Short Wave

Join John Tsang, a Yale immunology professor and creator of the Immune Health Metric, alongside David Ewing Duncan, a journalist renowned for his self-experimentation in health science. They explore the revolutionary immune health assessment that could predict diseases before they manifest. David shares his personal experience with immune profiling, revealing how this metric indicated an immune age significantly younger than his actual age. Their discussion also highlights the Human Immunome Project and its potential to reshape our understanding of immune health.

In this insightful discussion, geochemist Frankie Pavia from the University of Washington sheds light on his groundbreaking research using cosmic dust to uncover Arctic climate history. He explains how debris from asteroids and comets can reveal conditions from the last ice age, including a striking 300% deficit in cosmic dust, indicating extensive ice cover. Pavia also explores factors that contributed to the melting of Arctic ice, linking past data to future climate predictions and emphasizing the importance of understanding these changes.

In this enlightening discussion, science correspondent Katia Riddle sheds light on the impacts of social media on birth control choices. She addresses viral misinformation from health influencers, highlighting their often exaggerated claims about hormone-based contraceptives. Katia emphasizes the dangers of trusting influencers over medical professionals, urging listeners to consider the real risks of pregnancy versus rare side effects. Ultimately, she advocates for personalized conversations with healthcare providers to navigate these important decisions.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR's science correspondent, dives into the autumn mystery of why some leaves turn red. She explains how red pigments are produced in the fall, contrasting with the yellow reveal of chlorophyll breakdown. Nell discusses theories suggesting these pigments may protect leaves from damage and help trees reclaim nitrogen. Intriguingly, red leaves might even deter insects like aphids. With regional variations and ongoing research, the science of fall foliage offers fascinating insights into nature's color palette.

Kemi Ashing-Giwa, a paleophysiology graduate student at Stanford, dives into the chilling details of The Great Dying, Earth's worst mass extinction. She reveals why some species, like bivalves, survived while others perished, discussing their unique adaptations to extreme conditions. Kemi also explains the role of sulfide and oxygen in their survival strategies and how modern climate challenges echo these ancient events. Plus, she shares how writing science fiction fuels her passion for research. A fascinating look at survival across epochs!

Geologist Anjana Khatwa, author of The Whispers of Rocks, unpacks the profound impact geology has on our civilization. She explains how tectonic events shaped Manhattan’s iconic skyline and connects rocks to cultural narratives, including indigenous stories. Khatwa warns against viewing rocks as infinite resources, highlighting their roles in issues like climate change and social demographics. From the secrets of zircon dating to the geological history that influenced voter trends in the Southern U.S., she reveals how Earth's past informs our future.

Hannah Chinn, a producer and reporter, dives into the captivating world of voting systems ahead of crucial elections. She explores how even minor changes in electoral rules can sway outcomes—a third of simulated elections show different winners based on varied systems. Chinn explains the complexities of plurality voting, highlights the advantages of ranked choice voting, and introduces approval voting. They wrap up with a discussion on Arrow's impossibility theorem, emphasizing that no voting system is without its trade-offs.

Elsa Chang, the host of NPR's Consider This, joins to explore this week's fascinating science topics. They dive into how spiders design their webs and the mysterious purpose of stabilimenta. The conversation shifts to TV technology, discussing the real impact of pixel counts on viewing experience and whether spending more guarantees better quality. The episode wraps up with intriguing insights from a study on how storytelling influences memory formation in the brain. Perfect for Halloween, it's a mix of science and intrigue!

Mark Mammdorf-Andersen, a cognitive behavioral scientist and co-director of Denmark's Recreational Fear Lab, dives into the psychology of fear. He explains why haunted houses serve as perfect research environments to study our fears. Discover the 'sweet spot' of enjoyable fear, and learn how social dynamics can enhance scary experiences. Mammdorf-Andersen also discusses theories for why people actively seek fear, from arousal relief to the joy of shared experiences with friends. It's a fun exploration of what makes us thrill-seekers!

The discussion dives into the concept of managed retreat, a strategic move to relocate communities from disaster-prone areas. With examples from Alaska to Illinois, listeners learn how some communities successfully rebuilt after floods while others face ongoing struggles with funding and government support. The podcast explores the balance between top-down and grassroots initiatives, addressing the complexities and challenges of relocating entire communities. Challenges persist, including fragmented participation and financial barriers, but there are inspiring stories of resilience and cooperation.