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.
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.
A new study from The University of New Mexico’s Institute for Social Research 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," 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.
It was 1985 when a couple strolled into the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico, but they weren’t there to admire the creations. By the time they left, two paintings had vanished from the walls, stolen in broad daylight by a pair of now-notorious art thieves. For nearly four decades, the masterpieces were lost to history — until now. Thanks to the relentless work of an investigative journalist and an FBI case, the Aspens and Oklahoma Cheyenne are back home inside the Harwood. But the story doesn’t end there. Inside a remote home in Silver City, New Mexico, agents discovered more than just those two missing works.
Who stole them? Where have they been? How did a cold case end in a homecoming? That’s all in today’s episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, coming to you live from Taos at the scene of the crime. We’re sitting down with the museum's Executive Director, Juniper Leherissey and the L.A.-based Journalist, Lou Schachter, who helped crack the case.
Imagine a world without cancer. We can all agree that it would be a better place, and researchers are striving for that every single day. For centuries, doctors have been working to find a cure for cancer. While we still don’t have one, significant milestones have been reached, like at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Sarah Adams, a Gynecologic Oncologist, talking about several collaborations to advance cancer research at UNM and how clinical trials are changing.
From arranged marriages to swiping left and right on your phone, the so-called “traditional” way of dating has changed drastically over time. While most couples used to meet in person through family and friends, today their matchmaker is an algorithm. Research done by The University of New Mexico says most couples are now meeting online. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Sociology Professor Reuben Thomas, who is discussing his latest research connected to online dating and how dating apps are leading to more diverse couples in a handful of ways.
Artificial Intelligence doesn’t need much of an introduction anymore. Today, some of us see AI in our daily lives, changing how we work, learn, and play at an alarming rate. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Leo Lo, the Dean of UNM’s College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, who has been keeping tabs on Artificial Intelligence by researching all aspects of the technology, both in the education system and beyond. Learn more about AI research happening at The University of New Mexico.
It’s no secret drunk driving is a problem across the United States, and it seems to be an even bigger problem in New Mexico. According to statistics, New Mexico ranks within the top five states in the country with the most drunk-driving fatalities. So how do we fix it? While it wouldn't end drunk driving altogether, a University of New Mexico Professor says a higher alcohol tax in the state could be a step in the right direction, and he has the research to back it up. In this episode, we hear from Economics Professor Brady Horn, who walks us through his alcohol tax research. How it got started and where that information stands today.
When you think of February, you might associate the month with two things: Love and Black History. Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976 in the United States. 48 years later, the celebration continues across the country and at the University of New Mexico. In today’s episode, we are joined by Africana Studies Adjunct Professor Marsha Hardeman, who shares her personal stories from childhood to her time teaching in the classroom, as well as the research she has done and wants to see in the future on Black History.
It’s Hollywood's biggest night for filmmakers and film stars, honoring the best of the best in the movie industry. Since the 1920s, the Oscars have separated actor nominees by gender, but nearly 100 years later, several students from the University of New Mexico’s Constitutional Law class are trying to change that. What began as a class research project in 2023 has evolved into a 99-page proposal submitted to the Academy Awards in California, arguing that the century-long tradition of separating nominees by gender may be legally and socially flawed. Today, we hear from Professor Lawrence Jones, the instructor behind the research project, and Senior Abigail McCoy, one of the students tackling the Academy Awards. In this episode, they explain why these University of New Mexico students are urging award leaders to establish an official task force for the Oscars from now on.
The Grand Canyon is beautiful, no matter what rim you see it from, but its history is even more mesmerizing. How the canyon was formed, how old the rocks are, and what the layers mean inside only make the national park more fascinating. In this episode, we hear from two UNM Distinguished Professors, Laura Crossey and Karl Karlstrom, experts on the Grand Canyon who are essentially rewriting textbooks with their new research on the beloved national treasure. To help better understand the concept of time, Karlstrom and Crossey created a geological timeline exhibit at the Grand Canyon for visitors young and old to walk nearly 2 billion years of Canyon history while getting up close and personal to the rocks inside of it.
Learn more about the Grand Canyon's exhibit, Trail of Time.
Visit podcast.unm.edu to learn more about It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science.
