This Week in Science – The Kickass Science Podcast · Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media

Prompting You to Think Scientifically

·2 hr 4 min·5 clips

They call it 'selective science hostility discourse'—a strategy for rejecting truth while claiming to respect science.

This Week in Science episode 1025, recorded August 6, 2025, opens with host Dr. Kiki announcing that the show will cover diabetes, pregnant roaches, and snail lies, before pivoting to a pointed discussion of a significant recent science policy decision. The Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has halted 22 projects to develop vaccines using mRNA technology, redirecting investment toward what Kennedy describes as a universal vaccine that mimics natural immunity. Dr. Kiki responds to this decision with characteristic directness, noting that Kennedy's framing, which she quotes as it could be effective, we believe it's going to be effective, against not only coronaviruses but also flu, is not accompanied by any explanation of the biomolecular pathways or mechanisms that would support this claim. She argues that this represents the HHS abandoning science, replacing iterative evidence-based research with what she characterizes as woo-woo concept driven snake oil. The decision follows other Kennedy-era actions including firing the panel that makes vaccine recommendations and refusing to endorse vaccinations even during active measles outbreaks that were killing children. Dr. Kiki's commentary is explicit: the largest, most advanced human health agency on the planet has stopped using science, with no appeals and no recourse. The episode then pivots to the broader science news agenda, including diabetes research, the reproductive behavior of cockroaches during pregnancy, and deceptive behavior in snails, delivered in the show's characteristic high-energy format that treats every scientific finding as inherently interesting. The tone blends genuine enthusiasm for science with clear-eyed criticism of anti-science policy. The audience is science enthusiasts who want engaged, opinionated coverage from hosts willing to call out bad policy.

As heard by us

A science show that moves from mRNA vaccine cuts to the sea-star crisis, with a skeptical, searching tone.

The episode moves from mRNA vaccine funding cuts to a sea-star crisis, then keeps returning to the harder question of what is settled and what is still only being worked out.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a lively science rant that moves from vaccine politics to sea-star mysteries.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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