Nov 15, 2026 · 6 min listen · Last updated November 15, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, November 15th. The morning read — ten things in science worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from Popular Rationalism. NIH FUNDS STUDY ON NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS OF PFAS.
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Daily Science Brief · November 15th
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NIH FUNDS STUDY ON NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS OF PFAS
The NIH has funded a study at the University of Iowa with over $427,000 to explore how mixtures of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” might affect memory by changing gene expression in the brain. This research, running from July 2026 to July 2028, aims to determine if these chemicals, found in our environment, contribute to cognitive decline as we age.
The study will involve male and female mice exposed to PFAS, assessing how these substances accumulate in the body, their impact on memory, and any corresponding changes in gene activity in the brain. Previous research has shown that PFAS can reach human brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential neurotoxic effects.
While earlier studies have indicated that PFAS mixtures can disrupt brain function and memory in mice, the Iowa project aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding by examining both sexes and different exposure levels. This could help clarify the relationship between environmental exposures and cognitive health, which is crucial as we consider how to protect public health from these persistent chemicals.
Wildfires Peak in Brazil’s Election Period with Super El Niño & Criminal Acts of Arson
With Super El Niño and criminal acts, fires affect 12 Indigenous Territories in the Amazon. Analyses by COIAB and ISA show the impacts of the wave of wildfires that peaked during the election period. Dispatch: Environmental Crimes, South America, Ecocide, Wildfires, Brazil, Amazon Rainforest, Elections Guest Special Report on the current situation in Brazil: Article by Juliana Radler - ISA Coordinator in Amazonas & Roberto Almeida - ISA Journalist Source: Study ‘Fire, smoke and protection of indigenous territories in the Brazilian Amazon: addressing climate emergencies’ (Coiab) A technical…
Coffee Doesn't Just Help You Poop. It May Change The Physiology in Your Gut.
A recent study published in the journal Gut Microbiology looked into how coffee affects our gut beyond just helping us with digestion. Researchers analyzed data from 61 participants in an observational study, focusing on their coffee habits and gut health. They found that regular coffee drinkers had lower small intestinal pH and more diverse gut bacteria, although the statistical strength of these findings was weak due to the small sample size.
The study noted that certain bacteria, like Lawsonibacter, were more abundant in frequent coffee drinkers, but when they adjusted for false discoveries, those differences faded. Overall, while the study hints at interesting connections between coffee and gut health, it emphasizes the need for larger studies to draw solid conclusions. The authors suggest this research opens the door for future exploration on how coffee interacts with our gut microbiome.
5 charming scooters that give Vespa vibes without Vespa prices
There’s no denying Vespas are one of the coolest two-wheelers out there. The Italian scooter has practically cornered the retro-chic market, but its price tag isn't exactly pocket change. Not everyone wants to pay Vespa money to look like they're riding a Vespa. Category: Motorcycles, Transport Tags: Scooter, Vespa, Peugeot, qjmotor, Moped, urban transport, Affordable
Targeted by al-Shabaab for defending Kenya’s ecosystems: Foundation founder gets award
Conservation is rarely conflict-free. On Kenya’s northern coastline, in Lamu and Tana River counties — a biodiversity hotspot where the nation’s longest river meets the Indian Ocean — the work of protecting marine and terrestrial habitats often takes a willingness to challenge industrial fishing and extractive industries. For Raabia Hawa, defending nature against these activities has meant operating in areas largely neglected by official conservation bodies.
The global climate talks in Turkey are underway, with the first week focused on strong rhetoric from leaders like Greta Thunberg and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Thunberg emphasized the disconnect between climate action and our human values, while Guterres criticized fossil fuel executives for their role in the crisis. Despite a drop in global oil and gas emissions this year, largely due to geopolitical tensions, experts caution this decline may be temporary.
The buzzword at the talks is “electrification,” with Turkey aiming for a 35% increase in renewable energy by 2035. However, political power dynamics complicate progress, as countries like Saudi Arabia resist stricter measures. China, a leader in clean energy technology, has yet to step up as a global climate leader, declining to host future talks. The urgency of the climate crisis grows, and it’s clear that grassroots movements will need to push for more decisive action from governments.
Secrets of Earth's Oldest Animals Preserved by Ancient Underwater Canyons, Study Finds
A recent study sheds light on the Ediacaran biota, a group of ancient animals that emerged around 600 million years ago. These early creatures were mostly soft-bodied and often strange-looking, but they left limited fossil evidence due to their delicate structures. Researchers focused on the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, where unique geological features helped preserve these fossils. They discovered that massive underwater canyons formed during shifts in sea levels played a crucial role in this preservation. As sea levels rose, sediment filled these canyons, creating ideal conditions for fossilization. This research helps us understand the complex interplay of environmental factors that influenced the evolution and eventual extinction of these early life forms.
800-V high-tech work van rewrites the rulebook for camping & commerce
Hey! So, I was just reading about this new electric van from Renault, the Trafic Van E-Tech. It’s got an 800-volt system, which is pretty neat because it means it can charge up really fast. Like, you can get about 60 miles of range in just 15 minutes, which is pretty wild for a van.
They’re talking about how it could be good for both work and, like, camping adventures. For work, that fast charging means less downtime. And for camping, they’ve got some cool ideas about how you can use the battery to power things like lights or even a small fridge. It’s not a massive battery, so don’t expect it to run your whole campsite for a week, but for a weekend trip, it could be really handy.
It’s a pretty interesting development, especially since Renault isn't really a big name here anymore. This van feels like they're trying to make a splash by focusing on that high-voltage tech and making it versatile. It’s definitely one to keep an eye on if you’re into electric vehicles or just curious about what’s happening in the van world.
On Friday afternoon, the FAA issued a ground stop for every airport in the U.S., citing issues with routers. Meanwhile, lights over Florida sparked speculation, with many people jumping to conclusions about their origin. This episode dives into our readiness to believe in the extraordinary, featuring a story from September 1997. A caller on a late-night radio show claimed that what people often think are aliens might not be what they seem, coinciding with a satellite failure. Later, the caller admitted to fabricating the story, but it still resonates today. The narrative draws on biblical references from Ephesians and Daniel, exploring themes of belief and perception. The first part of the accompanying book, "The Strong Delusion," is available for nine dollars and offers a deeper dive into these ideas. For the best experience, it’s recommended to listen with headphones.