Curiosity Weekly: Science Loves a Binary. Dr. Shawn Hercules Is Breaking It Down

Hosted by Dr. Samantha Yamin | Release Date: June 11, 2025

In the June 11th episode of Curiosity Weekly, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yamin from Discovery, listeners are treated to a multifaceted exploration of pressing contemporary issues in science and society. The episode delves into the neuroscience behind the modern work culture's demands, celebrates Pride Month by highlighting contributions from the LGBTQIA community in science, and examines the environmental implications of deep sea mining. Through engaging discussions and expert interviews, Dr. Yamin unpacks complex topics, making them accessible and compelling for a broad audience.

1. The Neuroscience of the Right to Disconnect

Dr. Yamin opens the episode by addressing a ubiquitous struggle in today's digital age: the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. She discusses the emerging global movement advocating for the right to disconnect, a concept that seeks to ensure individuals can disengage from work-related digital communications outside of standard working hours without repercussions.

Key Insights:

• Stress and Cognitive Impact: Dr. Yamin highlights a study from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology which revealed that employees expected to remain available after hours exhibited increased cortisol levels and poorer moods at the start of the day ([03:15]). Chronic elevation of cortisol is linked to impaired memory, focus, and heightened risks of anxiety and depression.

• Detachment Paradox: Citing research from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, she explains the detachment paradox where employees who attempt to disconnect are often perceived as less committed by their managers, despite acknowledging the benefits of unplugging ([04:50]). This cultural disconnect underscores the need for companies to genuinely support work-life balance initiatives.

• Global Legislative Responses: Countries like France, Portugal, and parts of Canada have enacted laws granting employees the legal right to ignore work communications after hours without fear of retaliation ([05:30]). Australia has also embraced this movement, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and sustainable work practices.

Notable Quote:

"Our brains aren't built to be online 24/7, and the longer we stay plugged in, the more we risk burning out." — Dr. Samantha Yamin ([05:00])

2. Celebrating Pride Month: Inclusivity in Science with Dr. Shawn Hercules

As Pride Month approaches, Dr. Yamin shifts focus to the intersection of LGBTQIA identities and scientific advancement. She introduces Dr. Shawn Hercules, a queer non-binary clinical epidemiologist specializing in molecular cancer biology and health equity. Their conversation centers on the pivotal role of inclusivity in scientific research and the broader implications for societal health outcomes.

Key Discussions:

• Founding of "Science is a Drag": Dr. Hercules shares the origin story of the nonprofit Science is a Drag, co-founded with Kyne Santos and others, which celebrates queer and trans scientists. This initiative aims to diversify the representation in scientific communities and inspire future generations ([07:00]).

• Research on Breast Cancer in African Ancestry: Dr. Hercules details their doctoral and postdoctoral work focusing on triple-negative breast cancer among women of African ancestry in Barbados and Nigeria. Their studies revealed higher incidences of this aggressive cancer subtype in these populations compared to U.S. counterparts, emphasizing the necessity for targeted screening and inclusive research protocols ([09:36]).

• Community Engagement in Research: Highlighting the importance of community relationships, Dr. Hercules explains how partnerships with local surgeons and pathologists in Barbados and Nigeria were crucial for successful data collection and ethical research practices ([11:42]).

• Impact of Queer Non-Binary Identity on Scientific Approach: Dr. Hercules articulates how their identity informs a more inclusive approach to research, advocating for language and protocols that consider diverse populations, including trans individuals undergoing gender-affirming care ([12:38]).

• Gender-Affirming Care and Broader Healthcare Benefits: The discussion extends to gender-affirming care, its various modalities, and its positive outcomes on patient satisfaction and mental health. Dr. Hercules emphasizes that advancements in queer health often pave the way for broader healthcare improvements benefiting all individuals ([19:49]).

Notable Quotes:

"More diverse voices and perspectives lead to more rich questions and rich outcomes for our heterogeneous populations." — Kyne Santos ([08:20])

"Queer and trans people are an essential part of the science community, pushing boundaries in both identity and discovery." — Dr. Shawn Hercules ([07:49])

3. Deep Sea Mining: Balancing Technological Demand and Environmental Preservation

Transitioning from the realm of human-centric science, Dr. Yamin explores the contentious topic of deep sea mining. This segment provides a comprehensive overview of the practices involved, the demand driving this endeavor, and the significant environmental concerns it raises.

Key Points:

• Extraction Methods: Deep sea mining involves extracting mineral-rich nodules, hydrothermal vent deposits, and seamount crusts from ocean floors thousands of meters below surface level. The process employs robotic vehicles akin to oversized pool vacuums to harvest these resources ([22:29]).

• Economic Drivers: The surge in demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is driven by the proliferation of clean energy technologies and digital devices. These minerals are critical for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and other modern technologies.

• Environmental Impacts: Dr. Yamin underscores the potential for catastrophic impacts on deep sea ecosystems, which are poorly understood and slow to recover. Activities like sediment plumes from mining operations can smother marine life, disrupt breeding grounds, and obliterate habitats that took millions of years to develop ([23:40]).

• Ethical and Regulatory Challenges: The episode discusses the ethical dilemma of meeting technological needs while preserving vulnerable marine environments. Current regulations and environmental protections may be insufficient to mitigate the long-term damage caused by deep sea mining activities.

Notable Quote:

"Deep sea environments recover extremely slowly. The damage could be permanent." — Dr. Samantha Yamin ([25:00])

Conclusion

The episode of Curiosity Weekly masterfully intertwines the exploration of human well-being in the digital age, the indispensable contribution of the LGBTQIA community to scientific progress, and the intricate balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship. Dr. Samantha Yamin's insightful discussions and the expert perspectives of Dr. Shawn Hercules offer listeners a nuanced understanding of these critical issues, reinforcing the podcast's mission to make complex scientific topics accessible and relevant.

For more in-depth conversations and analysis of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tune into future episodes of Curiosity Weekly.

Production Credits:
Produced by the Wheelhouse DNA team, including Senior Producer Teresa Carey, Producer Chiara Noni, Audio Engineer Nick Kharisimi, and Head of Production Cassie Berman.

Special Thanks:
Holistic appreciation to Dr. Shawn Hercules and Kyne Santos for their invaluable contributions and insights.

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