Tales from an Italian crypt, and the science behind ‘dad bods’
Remains buried under a public hospital in the 17th century reveal the lives of Milan’s working poor, and how the body builds up fat as we age
Science Magazine Podcast · Science Magazine
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Show Notes
First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Andrew Curry talks with host Sarah Crespi about his visit to 17th century crypts under an old hospital in Italy. Researchers are examining tooth plaque, bone lesions, and mummified brains to learn more about the health, diet, and drug habits of Milan’s working poor 400 years ago.
Next on the show, a mechanism for driving growth in fat stores with age. Or, the source of the “dad bod” trope. Producer Zakiya Whatley talks with Qiong “Annabel” Wang, associate professor in the department of molecular and cellular endocrinology at City of Hope, about her work showing how middle-age mice gain fat via dedicated progenitor cells that actually become more active as the animals age. Similar cells are also present in people, suggesting it’s not just lack of willpower or sedentary habits that give us gains as we get older.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.
About the Science Podcast
Authors: Sarah Crespi; Zakiya Whatley; Andrew Curry
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