Science
What is the scientist's response to claims that federal layoffs are making America more efficient?
The NIH scientist firmly rejects the efficiency argument, stating it's not efficient to fire people indiscriminately based solely on HR forms without considering their actual work. She highlights how critical health and safety roles have been affected, including scientists working on nuclear weapons safety, bird flu, and substance use disorders. The scientist emphasizes that while the process may be efficient at firing people, it's not efficient at running government, as these indiscriminate cuts undermine important public health and safety initiatives.
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ABC News
02:01 - 03:07
How are recent cuts at the FDA affecting employees and operations?
FDA employees are experiencing significant job insecurity following widespread cuts that have affected approximately 10% of certain departments. One FDA employee reported chaos and confusion in her office, which is responsible for reviewing new ingredients in the food supply. Staff members are still trying to determine exactly who has been terminated, though they know that both scientists and administrative personnel have lost their jobs. The cuts have created an atmosphere of anxiety among remaining employees who worry about future job security. These layoffs are particularly concerning as they impact departments handling critical public safety functions like food ingredient reviews, potentially compromising public health protections.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
ABC News
03:08 - 03:29
How was the Saturn-like exoplanet TVLM513B detected by astronomers?
TVLM513B was detected by astronomers through a wobble in its star's motion caused by the gravitational pull of the planet. This technique, which is usually used for detecting Jupiter-like planets in distant orbits, was successfully employed with observations obtained from a radio telescope - specifically the continent Wide Very Long Baseline Array. This marks the first time this detection method has been successfully applied using radio telescope observations. The discovery is particularly rare because it's uncommon to detect extrasolar planets orbiting around small, cool stars like TVLM513B's host, which is located approximately 35 light-years away from Earth.
Watch clip answer (01:16m)
WION
00:05 - 01:21
How did astronomers discover the exoplanet TVLM513B?
Astronomers discovered TVLM513B using the continent Wide Very Long Baseline Array. This discovery is notable because it's rare to detect extrasolar planets orbiting around small stars, making TVLM513B a significant find in astronomical research. The planet, which resembles Saturn, is located approximately 35 light years from Earth and orbits a faint, cool star. The detection was made possible by observing the subtle wobble of the host star caused by the planet's gravitational forces, representing an advancement in exoplanet detection methods.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
WION
01:07 - 01:21
Is Atlantis a real historical civilization?
According to Johnny Harris, Atlantis has no basis in empirical fact. It was created by Plato as a parable to teach people, not as a historical account of a real civilization. While there are many who fill in knowledge gaps with their own interpretations that might make Atlantis seem real, this approach contradicts the scientific process. Scientific consensus, built through gathering, analyzing, and debating evidence over decades, does not support Atlantis's existence. Harris contrasts those who are comfortable making connections that feel good with the rigorous, slow process of establishing scientific knowledge through evidence-based consensus.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Johnny Harris
17:14 - 17:55
How did the scientific revolution of the 1800s impact interest in the legend of Atlantis?
During the 1800s, Europe was undergoing a scientific revolution where empirical evidence was replacing religious explanations of reality. As European explorers discovered lost cities previously thought to be myths, curiosity about other legendary places intensified. These discoveries prompted scientists and explorers to wonder if Plato's Atlantis might also be real. While the idea of Atlantis existed earlier, it only gained serious traction during this period when science was 'having a big moment' and the possibility of finding advanced lost civilizations seemed more plausible through a scientific lens.
Watch clip answer (01:16m)
Johnny Harris
02:55 - 04:11