Short Wave

Joining the conversation is Juana Summers, a national correspondent and host on All Things Considered. She discusses how scientists in the Arctic are using drones to capture whale breath samples for health studies. This innovative method helps track diseases like morbillivirus and herpes in whale populations. The findings offer insights into stressors on marine life and potential zoonotic risks to humans. Juana also highlights the importance of monitoring ocean health, emphasizing a unique intersection of technology and conservation.

Katie Wu, a staff writer for The Atlantic, shares her insights on the intriguing genetic condition known as Asian glow. She discusses personal experiences with this flush that affects many after drinking alcohol. Wu delves into the ALDH2 mutation responsible for this condition and its implications for health, including potential links to tuberculosis resistance. The conversation explores how this seemingly disadvantageous trait could have provided an evolutionary advantage, highlighting a fascinating intersection between genetics and survival.

Rhitu Chatterjee, an NPR health correspondent focused on mental health, dives into the transformative 'Hold The Hope' project, which aids suicide prevention training. He discusses the emotional intricacies of caregivers supporting individuals in crisis and how a compelling song has opened conversations around mental health. They explore practical strategies for response and the importance of validating feelings. Rhitu emphasizes reframing suicidality as a sign of strength and the positive impact of this initiative on training by the UK's NHS.

Join zoologist Raffaela Lesch, an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, as she reveals fascinating insights from her study on urban raccoons. Learn how these clever creatures might be taking their first steps toward domestication. Raffaela discusses the signs of domestication syndrome, including shorter snouts observed in city-dwelling raccoons. She shares challenges in research methods and what could be potential next steps for urban raccoons in their journey to cohabitate with humans. Could you ever have a litter box-trained raccoon?

Sydney Lupkin, an NPR Pharmaceuticals correspondent, dives into the buzz surrounding GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and their potential pill formulations. She explains how these injectables have transformed weight loss therapies and shares insights on the development of oral versions, including Novo Nordisk's semaglutide pill and Eli Lilly's innovative Orforglipron. These new options promise improved access and lower costs, revolutionizing treatment for many. Lupkin also discusses patient preferences for pills over injections, highlighting the evolving landscape of diabetes care.

Christina Schutt, the Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, dives into the history and symbolism of the penny, particularly its connection to Lincoln. She shares fascinating insights about museum activities involving pennies and an artist's tribute to this American icon. The discussion also explores the penny's declining production, the costs of minting, and Congress’s reluctance to address its fate. Listeners are treated to anecdotes including a penny that ventured to Mars, making the penny's journey all the more intriguing.

Julia Simon, a climate reporter for NPR's Climate Desk, dives into the chaos of COP30 in Brazil, sharing anecdotes like a tent fire evacuation during crucial announcements. She highlights the frustration of countries struggling to reach agreements on fossil fuel phase-outs. In an exciting shift, the Santa Marta Conference is introduced, focusing on equitable measures to phase out fossil fuels and support affected workers. Julia also discusses the ambitious Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, aiming for a legally binding commitment to tackling emissions.

Ariel Ekblaw, a space architect and founder of Aurelia, discusses revolutionary concepts for off-world living. She explains her company's magnetic 'tesserae'—modular tiles poised to self-assemble into livable structures in orbit. Ariel dives into off-world agriculture and how lessons learned could aid disaster relief on Earth. Additionally, she tackles challenges like space debris, launch emissions, and the potential for space-based solar energy to be beamed back to Earth safely. Her vision intertwines human and robotic efforts in creating a sustainable future beyond our planet.

Katia Riddle, an NPR science correspondent specializing in physics and technology, dives into the intriguing world of quantum science. She discusses the increased investment from governments and tech giants aimed at unlocking quantum's potential. Katia explains complex concepts like quantum tunneling, superposition, and the differences between classical bits and qubits through relatable analogies. Moreover, she shares insights on the timeline for real-world applications, revealing that while the future is promising, meaningful impacts may still be decades away.

Journalist Elsa Chang joins to explore the fascinating potential of TRAPPIST-1e as a candidate for alien life. She highlights its Earth-like characteristics and the crucial conditions for habitability, like atmosphere and water. Yet, recent studies reveal a lack of key gases, dimming hopes for alien atmospheres. The discussion shifts to how volcanic eruptions could have triggered the Black Death by impacting climate and food supply. They also delve into the surprising self-sacrifice behaviors of ants, revealing a complex colony dynamic.