John Hamilton, NPR's murine romance expert, dives into the intriguing world of prairie voles, known for their lifelong partnerships. He discusses how scientists used these cuddly rodents to unravel the mysteries of oxytocin in love. However, recent studies reveal that this 'love hormone' might not be the sole architect of emotional bonds. Hamilton explores the broader biological landscape of love, revealing the unexpected complexity behind our instincts for connection and attachment, and how these insights could reshape our understanding of human relationships.

In this insightful discussion, John Hamilton, NPR's brain correspondent, dives into the stories of veterans William Wilcox and Michael Lozano, who both developed arteriovenous malformation (AVM) after serving as tow gunners. They explore how powerful military weaponry may change gene expression, leading to neurological issues. The conversation highlights the devastating effects of AVM, the personal struggles of these veterans, and Lozano’s impactful work in equine therapy, illustrating the ongoing battle between service and health crises.

John Hamilton, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the future of science and immigration under the Trump administration. He reveals how proposed H-1B visa restrictions could lead to a brain drain, pushing top foreign scientists to seek opportunities elsewhere. Hamilton discusses the vital role foreign-born researchers play in the U.S. science landscape and the broader implications of tightening immigration policies. Personal stories highlight the challenges faced by scientists, emphasizing a troubling shift in the academic and research communities.

Join Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent renowned for his insights into neuroscience, as he reveals the groundbreaking wiring diagram of the adult fruit fly brain. Discover the complexities of its 50 million connections across 140,000 neurons. He discusses the intriguing courtship behaviors of male fruit flies and how this research may impact our understanding of brain connectivity in humans. The conversation also touches on a virtual reality project simulating a fruit fly's brain, exploring the futuristic implications of mind-uploading and cyborg-like possibilities.

Jon Hamilton, an NPR science correspondent, hosts a captivating discussion with neuroscientist Erich Jarvis, chair of the Vertebrate Genomes Project. They explore the ambitious goal of sequencing 70,000 animal genomes to boost conservation efforts and understand evolution. The fascinating role of the platypus shines as a key player in unraveling mammalian traits. They also delve into the links between vocal learning and cognition in animals, pondering the ethical implications of genetic engineering related to vocalization.