Short Wave

Alejandra Borunda, an NPR climate correspondent, shares her adventurous journey reporting from Greenland’s northernmost Island, Kaffeeklubben. She dives into the expedition's goal of identifying the farthest northern plant species and recounts the challenges faced, including logistical setbacks and thawing permafrost. The team celebrates the discovery of an Arctic poppy and a mysterious moss at 88.665030° north. Alejandra also touches on the impact of climate change in the region and the value of curiosity-driven exploration in science.

Science journalist Katie Wu from The Atlantic dives into the fascinating world of hybridization, revealing how some hybrids can be beneficial rather than disastrous. She shares intriguing examples like the plains spadefoot toads that adaptively mate across species to produce faster tadpoles. Wu also unravels the potato's mysterious origins, pinpointing a single hybrid event that gave rise to this staple food. The discussion highlights the potential of hybrids to drive evolutionary innovation and inspire new agricultural advancements.

Join psychiatrist Arash Javanbakht, a fear aficionado and author of 'Afraid,' as he explores the intriguing science behind fear and anxiety. He explains the thrill of horror movies, suggesting they're therapeutic thanks to our brain's overlapping response to fear and excitement. Arash breaks down the differences between fear and anxiety, revealing that a significant portion of people experience anxiety disorders. He also delves into the evolution of fear, the therapeutic potential of exposure therapy, and how augmented reality can transform treatment for phobias.

A swarm of hoverflies baffled scientists on an oil rig in the North Sea, revealing their migratory patterns and role as pollinators. These tiny insects can carry pollen from over 100 plant species across vast distances. Meanwhile, researchers uncover surprising growth rates in Amazon trees due to increased CO2, though concerns about deforestation remain. Plus, the intriguing sounds of coral reef fish are explored, as scientists document their vocalizations to monitor reef health in a non-disruptive way.

Join NPR science reporter Jonathan Lambert, who explores the crucial role scavenging animals like vultures play in protecting human health. He reveals how the decline of these species, particularly in India, has led to increased human disease and mortality. Find out why vultures are nature's cleanup crew, preventing pathogens through their unique digestion. Lambert discusses the ripple effect of their loss, including surges in feral dog populations and rabies cases, and advocates for conservation as a public health strategy to safeguard our wellbeing.

The podcast dives into the pressing question of sea level rise and its local impacts, focusing on Santa Cruz. It highlights scientific consensus on expected ocean elevations by 2050, revealing a projected rise of about one foot locally. The discussion extends to variations along U.S. coasts, explaining how ocean dynamics and climate factors create regional disparities. Moreover, experts explore potential strategies to mitigate long-term sea level increases by cutting emissions. Dive into these vital issues and learn how your area might be affected!

Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR’s mental health correspondent, dives into the surprising concept of post-traumatic growth following disasters like Hurricane Katrina. She shares research insights revealing that many survivors, despite experiencing PTSD, report significant personal growth and resilience over time. The discussion highlights the importance of financial stability and social support in recovery. Personal stories, including that of Nunok Pham, illustrate how helping others can amplify one's own healing, akin to the art of Kintsugi, where beauty is found in the mended cracks of life.

In this engaging discussion, science journalist Meredith Wadman joins Katie Burns, a researcher with a personal connection to endometriosis. They explore groundbreaking findings linking the immune system to the origins of the disease. Katie shares her journey from suffering pain since childhood to uncovering new evidence involving immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages. The duo also discusses promising treatment avenues, such as antibody therapies, and the challenges posed by limited funding in this crucial area of research.

Helen Tager-Flusberg, an esteemed autism researcher and founder of the Coalition of Autism Scientists, discusses the recent controversial claim linking Tylenol use to rising autism rates. She highlights that increased awareness and better diagnostics contribute to higher autism prevalence. Tager-Flusberg also explains the complexities of studying acetaminophen's effects and the importance of rigorous studies on potential treatments like leucovorin. She stresses the risks of avoiding pain relief during pregnancy and advocates for understanding autism's variability and humanity.

Dr. Waheeda Samady, director of clinical research at Northwestern's Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, dives into the alarming rise in food allergies, now impacting 6% of Americans. She explains the mechanics behind allergic reactions, highlighting the role of immune cells and the significance of skin exposure in children. Dr. Samady also explores global differences in allergenic foods and offers insights into why roasting peanuts may actually heighten their allergenic potential, alongside strategies for managing food allergies.