Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

The Joys of Gardening

Join Dr. Susan in discussing gardens and our love of them, and the many health benefits they have for us. Interviewee Ricky Kemery is a master gardener and educator, and publisher of the 2022 book Sensible Sustainability: A Lighthearted Approach to Develop Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63839093-sensible-sustainability
We will also discuss gardening with an artist and potter, Deborah, and with Dr. Susan’s husband and daughters. The episode is dedicated to Dr. Susan’s father, Tom, who shares Ricky Kemery’s newsletter regularly with her…
Ricky’s Gardening Tips and Tricks and Home Horticulture is an online newsletter based in Indiana. To subscribe, send an email to kemeryr7@frontier.com.
This episode marks the end of Season 1 of the Biologica Podcast. Season 2 will begin in fall of 2026.

Creepy Crawly Critters: Fear, Disgust & Biophobias

In this episode of Biologica, we examine why certain animals trigger fear or disgust. The show features interviews with friends and family about animals that make them uncomfortable, plus a conversation with an Australian researcher of disgust and fear.
 
Together, we delve into research highlights, a fascinating interview, personal stories, and even a poem by Emily Dickinson. Come explore animals that unsettle us, and why.
 
Learn more- here is the link to an article related to biophobias with Dr. Saluja as an author:
(PDF) A review of the phenomenology, aetiology and treatment of animal phobia and insights for biophobia
 
New Yorker article/book review with excerpt read in episode:
An Arachnophobe Pays Homage to the Spider | The New Yorker
 

Puppy Love - Raising happy and healthy dogs

Join Dr. Susan and Pippin the rescue Boston terrier puppy in this episode about raising puppies to be happy and healthy dogs. The episode includes a fascinating discussion with Amber Zawrotny, a shelter behavior and training manager. Explore what has changed in the thinking and research about best practices in raising puppies, and how to avoid behavior issues that are common in adult dogs. And remember those Pandemic Puppies? Find out what's happening (and challenging!) with them now.
 
Sophia Yin checklist for puppy socialization: https://wagsandwiggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Puppy-Socialization-Checklist.pdf
 
Independence Training for dogs: https://www.sfspca.org/resource/independence-training/
 
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland - Meet the Trainers https://arlgp.org/meet-the-trainers/
 
Iconic article about a Pandemic Puppies Cohort and the problem behaviors noted when they became adults: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/2/336
 
A donation was made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (and in honor of all of the other shelter and rescue organizations) in thanks for all their work going above and beyond to help the Pandemic Puppies - and the lovable but sometimes challenging adult dogs they’ve grown into.
 
Note - Pippin was named Friendly when first adopted, and so you’ll hear him called that some in this episode (from before he was renamed).
 
Also- I just want to acknowledge: sometimes a dog can struggle with behavioral issues despite the humans in its life "doing everything right" - when that is the case, working with a trainer or behaviorist and your veterinarian are excellent options.
 

The Brachycephalic Boom: little faces breed big issues

Dr. Susan is welcoming a new puppy, Pippin, into her home. Pippin is a rescue boston terrier, and inspired an episode on the "smushed-face" (brachycephalic) breeds.
Dr. Mark Hanks and the host discuss brachycephalic (short‑nosed) dogs: their unique anatomy, medical issues and care, and breeding implications, with practical advice for owners on when to seek veterinary care.
The episode also delves into the increasing popularity of breeds like english bulldogs and frenchies, and the controversies and debates this has spawned. Finally, the issue will be looked at through both scientific and poetic lenses. Come meet Pippin and find out more about these beloved but complex dogs - why they have such special needs and spark such debate!
 
Find out more- OFA Respiratory Function Grading Scale Information:
https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/OFA
 
AVMA news about health grades for brachycephalic breeds
 
https://www.avma.org/news/health-screening-test-rolled-out-brachycephalic-dog-breeds
 
Early Romans Bred Dogs with Flat Faces:
https://archaeologymag.com/2023/04/early-romans-bred-dogs-with-flat-faces/
 
Chihuahua, boxer, and 10 other dog breeds at risk of breathing troubles
 
https://www.popsci.com/environment/chihuahua-boxer-and-10-other-dog-breeds-at-risk-of-breathing-troubles/
 
Title: Relative to the definition of animal cruelty: Bill Text: NH HB1102 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced | LegiScan

Animals, Ethics, and Bears, Oh my...

Today's episode of Biologica introduces animal ethics with an interview with philosopher and ethicist Dr. Clare Palmer from Texas A&M University. We discuss the field of animal ethics, real research examples, and practical dilemmas from both academic and everyday perspectives. Dr. Susan also shares personal stories about youthful ethics dilemmas in science, reflecting on how educators can support students as they navigate ethical choices. The discussion also weaves in current climate change and environmental issues with animal ethics and philosophy. This episode is the first of several planned episodes exploring animal ethics. Interview: Dr. Clare Palmer -George T. and Gladys H. Abell Professor of Liberal Arts & Professor of Philosophy -Department of Philosophy -Texas A&M University Links: https://animalethics.ku.dk/columns-for-canadian-veterinary-journal/ https://artsci.tamu.edu/philosophy/contact/profiles/clare-palmer.html

The Secrets of Snowmass Wildlife

Join Dr. Susan for a field episode at Snowmass Ski Resort in the White River National Forest to explore the plants, animals, and adaptations of winter in the Colorado Rockies. Discover the hidden secrets of the natural world behind the busy ski resort.
     The episode features interviews with student Mary Michael, Lillian Bell of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, a naturalist-led mountain tour, and more. Discover the unique partnership of ACES and the ski resort, and enjoy this snowy science adventure!
*A donation was made to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: https://aspennature.org/
 
ps the state flower guess was correct! 

