Research Matters

Gordon Pennycook on why smart people believe dumb things - Research Matters S2E16

In this episode of Research Matters, psychologist Gordon Pennycook dives into the surprisingly relatable science of why smart people believe dumb things, from conspiracy theories to “deep” nonsense that only sounds profound. Blending humor with research, the conversation reveals how our fast, distracted brains and overconfidence make us easy targets for misinformation, and why the real fix might be as simple (and as hard) as pausing to think. Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc75W18DKRk&list=PL1tDDtVwAGG5q70mgEZG0JCpuPUMDEp_s&index=1].

Corrie Moreau on how studying ant microbiomes helps us understand ourselves - Research Matters S2E15

In this episode of Research Matters, Corrie Moreau, a leading evolutionary biologist and entomologist, explores the hidden world of insects, revealing how ants and their microbial partners can illuminate evolution, biodiversity and ecosystem health. The conversation spans cutting-edge genomic research, the discovery of vast new viral diversity, and the global importance of the Cornell University Insect Collection as a living archive of life on Earth. Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4br9h9K_F6E].

Gavin Sacks on the extraordinary science of aluminum cans - Research Matters S2E14

This week, Research Matters reveals the hidden chemistry inside aluminum cans. Food scientist Gavin Sacks, Ph.D. ’05, unpacks how subtle reactions affect the flavor, safety and shelf life of popular beverages – and the innovative fixes now in development. Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUSJtEH03_A&t=2s].

Elisha Frye on zoonotic diseases and how veterinary diagnostics protect animals and humans - Research Matters S2E13

In this week’s episode of Research Matters, Dr. Elisha Frye, D.V.M. ’10, associate professor of practice, explains how Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center works at the front lines of detecting and preventing diseases that can jump between animals and humans. How are climate change and new technologies reshaping disease surveillance — and what can we do to help stop outbreaks before they start?

Phillip Milner on using sunlight to capture carbon - Research Matters S2E12

In this episode of Research Matters, Cornell chemist Phillip Milner explains a breakthrough carbon-capture system that uses sunlight — rather than fossil-fuel energy — to both capture and release carbon dioxide, potentially transforming how we tackle emissions. The conversation explores why carbon capture remains essential, how the technology works in real-world conditions, and what it could mean for the cost and scalability of climate solutions. Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nht7oWIKETE&list=PL1tDDtVwAGG5q70mgEZG0JCpuPUMDEp_s&index=12].