Short Wave

Susana Martinez-Conde, a renowned professor specializing in ophthalmology and neurology, shares her insights on the captivating world of visual illusions. Discover how our brains interpret motion through astonishing examples, including award winners from her Illusion of the Year contest. The conversation dives into the science behind perception, revealing how illusions shape our understanding of reality. Martinez-Conde highlights the unique interplay of art and neuroscience, illustrating why these quirks of perception aren't flaws but fundamental features of the brain.

A retiree in Arizona shares his worries about escalating summer heat, reflecting broader climate challenges. The podcast dives into rising heat wave statistics and their alarming link to climate change. It explores the role of greenhouse gases and their impact on our atmosphere. Solutions for urban heat crises are discussed, including cooling centers and greening efforts. The future implications for ecosystems and human health paint a sobering picture of what rising temperatures mean for us all.

This time, Noelle Bolin, a fisheries biologist at NOAA, dives into the ocean's twilight zone, revealing its secrets. She discusses the diel vertical migration, where marine creatures rise nightly to feed, marking the largest migration on Earth. Bolin explains how squishy organisms adapt to this unique habitat and their crucial role in carbon cycling. The conversation also highlights urgent challenges facing these ecosystems, including fishing pressures and climate change, stressing the need for ongoing research and awareness.

Discover the surprising evolutionary history of spiders, revealing that their ancestors may have originated in the ocean rather than on land. Dive into groundbreaking studies on fossilized marine arthropods and their similarities to modern arachnids. Explore the intriguing connections between maternal age and child gender ratios, and learn about the phenomenon of sex clustering in large families. Plus, uncover the celestial wonders of star clusters and their growth patterns in the night sky.

Join pediatrician Eva Trujillo, President of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, as she discusses the alarming rise of eating disorders among teenagers during the pandemic. She highlights the brain's changes associated with these illnesses and the critical role of proper treatment for recovery. Alongside teen mental health advocate Moorea Friedman, they explore the pervasive influence of diet culture and share compassionate strategies to aid recovery, emphasizing the need for awareness, support, and identity reclamation.

The podcast discusses the proposed 24% budget cuts to NASA, the largest in history. It highlights concerns about halted projects like the Mars sample return and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Experts warn of a potential brain drain as funding reallocations favor human spaceflight over essential scientific research. Insights into ongoing congressional discussions offer hope for a less drastic outcome. The connection between basic science and future Mars missions is also explored, emphasizing the critical need for continued investment in space science.

Marine biologist Drew Harvell, author of 'The Ocean's Menagerie', takes listeners on an underwater adventure exploring the sunlight zone. He shares fascinating insights into the superpowers of sea slugs, highlighting their vibrant colors and clever survival strategies. Harvell also discusses the remarkable strength of sea stars and the life-saving potential of sponges in medical advancements. With a call to prioritize marine conservation, he inspires us to appreciate these underwater wonders and their contributions to human health.

The discussion highlights the recent congressional decision to cut federal funding for public media. It delves into the potential negative effects on local journalism and communities, painting a worrying picture of diminished access to essential information. The speaker shares personal experiences to underscore the importance of supporting public media in preserving independent journalism for all.

Nate Rott, a science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of the California red-legged frog, the largest native frog in the western U.S. He shares how AI is revolutionizing conservation efforts by analyzing frog calls to monitor their populations. The discussion highlights the groundbreaking collaboration between scientists and technology experts to restore these endangered frogs. With a blend of humor, Rott emphasizes the crucial role of frogs in our ecosystem and the innovative techniques helping preserve biodiversity.

In this discussion, Jonathan Purtle, an associate professor at NYU specializing in mental health policy, dives into the essential services provided by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. He highlights alarming gaps in awareness, particularly among vulnerable groups like LGBTQI+ youth and veterans. Purtle contrasts the 988 service with 911, showcasing its unique role in mental health emergencies. The conversation reveals critical insights into public attitudes towards mental health and the pressing need for improved support systems.