Short Wave

Nate Rott, an NPR correspondent specializing in climate change, joins to discuss the innovative board game Catan: New Energies. They explore how the game mirrors real-world dilemmas around energy use and environmental impacts without directly mentioning climate change. The conversation highlights the game's mechanics that teach players about sustainability and the urgent need for dialogue on pollution. Rott emphasizes the potential of board games to create engaging discussions about serious issues, making complex themes accessible and thought-provoking.

Ping Huang, a dedicated science reporter focused on environmental health, dives into the ongoing lead contamination crisis that began in Flint, Michigan. She discusses how pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha's data-driven advocacy sparked a nationwide conversation. The conversation shifts to Chicago, highlighting dangerous lead levels affecting children, and the critical need for updated EPA regulations. With personal stories of community struggles, they emphasize the urgency for policy change and public awareness to ensure access to safe drinking water.

Jakob Shockey, the executive director of Project Beaver, discusses the vital role of beavers as keystone species in ecosystems. He highlights how these industrious creatures can help mitigate climate change and improve water quality. The conversation dives into the challenges of human-beaver coexistence, offering alternative strategies to traditional removal methods. Jakob also shares personal anecdotes, illuminating the complex yet essential relationship between communities and beavers, and encourages a thoughtful approach to living alongside these furry neighbors.

The conversation dives deep into the alarming reality of overfishing and its impact on marine life. Learn about the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, a valuable tool for consumers to make environmentally friendly seafood choices. A visit to a sustainable sushi restaurant showcases how dining can support preservation efforts. Differences between wild-caught and farm-raised fish are explored, highlighting the power of consumer curiosity in fostering sustainability. Along the way, inspiring conservation stories illustrate hope for the future of our oceans.

A father-daughter duo on a beach made a thrilling discovery: the fossils of a giant ichthyosaur, the largest known marine reptile measuring over 80 feet long. This find enhances our understanding of these ancient creatures, often dubbed 'giant fish lizards.' The podcast dives into the identification and preservation of this remarkable specimen, setting the stage for its future display in a museum. Tune in to uncover how such discoveries reshape our knowledge of prehistoric life.

Karma Nanglu, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, explores the mysterious Selkirkia worms from the Cambrian period and their surprising survival 25 million years longer than thought. This discovery reshapes our understanding of evolutionary timelines. With a focus on the longevity and adaptive strategies of these ancient creatures, Karma discusses how new fossil evidence challenges traditional boundaries between the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, highlighting the importance of conservation paleobiology in preserving our understanding of Earth's history.

Dive into the fascinating world of pleasure, where societal guilt meets joy! Discover how the brain's intricate mechanisms drive our desire to indulge in guilty pleasures like reality TV or video games. Explore the difference between 'wanting' and 'liking,' and how guilt can sometimes enhance enjoyment. Learn about the neuroscience behind pleasure, its biological necessity for survival, and the importance of self-acceptance in navigating our cravings. Unpack the pleasure cycle and find ways to build a healthier relationship with what makes us feel good!

Pien Huang, a science correspondent, dives into the newly announced EPA rule to limit harmful PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' in tap water. She highlights the extensive history of these substances, their persistence in the environment, and their links to serious health issues. Huang discusses the specific thresholds established for safe water consumption and the urgent need for these regulations amid rising health concerns. The conversation also touches on potential safer alternatives to common products containing PFAS.

Celebrate National Siblings Day with a deep dive into how the number of older brothers might shape a person’s sexuality. Discover the fraternal birth order effect that suggests having more older brothers increases the likelihood of being gay. Explore the maternal immune hypothesis and its intriguing connection to this phenomenon. The discussion also highlights the dark history of scientific research on queer identity and challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of sexuality and identity. Personal stories add depth to this complex topic!

Frederic Bertley, the CEO of the Center of Science and Industry, dives into the fascinating intersection of science and baseball. He discusses how climate change impacts gameplay, with warmer air affecting pitch speed and home run rates. Bertley also shares insights on the physics behind hitting home runs, highlighting how pitch angles and stadium characteristics play a crucial role. Additionally, he emphasizes the art of precision hitting and its significance in a game that is increasingly influenced by environmental factors.