Short Wave

Ethan Ludwin-Peery, a social psychologist at Hampshire College, joins a thought-provoking conversation on human satisfaction. Together with his research partner, they reveal how people often struggle to envision improvements, regardless of their current happiness. They share fascinating insights on cultural variations in life satisfaction and explore the evolutionary roots of dissatisfaction. The discussion emphasizes how recognizing our flaws can spark personal growth and suggests that our quest for betterment may be a unique aspect of the human experience.

Ever wondered if you'd make it as a doctor in The Sims 4? Or how much free food you can snag from a public sample station before it turns greedy? This lively discussion dives into the humorous side of academic research, featuring quirky studies from holiday editions of the BMJ. Discover how Big Ben's silence impacts sleep and the intriguing balance of laughter and science in medical publishing. Join in for a festive blend of amusing insights and light-hearted analysis that will leave you chuckling!

Naomi Miller, a lighting scientist and designer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, shares her expertise on LEDs, having studied them for nearly 20 years. She explains how certain LED lights, especially holiday ones, can flicker and cause discomfort such as headaches and nausea. Naomi dives into the advantages of LED technology, its environmental benefits, and the challenges of flicker-free options. She also discusses the phantom array effect and offers practical tips for consumers to choose better lighting.

Anil Oza, a science and technology reporter for NPR, dives into the intriguing relationship between birds and drone technology. He discusses how satirical conspiracy theories about surveillance have sparked real scientific inquiry into bird flight mechanics. Engineers are now using biomimicry to design bird-like drones that mimic avian features for enhanced performance. Oza also addresses ethical concerns and the potential of these innovations to transform wildlife observation while promoting responsible technology use.

Lauren Sommer, an NPR climate change reporter, shares her insights from the recent COP28 climate summit. She discusses the historic call to transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the dissatisfaction of many countries with the agreement. The conversation delves into the conflicts between oil-producing nations and vulnerable countries, highlighting fears of exceeding the 1.5-degree threshold. Sommer also explores the financial challenges that developing nations face in combating climate change and suggests innovative solutions for action.

Kaylee Wells, host of the Anti-Dread Climate Podcast, shares her expertise on combating climate anxiety with small, practical steps. She offers tips for a greener holiday season, emphasizing the importance of composting food waste and reducing meat consumption. Kaylee dives into the realities of urban composting, discussing both challenges and benefits in cities like Los Angeles. Her passionate insights encourage listeners to adopt sustainable practices not just during the holidays, but year-round, making a positive impact on the planet.

A team of conservation biologists highlight the emoji biodiversity gap, stressing the limited representation of plants and fungi in digital communication. They explore the amusing dunking behavior of Goffin's cockatoos, shedding light on its social dynamics. The hosts delve into the fascinating nature of coronal holes on the sun and their impact on Earth, while advocating for a richer emoji lexicon to better reflect the diversity of life. Humor and science intertwine, making these insights both engaging and thought-provoking.

Sayesh Kapoor, a Ph.D. candidate specializing in AI at Princeton University, dives into the pitfalls of artificial intelligence. He discusses the alarming consequences of flawed algorithms, like a case in the Netherlands where parents were wrongly accused of fraud. Kapoor examines the implications of predictive AI in healthcare and finance and raises concerns regarding sampling bias and the necessity for transparency. He emphasizes the need for a balance between AI's capabilities and human judgment to avoid disastrous outcomes.

In this engaging conversation, NPR business correspondent Alina Selyukh shares her expertise on retail and consumer behavior. She reveals how malls are designed to trigger our brains into impulse shopping, especially during the holiday season. Retailers exploit tactics like urgency and scarcity, making it tough to resist temptation. Alina offers practical tips for outsmarting these strategies, helping listeners navigate the tricky landscape of holiday sales with more mindfulness.

Jessica Mejía, a glaciology postdoctoral researcher at the University of Buffalo, shares her fascinating fieldwork experiences on the Greenland Ice Sheet. She reveals the dramatic impacts of climate change on glaciers and how their melting influences global sea levels. Mejía delves into the mechanics of glacier movement and discusses the challenges scientists face in research, sprinkling in humorous anecdotes about unconventional tools. Her insights highlight the importance of collaboration between scientists and policymakers to tackle rising sea level threats.