Short Wave

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.

Explore the remarkable memory skills of tiny black-capped chickadees, who use neural patterns like barcodes to remember food stash locations. Researchers draw fascinating parallels between avian and human memory. The lively hosts also discuss emotion-predicting robots and their quirky connections to poetry, revealing a world where science meets creativity. Plus, they highlight an annual haiku challenge centered around often-overlooked arthropods, inviting listeners to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR science correspondent and expert in celestial events, joins to share insights on the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. She describes the surreal beauty of the eclipse, where day turns to twilight, and stars peek through. Nell discusses the best viewing spots across North America and emphasizes the importance of proper eye protection. The conversation highlights how eclipses ignite curiosity about the universe, encouraging both seasoned eclipse chasers and newcomers to immerse themselves in this breathtaking experience.

Camila Domonoske, an NPR reporter, dives into the duality of Guyana's identity as it grapples with newfound oil wealth and the looming threat of climate change. She discusses how the country, once a green champion, is facing ethical dilemmas as it balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. Camila shares insights on local skepticism about oil drilling and examines the complexities of transitioning from a carbon sink to an oil-producing economy, all while confronting the realities of rising sea levels.

Explore the urgent issue of species extinction, particularly among lesser-known animals like rodents. Discover the remarkable rediscovery of DeWinton's golden mole, a species thought extinct for nearly a century. Learn about innovative techniques like environmental DNA that help researchers find these elusive creatures. Dive into the collaboration between scientists and local communities that’s crucial for conservation. This journey emphasizes the significance of recognizing and advocating for all species, no matter how uncharismatic.

Tom Dreisbach, a guest host from NPR, chats with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf, a pediatric expert in pain management at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. They delve into the ever-present fear of needles, often rooted in childhood experiences. Discover a groundbreaking five-step plan to minimize pain during injections, including the use of topical numbing cream and engaging distractions. The duo discusses innovative strategies like celebratory practices and age-specific techniques designed to transform children's medical experiences and alleviate their anxiety.