Body-based units of measure in cultural evolution, and how the geologic history of the United States can be used to find vital minerals



First up this week, we hear about the advantages of using the body to measure the world around you. Producer Meagan Cantwell talks with Roope Kaaronen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, about how and why cultures use body-based measurements, such as arm lengths and hand spans. Read the related commentary.



Also on this week’s show, the United States starts a big hunt for useful minerals. Staff Writer Paul Voosen joins me to discuss the country’s Earth MRI project, which seeks to locate rare earth elements and other minerals critical to sustainable energy and technology within its borders.



This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.



About the Science Podcast



Authors: Sarah Crespi; Meagan Cantwell; Paul Voosen



Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi9883

Body-based units of measure in cultural evolution, and how the geologic history of the United States can be used to find vital minerals
 
First up this week, we hear about the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf1936">advantages of using the body to measure the world</a> around you. Producer Meagan Cantwell talks with <a href="https://www.roopekaaronen.com/">Roope Kaaronen</a>, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, about how and why cultures use body-based measurements, such as arm lengths and hand spans. Read the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi2352">related commentary</a>.
 
Also on this week’s show, the United States starts a big hunt for useful minerals. Staff Writer Paul Voosen joins me to discuss the country’s <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/major-us-geological-survey-aims-uncover-minerals-critical-batteries-microchips">Earth MRI project</a>, which seeks to locate rare earth elements and other minerals critical to sustainable energy and technology within its borders.
 
This week’s episode was produced with help from <a href="https://podigy.co/">Podigy</a>.
 
<a href="https://www.science.org/content/page/about-science-podcast">About the Science Podcast</a>
 
Authors: Sarah Crespi; Meagan Cantwell; Paul Voosen
 
Episode page: <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi9883">https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi9883</a>

Weekly podcasts from Science Magazine, the world's leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary.

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