Prompt Cast
Strange Choices and Adaptations: How Scientists Have Adjusted Their Research Methods During the Pandemic
TLDR Scientists have had to make unconventional decisions during the pandemic, such as using smashed bananas to study frog communication and postponing a 140-year-old seed experiment. Travel restrictions and lockdowns have also hindered conservation efforts for endangered species like sea turtles. However, research in Antarctica has remained unaffected.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Scientists around the world have had to make strange choices and adapt their research methods during the pandemic, such as using smashed bananas to study frog communication.
04:19
During the pandemic, researchers had to make tough choices about whether to keep their frogs alive and risk their own safety or euthanize them.
07:55
A scientist at Michigan State University had to choose between breaking the rules and putting a 140-year-old seed experiment in jeopardy during the pandemic.
11:43
Frank and his colleagues had to postpone their experiment of excavating a bottle of seeds that had been buried for 140 years due to the stay-at-home order issued by the governor during the pandemic.
15:02
Marine conservation biologist Christine Figano is unable to collect data on endangered sea turtles and protect their eggs from poachers in Costa Rica due to travel restrictions and beach closures caused by the pandemic.
18:32
Conservation efforts for endangered species, such as sea turtles, are being hindered by the pandemic, as many conservationists are unable to carry out their work due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
23:26
Research and day-to-day life in Antarctica have continued as normal with no major disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
