Finding consciousness outside the brain, and using DNA to reunite families

First this week, Contributing Correspondent Emily Underwood talks with host Sarah Crespi about the surprising role of the vagus nerve—which connects the brain to organs like the heart and digestive tract—in processes once thought to be solely controlled by the brain, such as consciousness and memory. Next, Sara Katsanis, a research assistant professor at Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern University, talks about the best way to use DNA to reunite families that have been separated by everything from government policies to natural disasters. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. Listen to previous podcasts. About the Science Podcast Download a transcript (PDF).