Short Wave

Joro spiders are creeping across the east coast, but no need to panic! They’re more fascinating than terrifying, with their arrival linked to climate change and global shipping. The episode also covers the strange relationship between fungi and cicadas, alongside surprising discoveries about how space travel affects human cells, including telomere lengthening. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of support networks for astronauts and how research is evolving to enhance their health.

Lauren Sommer, NPR climate correspondent and climate change expert, dives into the pressing issue of the current heat dome affecting the southwestern U.S. She discusses how this high-pressure system traps heat, raising risks for human health. Sommer highlights the dangerous combination of heat and humidity, revealing the inadequacies of existing heat warning systems. She also underscores the need for better public communication and an accurate heat index to protect vulnerable populations as climate change intensifies extreme heat events.

Dive into the thrilling world of space launches! Discover the intense G-forces astronauts experience as they blast off, and feel the exhilarating weightlessness once they reach orbit. Explore the fascinating physics that govern these sensations, alongside a thought-provoking look at gravity's role in spacecraft motion. Plus, learn about the urgent issue of space debris and the need for responsible practices to keep our orbit safe. Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!

Wildlife trafficking is a booming multi-billion dollar industry, causing severe threats to biodiversity and local economies. The podcast highlights efforts to support confiscated animals through rehabilitative initiatives, like those at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Listeners also get an insider's look at wildlife inspections, where dedicated officials and their canine partners battle illegal shipments. The urgent need to combat the turtle trade and the role of public awareness in tackling these challenges are emphasized, along with potential solutions to protect endangered species.

Kyne Santos, a math enthusiast and drag queen known for her engaging TikTok content and her book 'Math in Drag', discusses her unique blend of passions. She likens her dual life to Hannah Montana—solving equations by day and dazzling in drag by night. Kyne explores how math and performance art intersect, drawing parallels between concepts of infinity and the creative expressions in drag. She emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity in both fields and shares personal stories that highlight resilience and self-expression in the drag community.

Gregory Dussek, an oceanographer at NOAA, dives into the pivotal role tides played in the D-Day invasion during WWII. He unpacks how precise tidal predictions were vital for the success of this historic operation. The conversation explores the intersection of tides with astronomy and ecology, emphasizing their significance in shipping and disaster preparedness. Dussek also discusses the promising future of harnessing tidal currents for renewable energy, addressing both technological advancements and climate change challenges affecting coastal regions.

Will Stone, an NPR science reporter specializing in psychedelics and therapy, dives into the revolutionary potential of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. He discusses the upcoming FDA decision that could approve this treatment, which has shown promising results in clinical trials. However, serious allegations of misconduct threaten to complicate the approval process. Stone also highlights the benefits veterans have experienced during trials and addresses the ethical controversies surrounding these groundbreaking studies.

A silky shark named Genie embarked on an extraordinary 17,000-mile journey, setting a record for her species. This migration highlights the vital need for shark conservation. Meanwhile, the fascinating behaviors of woodpeckers are explored, including their preference for pecking metal surfaces during mating displays. There's also a dive into innovative cancer research, discussing how nutrition and physical activity impact health, alongside initiatives aimed at promoting better health behaviors.

Fatima Aysha Hussain, a postdoctoral research scientist at Harvard's Reagan Institute, dives into the fascinating world of the vaginal microbiome. She shares insights on the vital role of healthy microbes in women's health and discusses her innovative study on vaginal microbiome transplants. Could one woman's microbiome help another combat bacterial vaginosis? Fatima explores the emotional struggles linked to BV and reveals groundbreaking research on donor-recipient matching and ethical considerations in this transformative field of treatment.

Allison Aubrey, NPR science correspondent and expert in sunscreen science, shares critical insights on sun protection strategies to avoid melanoma, which affects 84,000 people annually in the U.S. She discusses common mistakes like using expired sunscreen and misconceptions about SPF levels. Allison explains the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens and emphasizes the importance of regular reapplication. With summer coming, she provides practical tips on effective application techniques and supplementary protective measures.