Podcast Summary
Collaboration and interdisciplinary work in ocean science: Two MacArthur Fellows, Andrea Dutton and Stacey Jupiter, demonstrate the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in ocean science through their interconnected research on past ocean conditions and microbial communities.
Collaboration and interdisciplinary work are crucial in scientific research, particularly when it comes to understanding complex phenomena like the ancient history of sea level rise and ice sheet melting. This idea was exemplified by the stories of two MacArthur Fellows, Andrea Dutton and Stacey Jupiter, who both work in ocean science and have found their research intersecting in unexpected ways. Dutton, a geologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, uses fossil corals and isotopic evidence to reconstruct past ocean conditions. Her unexpected call from the MacArthur Foundation, which grants $625,000 to individuals in various disciplines, was a testament to the significance of her work. Jupiter's research also revolves around the ocean, focusing on the microbial communities that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. The interconnectedness of their work highlights the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in scientific research. By working together, these scientists are shedding new light on our oceans and the role they play in our planet's past and present.
Geologist Andrea Dutton's research on past sea levels during interglacial periods: During the last interglacial period, sea levels were significantly higher, around 20 to 30 feet, as evidenced by fossil corals found at high elevations. This discovery underscores the potential consequences of ongoing climate change.
The work of geologist Andrea Dutton, who can be seen as a time traveler investigating Earth's past to understand potential future changes, offers valuable insights into the impact of warmer temperatures on sea levels. During the last interglacial period, which was similar to the present-day climate, sea levels were significantly higher, around 20 to 30 feet, as evidenced by fossil corals found at high elevations. This discovery, made during a research trip to the Seychelles, highlights the potential consequences of ongoing climate change and the importance of studying Earth's history to prepare for the future. Meanwhile, Amgen, a biotechnology leader, continues to innovate and deliver powerful new therapies to patients, pushing the boundaries of science and sustainability. Apple Card, on the other hand, offers daily cash rewards on purchases, providing financial benefits to its users.
Ancient corals reveal past sea level rise: Discovery of high-level corals suggests Antarctic ice melt, contributing to sea level rise; conservation efforts in Pacific Ocean region prioritize both science and human factors.
That the discovery of ancient corals at unusually high levels in the Seychelles indicates that the Antarctic ice sheet likely melted in the past, contributing to sea level rise. This finding, while concerning for the future, provides valuable insight into the potential consequences of ongoing climate change. Elsewhere, MacArthur Fellow Stacy Jupiter, the Melanesia director with the Wildlife Conservation Society, focuses on conservation efforts in the Pacific Ocean region. She not only considers the scientific aspects of marine ecosystems but also the human factors that impact them. By working with local communities, Stacy aims to create sustainable solutions for the protection of Fiji's diverse marine life and the islands it calls home.
Engaging communities in conservation: Supporting local people through fun events and educational materials can effectively raise awareness about conservation and inspire action.
Effective conservation efforts go beyond protecting the land and involve supporting the people who live there. This can take various forms, from organizing fun and engaging events like flash mobs to create awareness about environmental issues, to producing educational materials like comic books and puppet shows to teach children about the importance of preserving natural resources and the journeys of aquatic species. Stacy's innovative approaches to science communication, such as the disco-inspired flash mob and the comic book about Joji Gopi, have successfully engaged communities and raised awareness about the importance of conservation in a memorable and enjoyable way.
Combining storytelling and interdisciplinary approaches for effective science communication: Using creative methods and interdisciplinary collaborations can inspire diversity and tackle complex global issues like climate change
Effective science communication often involves combining storytelling with interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex global issues. The example given is the work of Stacy Jupiter and Andrea Dutton, who use creative methods like puppets and river monitoring kits to engage children in Melanesia in environmental stewardship. Indigenous communities in Melanesia, who own and manage the majority of the land, will be the future caretakers of these areas. Stacy's approach to science communication defies traditional narrow specializations, and instead embraces a generalist, interdisciplinary perspective. This approach inspires creativity and allows for a diversity of perspectives to address complex problems like climate change. Stacy and Andrea's collaboration with other scientists, such as Jerry Metrivka at Harvard, highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the sciences. Ultimately, this approach demonstrates that a small world of diverse disciplines working together can lead to significant progress in understanding and addressing global challenges.
Science is a team sport and fostering new talent is important: Collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in scientific research are crucial for tackling complex questions and fostering new talent can pave the way for future progress.
The importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in scientific research. Andrea, a geologist, emphasized that science is a team sport, and both she and Stacy are considering using their MacArthur grants to establish scholarships for the next generation of scientists. This underscores the value of fostering new talent and working together to seek answers to complex questions. As Larry Fink, BlackRock's chairman and CEO, discusses on The Bid podcast, the global capital markets can also play a role in addressing challenges such as retirement. By combining various disciplines, perspectives, and resources, we can tackle the issues facing us and pave the way for future progress.