As climate change has impacted weather conditions around the world, forests have become increasingly susceptible to wildfires and eventually even people living thousands of miles away could be impacted. Today we hear from Matthew Hurteau, an expert in forestry and climate change mitigation about what these changes mean not just for those living near the forest, but for everyone in every city or town across the world.
Learn more on podcast.unm.edu.
Where do you go when you leave your home and how do you get there? In the United States, there is often a car involved and even people who walk and bike to work or school have to exist near cars. Now transportation experts are faced with figuring out why pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities are increasing and how quickly they can stop the problem. In this episode, we hear from Nicholas Ferenchak, director of the Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and UNM associate professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
Learn more about the Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety.
Visit podcast.unm.edu to learn more about the show.
How do the internet, social media and the news impact our political affiliations and the election? In this episode co-hosts Carly Bowling and Alexa Skonieski discuss tips and expertise from University of New Mexico Political Science Associate Professor Jessica Feezell. Dr. Feezell specializes in American Politics, Political Communication, and Political Behavior and Public Opinion.
Explore the Election Experts series on elections.unm.edu.
From cancer treatments to technology to monitor exposure to UV, scientific discoveries each face a unique journey before they reach the public. Today we’re exploring how innovation makes it to the community with excerpts from the Clinical and Translational Science Center's annual BioVenture Pitch Competition.
Pitch competitors:
Dr. Eric Bartee- Associate Professor in the School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine
Dr. Kannan Ramaiyan- Research Associate Professor in the School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dr. Rita Serda- Research Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
How hard is rocket science? Fifty-five years after Apollo 11 landed on the moon, students at the University of New Mexico built and launched their own rocket. In this casual episode, we explore why rocket science may not actually exist. Then, we hear from Fernando "Doc" Aguilar, who served in the Air Force Space Command before developing UNM's rocket engineering course. Later, Hyein Choi, a Lobo Launch alumna, walks us through the harrowing journey students faced leading up to the 2024 Spaceport America Cup.
Learn more about Lobo Launch. Explore more episodes of our show on podcast.unm.edu.
Microplastics have been found in human placentas, testicles, brains, and more, so what happens now? In this episode, we talk with Matthew Campen, Regents’ Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, about what these findings mean for our health, how we can (or can't) find avoid microplastics, and what happens next. Then we hear from Eliane El Hayek, Research Assistant Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, about ongoing research into the environmental impacts of plastics.
Read more about microplastics research:
Microplastics in Every Human Placenta, New UNM Health Sciences Research Discovers
UNM Researchers Find Microplastics in Canine and Human Testicular Tissue
Microplastics Make Their Way from the Gut to Other Organs, UNM Researchers Find
Microplastics: Minimizing Exposure to An Invisible Health Threat
Donate to the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department Activity Fund.
Learn more about IPNRS and subscribe to the email newsletter on podcast.unm.edu.
Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for their ability to help people lose weight. Now, Poison Control Centers around the country are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of semaglutide overdoses and incorrect use. We explore the problem and what consumers should know with Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center.
Learn more about Dr. Joseph Lambson and the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. Read more from Dr. Lambson about semaglutide overdoses.
Publications discussed in the episode:
-Administration errors of compounded semaglutide reported to a poison control center-Case series
-TikTok scam promises popular weight loss drugs without prescription
-TikTok influencer accused of selling fake Ozempic and other weight loss drugs
- Ozempic for weight loss: How does it work and who can use it?
The Western U.S. is home to thousands of abandoned hard rock and uranium mines that pollute nearby water, soil and air with radiation and create health problems in nearby communities. This episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science explores the research of the UNM METALS Superfund Research Center working to measure toxicity, address remediation, and mitigate health risks for tribal communities living near abandoned mines.
Learn more about UNM METALS.
Read about related projects:
Today we're sharing the first episode of a brand new podcast with you called PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola. The show is co-produced by the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at The University of New Mexico and The Aunties Dandelion media organization.
The six-episode production will examine the essential relationship between land, storytelling, and community and the importance of visioning and revitalization around brownfields (abused or neglected land). The podcast aims to inform and inspire listeners to lead change in their own spaces through Indigenous design methodologies.
For new episodes, be sure to subscribe to PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Simplecast, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
