mimics natural eggs, including a permeable membrane for gas exchange and a carefully designed shell to support development. The team describes a titanium shell and a gas-permeable system, plus 3D printing for precise construction. The embryo is placed into the artificial egg on day one, and the plan includes synthetic yolk supplementation or using modified emu eggs to provide nutrients. They report successful births of 26 healthy chickens within their system, while noting future scaling and species-specific challenges.

Voltammetry and coffee flavor profiling

Christopher Hendon from the University of Oregon presents a novel method to measure coffee flavor by applying voltages to a coffee solution and recording current responses. This electrochemical approach seeks to map families of molecules to perceived flavor, focusing on a negative voltage range that correlates with roast darkness. The researchers explain that flavor is due to a complex mix of thousands of compounds, which makes direct flavor prediction difficult. By correlating electrochemical signals with roast levels instead of relying on human tasters, the method offers an objective quality control metric for coffee production and roasters. The device does not replace human taste but provides a scalable metric that can guide roasting and blending decisions.

Outbreak coverage and closing notes

The hosts tease coverage of the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, discussing how existing vaccines and drugs may be less effective against new variants and what this means for public health response. The episode ends with sponsor mentions typical of the program and a final sign-off from Chris Smith.