Rasha Aridi

In this engaging conversation, Rasha Aridi, a science reporter and former Short Wave intern, delves into the neuroscience of why certain songs stick in our heads long after other memories fade. She highlights how music engages our brains through patterns and repetition, making memories more accessible. Rasha shares insights on the emotional connections music creates and how melodies can stimulate dopamine release, enhancing our enjoyment and retention of information. Discover the profound interplay between music, memory, and emotion!

In this engaging discussion, Rasha Aridi, a science reporter and former intern, delves into the fascinating neuroscience behind why certain songs stick with us. She explores how music evokes nostalgia and emotions, enhancing memory retention. Rasha highlights the roles of rhythm and rhyme in making lyrics memorable and shares insights on how music acts as a powerful cognitive shortcut for learning. Additionally, she explains how music triggers brain pathways linked to sound and emotion, illuminating its impact on memory, even for those with challenges like Alzheimer's.

Rasha Aridi and Emma Gomez, producers at Science Friday, dive into the unique challenges of cannabis research amid federal restrictions. They highlight the innovative CannaVan, a mobile lab that brings research directly to users, facilitating studies in relaxed environments. Listeners will learn about the historical hurdles faced by researchers, the intriguing link between THC and exercise enjoyment, and the shifting demographics of cannabis users. Their insightful reporting sheds light on how science adapts to legal complexities in a changing landscape.

Rasha Aridi, a science journalist and former intern, dives into the wild story of Pablo Escobar's hippos in Colombia. After Escobar's death, these hippos not only survived but thrived, creating a unique conservation conundrum. There's fierce debate on whether they should be controlled or embraced as ecological contributors. As locals weigh the benefits of ecotourism against possible dangers, discussions around invasive species and their roles in altered environments unfold, challenging our understanding of nature itself.

Rasha Aridi, a former intern turned bat advocate, teams up with ecologist Rodrigo Medellín, famously known as the 'Bat Man of Mexico.' They dive into the awe-inspiring diversity of bats, showcasing their unique flying skills and echolocation. The conversation challenges common misconceptions, revealing bats as ecological superheroes vital for pest control and pollination. They even connect bats to tequila production—yes, those winged wonders impact your margaritas! Tune in for a celebration of these misunderstood creatures.