What we hope to see on the far side of the moon, and more…
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This episode of Quirks and Quarks explores humanity's return to the moon through the lens of the Artemis II mission, which marks the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to journey to deep space, joining a multinational crew aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft. The episode highlights the scientific value of human observation during the mission, particularly the unique perspective astronauts will have on the moon's far side—where shadows and lighting angles may reveal geological features missed by satellites. Geologist Dr. Gordon Osinski discusses the intensive field training astronauts undergo in places like Iceland and Labrador to prepare for lunar exploration, emphasizing the importance of human eyes in detecting subtle geological differences. The episode also delves into groundbreaking research on aging in African turquoise killifish, revealing that behavioral patterns early in life can predict lifespan, with implications for human health and the use of wearable data. Additionally, a new study on a 125,000-year-old Neanderthal-hunted elephant in Germany confirms Neanderthals were sophisticated hunters, challenging outdated stereotypes. Finally, Dr. Kevin Hall and Julia Belouz unpack the science behind nutrition confusion, arguing that ultra-processed foods drive overeating not because they're more palatable, but due to their altered food matrix and hyperpalatable formulations, and advocate for evidence-based dietary choices over fad diets.
Human astronauts on Artemis II will provide unique geological observations of the moon's far side, where lighting and shadows may reveal features missed by satellites.
Neanderthals were skilled hunters, as evidenced by a 125,000-year-old elephant skeleton with a Neanderthal spear and clear butchering cut marks.
Fish behavior patterns early in life can predict lifespan, suggesting aging occurs in distinct stages rather than gradually.
Ultra-processed foods promote overeating not because they taste better, but due to their altered structure and hyperpalatable combinations of fat, sugar, and salt.
The food environment—convenience, availability, and marketing—plays a far greater role in obesity than individual willpower.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Launch of Artemis II: Humanity's Return to the Moon
“At 6.35 p.m. local time, Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to journey to the moon and beyond, to deep space.”
Geological Training and the Human Eye on the Moon
“The human eye is an incredible instrument and our brain is able to just kind of look across the surface of the moon and pick out things that are different.”
Uncovering Neanderthal Hunting Skills Through Ancient Bones
“For me, it tells me that they were excellent hunters and they were also not the brutes that maybe they were imagined like 100 years ago or 50 years ago.”
Fish Behavior Predicts Lifespan: A New Window into Aging
Stanford researcher Dr. Claire Bedbrook presents findings from a study on African turquoise killifish, which live only 4–8 months. By recording their behavior continuously, researchers discovered that early-life patterns—such as nighttime sleep and peak activity—can predict lifespan. Aging appears to occur in distinct stages rather than gradually.
The Science of Food: Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Hard to Resist
“Folks didn't rate the meals any more pleasant on the ultra-processed diet than they did on the minimally processed diet. So there's something else going on.”
“Folks didn't rate the meals any more pleasant on the ultra-processed diet than they did on the minimally processed diet. So there's something else going on.”
“At 6.35 p.m. local time, Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to journey to the moon and beyond, to deep space.”
“The food environment is more than just the foods themselves. It's how they're marketed, how readily available they are, how convenient, how inexpensive.”
Host
Guests
Jeremy Hansen
person
NASA
organization
Dr. Gordon Osinski
person
Dr. Kevin Hall
person
Orion spacecraft
other
Ivo Ferhaya
person
SLS rocket
other
African turquoise killifish
other
Dr. Claire Bedbrook
person
Julia Belouz
person
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