Short Wave

Adam Higginbotham, journalist and author of Challenger, recounts the 1986 shuttle disaster with concise reporting and deep research. He discusses launch delays and pressure to make flights routine. He examines O-ring warnings, management reversals, and the investigation. He reflects on the shuttle’s legacy, Krista McAuliffe’s role, and how lessons shaped later accidents.

Rebecca Hersher, NPR climate reporter who covers weather and climate, explains how computer models and vast observation networks gave long warning for Winter Storm Fern. She explores how multiple models are combined and why abundant, continuous data from satellites, radars, balloons and ships is crucial. The conversation also flags risks to those data systems from government budget and staffing cuts.

Daniel Sollenberger, a herpetologist and senior wildlife biologist in Georgia who identifies local reptiles and amphibians, explains who is showing up in suburban yards. He names common species like anoles, skinks and tree frogs. He talks about how yard plants, water features and urban development change where these animals live. He also covers making yards less or more welcoming and community monitoring opportunities.

Alberto Dainotti, a computer scientist who studies internet infrastructure, explains how networks, routers and centralized systems allow a government to cut connectivity. Amanda Meng, a social scientist with IOTA, discusses monitoring outages and how measurement reveals changes like selective whitelisting and satellite workarounds. Multiple short conversations explore detection methods, evolving shutdown tactics, and real-world harms.

Joining the discussion, Elsa Chang is a science journalist focusing on Antarctic penguins and ice science. She reveals that penguins are breeding earlier than ever due to a warming climate, highlighting the impact of environmental conditions on their mating habits. Elsa also shares insights from a study using 77 cameras to monitor penguin colonies over a decade. In a fascinating pivot, they explore how dirty diapers influence parental disgust responses and the practical applications of this habituation research in caregiving roles.

Andrew Fox and Gagandeep Anand, both astronomers at the Space Telescope Science Institute, dive into the fascinating world of dark matter. They explore Cloud 9, a unique starless dark matter halo that could be pivotal in understanding dark matter. The discussion covers how Hubble's observations revealed Cloud 9's emptiness, the implications for galaxy formation, and its potential to refine the Lambda-CDM theory. They emphasize the importance of finding more starless halos to unlock further secrets of the universe.

In this riveting discussion, Michal Ruprecht, a Stanford Global Health Media Fellow and fourth-year medical student, dives into the realistic portrayal of emergency medicine in the acclaimed drama The Pitt. He reveals why the show resonates with healthcare workers, exploring its unique structure of covering an entire ER shift in an episode. Michal discusses themes from both seasons, including the impact of AI in medicine and the representation of disabilities among clinicians, while also addressing some inaccuracies in its portrayal of hospital life.

Join a nighttime adventure in Patuxent River State Park as naturalists uncover the wonders of winter wildlife. Discover lichens that glow under UV light and learn how to attract nocturnal moths with strategically placed lamps. Marvel at a red-back salamander's clever winter hiding techniques and delve into the bizarre world of fungi with countless mating types. The excitement continues with discussions on community nature events, such as the City Nature Challenge, making this a perfect mix of science, nature, and camaraderie.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Nordrum, the Executive Editor at MIT Technology Review, shares insights on transformative tech trends. They delve into the rise of sodium-ion batteries, a greener alternative for electric vehicles. Private space stations are on the horizon, offering new research opportunities beyond NASA. Amy further explores personalized base editing for infants, raising both hopes and ethical dilemmas. Wrapping up with rapid-fire mentions, the conversation highlights other groundbreaking innovations shaping our future.

Duncan Astle, a neuroscientist and professor at the University of Cambridge, dives into brain development and connectivity. He discusses a study revealing four turning points in brain maturation, suggesting that full adulthood may not be reached until around 32. Duncan explains the growth in brain connectivity during childhood and the ongoing myelination up to age 32, which enhances efficiency. He also links prolonged brain development to adolescent impulsivity, providing valuable insights for parents on adapting to their children’s evolving needs.