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In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we sit down with Dr. Lee Haines to explore the fascinating world of malaria research. Dr. Haines walks us through her recent paper on repurposing existing drugs to combat malaria—an approach that could fast-track new treatments in the face of rising resistance. We also dive into her unexpected fieldwork with monkey populations and what primate behavior can teach us about disease transmission and control. From the lab bench to the jungle canopy, this is science at its most adventurous and urgent.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we sit down with Dr. Louis Muglia—physician-scientist, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for interdisciplinary research. Together, we explore how the spirit of Renaissance thinking—where science, art, philosophy, and curiosity intersect—can help reignite wonder and push the boundaries of modern discovery.

Dr. Muglia shares insights from his own cross-disciplinary journey, discusses the value of integrating diverse fields to solve complex problems, and reflects on how embracing a broader view of science can empower communities, This conversation is an invitation to reimagine how we think, learn, and innovate.

What if the future of life could be written—not in words, but in proteins? In this episode of Rust Belt Science, authors Shahir Rizk and Maggie Fink talk about their new book, The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life. Together, they unpack how proteins act as a hidden code shaping everything from the cells in our bodies to the possibilities of synthetic biology.

We dive into how their collaboration blends hard science with human narrative, why the language of proteins matters now more than ever, and how this molecular perspective could transform medicine, agriculture, and even how we define life itself.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we journey into the deep cosmos with astronomer Roman Gerasimov to explore how ancient stars hold the secrets of the universe's past. Gerasimov, whose work focuses on the chemical composition of some of the oldest known stars, explains how these stellar relics act like time capsules—preserving the fingerprints of cosmic events from billions of years ago. We discuss what the early universe was made of, how heavier elements formed, and why the Milky Way’s outer halo might be the key to understanding galaxy formation. From brown dwarfs to stellar archaeology, this conversation shines light on how we piece together the story of everything—from hydrogen to humanity.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we tackle a topic that hits close to home for many in the scientific community: impostor syndrome. From graduate students to seasoned researchers, feelings of self-doubt and the fear of being “found out” are surprisingly common in science. We explore the psychological roots of impostor syndrome, how it manifests in academic and research environments, and what individuals and institutions can do to create healthier, more supportive spaces. Tune in for a candid conversation, personal stories, and insights on overcoming the inner critic and reclaiming confidence in your work.

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.In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we embark on the first part of a deep dive into the psychology and science behind why people believe in conspiracy theories. Our focus spans some of the most iconic and enduring theories: the Moon landing, the life and death of Elvis Presley, and the beliefs of Flat Earthers. We explore how psychological predispositions, societal influences, and historical contexts mold our perceptions of reality and lead some to adopt alternative explanations for well-documented events.

Throughout the discussion, we consider the impact of digital media and social networking in amplifying conspiracy theories, and how cognitive biases and emotional reasoning shape our beliefs and decisions.

This is not just an exploration of these specific conspiracy theories but also a broader examination of human nature, critical thinking, and the importance of scientific literacy in today’s world. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just curious about why people think the way they do, this episode of Rust Belt Science offers insightful and compelling perspectives on the science of belief. Don’t miss this intriguing journey into the human mind and the stories we choose to believe.