It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science

Little Lanterns: The History of Farolitos and Luminarias

Luminarias, or Farolitos, are synonymous with the holidays in New Mexico. Dr. Carmella Scorcia Pacheco, a postdoctoral fellow at The University of New Mexico shares the history of these little lanterns, and of one of UNM's oldest traditions, Hanging of the Greens.

The High Stakes of Sports Betting & Binge Drinking

Since sports betting became legal in most U.S. states, millions of fans now place wagers—often with a drink in hand. UNM psychologist Dr. Joshua Grubbs explains how sports gambling and binge drinking are more connected than you might think, and why this mix could reshape American sports culture.

Inside UNM's Hidden Museum

Hidden in plain sight at the heart of the University of New Mexico’s campus lies a scientific treasure few people know about — the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Home to more than five million preserved animals and plants, this behind-the-scenes research powerhouse is shaping the future of biodiversity and conservation science. In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, Christopher Witt, professor of biology and curator of the museum’s bird collection, shared how this hidden museum became a global hub for research. From uncovering new bird species in the Andes to preserving a record of life for future generations, Dr. Witt reveals the groundbreaking work happening just beyond the public eye — and why it matters more than ever in a changing world.

Psychedelics and the Science of Suffering

University of New Mexico researchers are joining a multi-site clinical trial of an experimental psychedelic drug intended to alleviate the mental suffering many patients experience when they receive a life-altering disease diagnosis. In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, lead researcher Dr. Lawrence Leeman, professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the UNM School of Medicine, discusses the REKINDLE trial that will test the effectiveness of RE104, a synthetic “prodrug” that is chemically similar to psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called magic mushrooms.

Detained and Dismissed

A new study from The University of New Mexico’s Institute for Social Research [https://isr.unm.edu/] shows nearly half of all people held in jail on a granted pretrial detention motion until their trial are not being convicted in Bernalillo County. According to the October 2024 study, "Bernalillo County Second Judicial Court Preventive Detention Motion Review [https://news.unm.edu/_gallery/get_file/?file_id=6823692f3d6332d5fe758a03&file_ext=.pdf&page_id=&ir=1]," approximately 43% of people whose cases were granted a pretrial detention motion ultimately have their cases dismissed. In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, lead researcher Paul Guerin joins us to talk about the findings and why he says this is a problem.