Umair Irfan, a senior correspondent at Vox, discusses the alarming absence of leaders from the world's top polluting nations at the UN climate conference in Azerbaijan. He highlights the urgent need for wealthier countries to support developing nations affected by climate change. Irfan also sheds light on the concerning spike in walking pneumonia cases among young children, sharing insights on transmission and health guidelines to keep families safe. Plus, he touches on rising alcohol consumption trends and fascinating discoveries in ancient ecosystems.

Dr. Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist and author, shares his fascinating insights into the brain's relationship with music. He explains how music often lingers in our minds long after other memories fade and discusses why individuals with limited language skills can still sing flawlessly. The conversation delves into music's evolutionary significance, its unique processing in the brain, and the emotional triggers it evokes. Sacks also touches on therapeutic uses of music in treating neurological conditions, highlighting the profound impact of sound on the human experience.

Daniel Baker, a PhD student in immunology at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the groundbreaking potential of CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases like lupus. He discusses a Chinese study where donor CAR-T cells put autoimmune diseases into remission, suggesting scalability for treatment. Additionally, the episode highlights research on yellow-bellied marmots, exploring how early life adversity affects their survival, linking animal stressors to broader environmental challenges and conservation strategies.

Dr. Tammy Brady, a pediatric hypertension expert from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the intricacies of blood pressure measurement. She reveals how arm positioning can cause up to a 7mmHg variance in readings, potentially misclassifying patients as hypertensive. The discussion covers the necessity of proper techniques, the impact of clothing on accuracy, and the importance of validated home monitoring devices. Dr. Brady emphasizes self-advocacy in medical settings to ensure reliable health assessments.

Megan Kimble, journalist and author of City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways, dives into the perplexing issue of highway expansion and its failures to ease traffic. She discusses how more lanes often lead to increased congestion and pollution, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the movement to remove highways in favor of greener, community-focused designs. Kimble advocates for prioritizing public transit as a solution for better urban living and reveals shifting perspectives to create more walkable neighborhoods.

Tim Revell, executive editor at New Scientist, shares insights on recent ballot measures, revealing the significant support for abortion rights across several states. He discusses innovative topics like the world’s first wooden satellite and intriguing findings from vampire bats. Meanwhile, Jack Murtagh, a math writer for Scientific American, explains the excitement behind the discovery of a massive 41,024,320-digit prime number, emphasizing its role in the competitive world of mathematics and encryption.

Sy Montgomery, an author and naturalist, reveals the surprising intelligence and social dynamics of chickens, showcasing their ability to recognize faces and form friendships. Meanwhile, Heather Lynch, an ecology professor, discusses how tourist photos can help map and monitor penguin colonies in Antarctica, providing crucial ecological data. Together, they challenge common stereotypes and highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior and environmental changes.

Susan Scott Peterson, a climate reporter from Pittsburgh, explores the transformative impact of the Clean Air Act since its inception. She highlights the significant reduction in air pollutants and the law's role in saving millions of lives. However, Peterson raises critical questions about its effectiveness today, especially in vulnerable communities facing industrial emissions. The discussion also delves into the Clean Air Act's shortcomings regarding wildfire pollution and the urgent need for updated regulations to meet modern environmental challenges.

Explore the intense physical demands of long-distance running, especially during marathons. Discover essential tips for first-time runners, including common training pitfalls and the mental benefits of pacing. Delve into how aging and hormonal changes affect performance, particularly for female athletes, with practical advice on managing musculoskeletal health. Learn about the importance of strength training to combat muscle loss among endurance runners, ensuring longevity in the sport.

Dr. Logan Casey, director of policy research at the Movement Advancement Project, and Kate Steinle, chief clinical officer at FOLX Health, delve into the pressing issue of gender-affirming care amid the presidential election. They discuss the alarming rise in restrictive legislation affecting transgender health rights and its emotional toll on trans and non-binary individuals. The conversation highlights the potential impacts on medical access if political shifts occur, underscoring the critical need for supportive, evidence-based healthcare for the transgender community.