Short Wave

Scott Detrow, a radio journalist and NPR contributor, dives into the fascinating world of kissing and its deep evolutionary roots. Discover how kissing dates back to our ape ancestors, including Neanderthals, around 21 million years ago. The conversation also uncovers surprising findings about moss spores that survived the challenging conditions of space for nine months, along with fresh insights into the collision that formed our moon, reshaping theories about the origins of Earth's water. It's a blend of human history and cosmic exploration!

Rudy Mendoza-Denton, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, shares insights on navigating disagreements, especially during the holiday season. He discusses how our bodies react to conflict and the role of quick trust judgments linked to our amygdala. The conversation highlights the mental toll of disagreements and offers techniques like empathy, sharing personal stories, and focusing on understanding rather than winning debates. Ultimately, building connections through humility and intention can help bridge divides.

Explore the mysteries of earthquake prediction as hosts delve into the notorious 'Big One' expected on the West Coast. Learn about geologic clues from ghost forests and marsh cores that reveal past quakes and their impacts. Discover how scientists connect a 1700 tsunami to a Cascadia megathrust and why predicting exact timing remains elusive. A fun turkey thermometer metaphor illustrates the uncertainty in seismic cycles. Plus, find out how early warning systems can offer crucial seconds to prepare for earthquakes.

Explore the hidden crisis of food insecurity affecting one in eight U.S. households. Learn how limited access forces families to choose unhealthy, processed foods. Discover the biological impacts of hunger and how it disrupts health. Experts discuss the mental toll of food-related financial stress, linking it to anxiety and depression. Delve into how scarcity fosters social isolation and the long-term consequences for communities. Find out practical ways to support local food access efforts and reshape the conversation around hunger.

In this engaging discussion, sleep scientist Michelle Carr, from the University of Montreal and author of *Nightmare Obscura*, delves into the intriguing world of dreams and nightmares. She explains the stages of sleep and how REM phases create our most vivid experiences. Learn how nightmares are often linked to trauma and stress. Discover innovative therapies like imagery rehearsal and the potential of wearables to manage dreams. Michelle also touches on lucid dreaming, offering strategies for dream agency that can empower us in our sleep!

Charles Fernyhough, a psychology professor at Durham University, dives deep into the intriguing world of inner monologues. He explores the fascinating differences in inner speech, revealing that not everyone experiences an internal dialogue. Fernyhough explains how children develop inner speech, shares insights on brain regions involved, and describes the phenomenon of voice hearing as misattributed inner speech. The conversation also touches on cognitive diversity, emphasizing the variety in how people think and process internally.

Susan Brown, head of the apple breeding program at Cornell AgriTech, delves into the fascinating world of apple genetics and breeding. She explains the intricate process of hand pollination, where pollen is collected to create new varieties. Discover how breeders taste-test thousands of hybrids, discarding those that don't meet expectations, famously known as 'spitters.' Brown also discusses the importance of genetic diversity in apples and how innovative DNA testing could speed up the breeding process for future varieties.

Recent research reveals that cognitive training can elevate levels of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that diminishes with age. The discussion features a compelling 10-week study involving older adults, showing a 2.3% increase in acetylcholine linked to cognitive workouts. Participants engaged in focused training rather than casual games, providing insights into effective brain fitness. Experts suggest combining physical and mental exercises for optimal brain health, emphasizing enjoyment and social engagement for lasting benefits.

Linguist Adam Aleksic dives into the fast-evolving world of Gen Z slang and its roots in social media. He highlights how algorithms shape language, discussing quirky terms like "unalive" as a euphemism created out of content moderation. Adam reveals how viral songs, like the Rizzler track, accelerate slang spread, while also addressing the commercialization of niche identities. He traces the cultural origins of popular slang back to Black and queer communities, urging awareness of appropriation and the potential harms of algorithmic influence.

Scott Detrow, an NPR host and expert in space and science reporting, joins to discuss the environmental impacts of AI as revealed by Cornell University's study. The alarming projections indicate AI could contribute millions of metric tons of CO2 and significant water usage by 2030. Scott also explores the intriguing possibility of life on Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, thanks to its stable subsurface ocean. Additionally, learn about the unique anatomy of chameleons, including their fascinating coiled optic nerves that enhance their eye mobility.