Short Wave

Astrobiologist Mike Wong joins to discuss the newly launched Europa Clipper mission, which aims to explore the icy moon Europa and assess its habitability. He shares his passion for Europa, highlighting its underwater ocean and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The conversation expands to other icy moons like Saturn's Enceladus and Titan, discussing their similarities and the necessary conditions for supporting life. Wong emphasizes the mission's significance and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in our search for life beyond Earth.

Hannah Chin and Jessica Young, both producers specializing in biological and plant sciences, engage with delightful questions from curious five-year-olds. They break down the science of color mixing and the creation of rainbows. From discussing the unique circulatory systems of humans and insects to exploring how plants grow using mathematical principles like the golden ratio, their explanations spark wonder. They delve into the origins of Earth's oceans and the emergence of life, blending scientific theories with the imaginative queries of children.

Rosalyn LaPier, an author and multidisciplinary professor, dives into the fascinating world of ethnobotany and its often misunderstood significance. She highlights the crucial role women play in preserving plant knowledge in indigenous communities and how younger generations are reconnecting with this heritage. LaPier addresses the problems of disinformation about traditional herbal medicine and the integration of these practices with modern health approaches. She also emphasizes the importance of traditional plant knowledge for reproductive health amidst changing legal landscapes.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR's science correspondent renowned for her insightful coverage of climate change, dives into the fascinating world of rock glaciers. She reveals that there are over 10,000 of these formations in the western U.S., often overlooked despite their significance. The discussion highlights their role in water supply and biodiversity, as well as the challenges researchers face in studying these hidden wonders. Nell also shares her hiking adventures to Utah’s rock glaciers, emphasizing their resilience amid climate change.

Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist from Wayne State University and author of "Afraid," shares his expertise on fear and anxiety. He discusses the biological and evolutionary roles of these emotions and the distinction between them. Javanbakht elaborates on our fascination with horror movies, revealing how they tap into our sympathetic nervous system and can even serve as therapeutic tools. He also explores various therapies, including talk and exposure therapies, to help manage fear and anxiety, highlighting innovative approaches like augmented reality.

Ari Shapiro, known for hosting a season of The Mole, joins the discussion on the evolving science of lie detection. They explore the effectiveness of polygraphs, micro-expressions, and AI voice analysis, scrutinizing their reliability. The conversation delves into the psychology of lying and fact-checking complexities, emphasizing how social dynamics, much like those in reality TV, shape our perceptions of truth and deception. The blend of personal experiences and scientific inquiry makes for a captivating investigation into the art of spotting a liar.

Join Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent renowned for his insights into neuroscience, as he reveals the groundbreaking wiring diagram of the adult fruit fly brain. Discover the complexities of its 50 million connections across 140,000 neurons. He discusses the intriguing courtship behaviors of male fruit flies and how this research may impact our understanding of brain connectivity in humans. The conversation also touches on a virtual reality project simulating a fruit fly's brain, exploring the futuristic implications of mind-uploading and cyborg-like possibilities.

Discover how a NASA ER-2 spy plane has revealed the mysterious connection between lightning and gamma radiation. High-energy radiation found in thunderstorms mirrors that around black holes and neutron stars. The discussion also touches on the dynamic geological processes affecting Mount Everest's height. Plus, explore how squids inspire innovative heat-regulating materials with incredible adaptable properties. Join an engaging journey through the surprising links between nature's phenomena!

Juan Madrid, an astronomer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, addresses the alarming gap in students' understanding of climate change. He discusses the innovative approach of integrating climate education into astronomy courses, linking light, energy, and the greenhouse effect to inspire awareness. With relatable analogies like the greenhouse effect on Venus, he emphasizes the importance of education in fostering hope and promoting climate action. Madrid also highlights advancements in renewable energy and the critical role of youth in combating climate change.

Delve into the fascinating world of fungi, where millions of species play critical roles in our ecosystem. Explore how climate change and urban heat affect their behavior, raising concerns for both health and agriculture. A trip to a Baltimore lab reveals groundbreaking research on creating a fungal-resistant future. Uncover the link between fungi and the extinction of dinosaurs, and learn about their dual nature as both vital recyclers and potential threats. The delicate balance of coexisting with fungi is key to survival.