Short Wave

Discover the surprising benefits of introducing peanuts to infants early to curb allergies, while many caregivers remain unaware. Learn essential tips for keeping pets cool in the scorching summer heat, as well as how to avoid public beaches contaminated with fecal matter—yes, it’s a real problem! Join the lively hosts as they delve into these pressing topics and share practical advice for a safer and healthier summer for both humans and their furry friends.

Join Dr. Megha Sundara, a UCLA linguistics professor, as she dives into the fascinating world of baby babble. Discover why infants make those adorable sounds and how these vocalizations evolve with exposure to different languages. Sundara shares insights on how babies in bilingual homes adapt their babbling based on their surroundings. She also reveals what adults can learn from this research, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and immersive experiences in language learning at any age.

Lauren Esposito, an arachnologist and advocate for community science, dives into the fascinating world of scorpions. She debunks myths, explaining that most scorpions are harmless and play a crucial role as top predators in ecosystems. The discussion highlights the remarkable increase in known scorpion species, from 250 to over 2,700, and the significance of community involvement in discovering new species. Esposito also emphasizes the importance of conservation as these creatures face challenges from climate change and habitat loss.

Dive into the dramatic history of the Manhattan Project and meet key figures like J. Robert Oppenheimer. Discover the science behind atomic bombs, including fission principles and modern nuclear maintenance practices. Hear personal tales from the film set and explore the highs and lows of representing nuclear science in cinema. Uncover the ethical dilemmas surrounding nuclear weapons today, as scientists reflect on their complex roles and the hope for a future without them.

In this episode, Dr. Kate Lawrenson, an associate professor at Cedars-Sinai and co-director of the Women's Cancer Research Program, dives into the complexities of endometriosis. She discusses her groundbreaking work creating a cellular atlas derived from nearly 400,000 cells, aimed at revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment. With over 10% of women affected, Dr. Lawrenson highlights the pressing need for better research and raises awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. Join her in exploring the future of endometriosis care.

Fiona Chong, a marine biologist specializing in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, dives into the surprising life that thrives among the trash. She discusses unusual species like the porpita and their intricate relationships with juvenile fish in this polluted ecosystem. Fascinatingly, ocean currents have brought biodiversity to this plastic-laden area. Fiona emphasizes the need for better waste management and innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution, highlighting the resilient nature of marine life amidst human-created debris.

A fascinating discovery of a well-preserved sea squirt fossil hints at links to human evolution and reveals challenges in studying these delicate creatures. Innovative efforts to genetically modify mosquitoes using CRISPR could transform malaria research, though concerns about their ecological impact remain. Additionally, a reevaluation of ancient Copper Age remains has unveiled a female ruler, challenging historical views on gender roles and suggesting women may have wielded more power than previously thought.

Nate Rott, an NPR climate correspondent, delves into the devastating wildfires plaguing Canada this year, which have burned over 20 million acres. He reveals how these fires are labeled 'unprecedented,' yet historical research shows they've occurred before. The discussion includes the significance of Canada's boreal forests and how insights from tree rings can inform future wildfire management. Rott also highlights the impact of climate change and past Indigenous land management on fire severity, shedding light on the intricate relationship between nature and human intervention.

Geoff Brumfiel, a science correspondent, takes listeners on an intriguing journey through the NS Savannah, the world’s only nuclear-powered passenger ship. He shares its fascinating history and significance as a symbol of peace during the Cold War era. Brumfiel delves into the ship's operational challenges and innovative nuclear technology, while discussing the dual nature of nuclear power and its implications for modern society. He also addresses the viability of nuclear energy in shipping and its potential role in combating climate change.

Join geologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a professor at Western Washington University, as she dives into the cult classic 'The Core'. She and host Regina G. Barber humorously dissect the film's outrageous premise about a halted Earth's core, revealing the intricate realities of our planet's magnetic field. Despite its scientific blunders, Jackie shares why geologists still hold a fondness for this disaster film, blending entertainment with education. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on the absurdities and inaccuracies of science in media.