Hammy’s Story: a Journey from Cage to Companion

Dr. Susan interviews journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan about her adopted research beagle Hammy, discussing his journey from a research kennel to a loving home.
His story, in the context of an in-depth exploration of animal research, is described by Kaplan in her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research.
The episode examines the largely hidden world of canine research, ethical questions, and hope for making improvements. It also highlights a recent book event featuring the author, a regional shelter director, and rescued lab beagles.
 
*Where to order a signed book copy:
https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/advSearchResults.php?action=search&orderBy=relevance&category_id=0&keywordsField=lab+dog
 
*Learn more: Melanie DG Kaplan webpage: melaniedgkaplan.com
 
 
Ann Cottrell Free information: http://www.anncottrellfree.org/
 
News article about Envigo beagle rescue (mentioned in the episode interview): https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/4000-beagles-now-rescued-breeding-facility-federal-investigation/story
 
Research article featured in episode: : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sherry-Ward/publication/360358226_Dog_as_the_experimental_model_Laboratory_uses_of_dogs_in_the_United_States/links/642da91620f25554da0ff5e2/Dog-as-the-experimental-model-Laboratory-uses-of-dogs-in-the-United-States.pdf

Frost & Feathers: Backyard Chickens in Winter

How do backyard chickens fare when it's negative 15 out there? Dr. Susan explores both the human and the chicken experience with backyard chicken flocks in wintertime, with interviews, snowy flock visits, and expert tips. Guests include author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook and "Queen of the Coop" Lisa Steele, as well as friends in Maine who take care of chickens at home and work. Together, the guests and Dr. Susan share practical advice, fun anecdotes, and a vet’s perspective on frostbite, egg cycles, and more. This episode mixes hands‑on care guidance (coop ventilation, bedding, water solutions, and nutrition), personal stories, and literary excerpts, highlighting how chickens adapt to cold, why egg production dips in winter, and how keepers can support healthy flocks. Whether you keep a backyard flock yourself or are just chicken-curious, there's a little something for everyone in this episode.
Learn more:
Learn about Lisa Steele and her wonderful book, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook:
https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/
 
See Lisa's photos of her hens here: https://www.instagram.com/fresheggsdaily?igsh=cDBwN3c5cnIzanlx
 
Vaughan Woods and Historic Homestead: https://vaughanhomestead.org/
 
Article on cold-hardy breeds: https://thehomesteadingrd.com/winter-hardy-chickens/

Shells, Spirals, and Survival: exploring mollusk shell diversity

Join Dr. Susan in exploring beaches in Southwest Florida, searching for shells and discussing shell diversity with world-renowned scientist Dr. Geerat Vermeij. Dr. Vermeij has won numerous awards, published over 200 scientific articles in leading journals, and has written five books about mollusks, their shells, and more. Talking with Dr. Susan, he traces his lifelong fascination with mollusk shells, from childhood explorations to cutting edge research. He delves into 530+ million years of shell evolution and the drivers of how they look today. He and Dr. Susan both share a fascination with and appreciation for the aesthetic beauty and diversity of mollusk shells. In addition to the interview, we will go beach combing in Florida, talk about shelling with Dr. Susan’s daughter, and hear some excerpts from poetry and literature. Come discover the wonder of seashells! 
Learn more:
Geerat Vermeij:
https://eps.ucdavis.edu/people/faculty/vermeij
 
The Shape of Life nature documentary – “Geerat Vermeij, evolutionary biologist – reading a shell”:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qC5medN9zZs
 
Privileged hands: a scientific life by Geerat Vermeij
https://books.google.com/books?id=lp7eUMPBjP0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Geerat+vermeij&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjRw5bd7veRAxUyLlkFHdl2AVcQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Geerat%20vermeij&f=false
 
The Evolution of Power, by Geerat Vermeij:
The Evolution of Power - Google Books
 
Nacreous layer - Scanning Electron Microscope images of shell structure:
Typical SEM images of (a) a golden pearl and the corresponding (b, c)... | Download Scientific Diagram
Older source, but interesting SEM photos of nacre:
Tech from Nature: Ceramics Mimic Mother-of-Pearl | Live Science
 
Jazz musician playing music on conch shells (as featured in the episode):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuq6prZHoA&list=RDfkuq6prZHoA&start_radio=1&pp=ygUTSmF6eiBvbiBjb25jaCBzamVsbKAHAQ%3D%3D
Note – some of the seashell names mentioned in the beach combing outings are local nicknames.

Tracks in the Snow: Changing winters and wildlife ecology

Host Dr. Susan explores winter ecology, featuring an interview with Dr. Alex Sutton on defining winter, its ecological importance, and how climate change is altering winter patterns for wildlife.
The episode also includes readings from Bernd Heinrich and Thoreau, summaries of studies on snow cover, and snowy field explorations in Maine, tracking wildlife activity and pond life during winter. With Solstice just past, curl up in a cozy spot and explore the evolving winter ecosystem.