Short Wave

This week features Mark Drela, an MIT aeronautical engineer and expert in flight mechanics. He explains how airplanes lift off and navigate the skies, demystifying the physics of flight for anxious travelers. Mark discusses the mechanics of lift, comparing it to water skiing and the feel of a hand out of a car window. He reassures listeners about safety, illustrating how aircraft are designed to embrace their natural inclination to fly. By breaking down complex theories, he provides clarity on the wonders of air travel.

Rob Stein, NPR's health correspondent, shares the groundbreaking story of Tawana Looney, the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney. Tawana, a resilient grandmother from Alabama, had been on dialysis for years before this pioneering transplant. Stein was present in the operating room, providing an exclusive look at the procedure. They discuss the ethical controversies surrounding animal organ transplants and the potential for this innovation to address the severe shortage of human donors. Tawana's inspiring recovery highlights hope in this medical frontier.

Willa Rubin, a producer from Planet Money, shares insights on an ambitious project in Germany that transforms an old mining pit into the country's largest artificial lake. She discusses the fascinating challenges of balancing ecological health with resource management. Topics include the necessity of careful scientific research to combat the high acidity in water and the strategies used to ensure shoreline stability. The conversation also touches on urban planning and the creation of vibrant recreational areas for future generations.

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR's science correspondent specializing in AI and nuclear power, dives into the tech giants' pursuit of nuclear energy to meet soaring demands from AI systems. He discusses the potential for nuclear plants to provide vast, emissions-free power and examines skepticism around these investments. The conversation highlights innovations like X Energy's small reactor designs and the historical context of nuclear power, stressing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions as AI's energy appetite grows.

Cara Anthony, a KFF Health News reporter, dives deep into the intersection of racism and health, focusing on Sikeston, Missouri. She discusses the historical trauma of racial violence, including the lynching of Cleo Wright and the police killing of Denzel Taylor. Anthony reveals how generational trauma persists in Black families and the detrimental effects of silence on health. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for open dialogues within families and communities to foster healing and address systemic disparities.

Uncover the fascinating history of weather forecasting in the U.S., dating back over 150 years. Explore the critical discussion on the risks of privatizing weather services and why equitable access to forecasts is essential for safety. Delve into the competitive landscape of weather apps and the sources that power their predictions. Finally, unravel the ongoing tensions between public data availability and private sector interests in the ever-evolving world of weather forecasting.

In a fascinating twist from the 1950s, scientists discovered Conan the Bacterium, a microorganism that thrives in lethal radiation. Its survival secrets could revolutionize space exploration and medical innovations. The podcast also tackles the loneliness epidemic, especially among older adults, connecting health detriments to their experiences. Moreover, it highlights groundbreaking research on how certain animals regenerate their hearing, revealing potential gene therapy solutions for humans. Discover the intersection of microbial resilience and social issues.

Explore the fascinating world of archaea, tiny microbes that play crucial roles in ecosystems and even our immune systems. Discover their surprising connections to Norse mythology and how they reshape our understanding of life’s origins. The research of Carl Woese reveals archaea as a distinct life domain, raising questions about evolution. Their intriguing genetic links to eukaryotes could change everything we know about immunity and potential antiviral therapies. Dive into the wild narratives of these ancient organisms!

Discover the PhytoPatholoBot, a robot transforming grape farming by autonomously scanning vineyards for diseases. Learn how these smart machines, equipped with cameras, achieve over 90% accuracy in detecting mildew, crucial for grape quality. Hear insights from experts on the challenges of grape disease management and the evolving role of robotics in agriculture. Instead of replacing farmers, these robots enhance their capabilities, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in viticulture.

John Hamilton, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the future of science and immigration under the Trump administration. He reveals how proposed H-1B visa restrictions could lead to a brain drain, pushing top foreign scientists to seek opportunities elsewhere. Hamilton discusses the vital role foreign-born researchers play in the U.S. science landscape and the broader implications of tightening immigration policies. Personal stories highlight the challenges faced by scientists, emphasizing a troubling shift in the academic and research communities.