Short Wave

Explore the fascinating world of ticks and their role as disease carriers, particularly Lyme disease. Discover the research conducted in the Big Thicket National Preserve, diving into their feeding habits and geographic variations. Learn about efforts to create a vaccine against cattle fever ticks, with potential human applications on the horizon. Join a journey into the life of a medical entomologist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of these critters and the implications of tick-borne illnesses as human habitats expand.

Discover the science that transforms tough cuts of meat into barbecue delicacies through chemical reactions during cooking. Learn how patience, low temperatures, and the Maillard reaction play significant roles in achieving perfect flavors and textures. Explore the fascinating dynamics of collagen and how smoking meat enhances its appeal. Uncover the meticulous techniques behind the art of barbecue, where cooking is a blend of chemistry and culinary skill!

Discover the fascinating world of gravitational waves and their connection to cosmic events like black hole collisions. Learn about a groundbreaking robot prototype designed for dynamic tasks, inspired by nature. Explore the unusual behavior of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar as they exhibit aggression towards boats, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists. Each topic reveals the innovative and sometimes surprising aspects of the natural and technological worlds.

In this conversation, Salomé Buglass, a marine ecologist and PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia, shares her thrilling discovery of a surprising kelp forest in the Galapagos Islands. She explains how this unusual finding challenges previous understandings of kelp's habitat and highlights its potential role in combating climate change. Salomé also discusses the ecological significance of kelp forests as vital nurseries for marine life and teases a newly identified species found in the depths of the ocean.

Allison Aubrey, an NPR science correspondent, delves into the essential but often misunderstood world of sunscreen. She reveals six common mistakes people make when applying it and emphasizes that using it correctly is more vital than the sunscreen type. The discussion covers proper application techniques, the necessity of reapplying sunscreen, and the reality that everyone, regardless of skin type, needs protection. Additionally, alternative sun safety strategies are explored, including the use of hats and umbrellas.

Anil Oza, a dynamic reporter, dives into the fascinating evolution of lab animals in scientific research. He discusses how traditional model organisms like rats and mice are giving way to unique critters that offer new insights. As research becomes more complex, Oza highlights the importance of matching research questions with appropriate animals. He also explores the potential of unconventional subjects, such as snails for their regenerative abilities and finches for understanding brain health, advocating for a more diverse approach in biological studies.

Communities across the U.S. are grappling with air pollution, especially in marginalized neighborhoods. A new NASA satellite, TEMPO, is set to track air quality, potentially revolutionizing cleanup efforts. Curtis Bay, a community plagued by coal dust, showcases the health risks residents face and their fight for cleaner air. The podcast discusses how satellite data could inform government actions and address systemic inequalities, offering hope for a healthier future.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Macdonald, an astrophysicist and science consultant for Star Trek, along with theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, dives into the science behind the beloved franchise. They analyze the real-world feasibility of warp drive and the complexities of transporters, linking them to fundamental laws of physics. The conversation also touches on how Star Trek has influenced their careers and the blend of technology and identity in storytelling, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder about the future of sci-fi innovations.

Dive into the fascinating world of space science as experts discuss the intriguing effects of long-term spaceflight on the human brain. Discover how microgravity can alter brain physiology and what this means for astronauts. Uncover the secrets of Saturn's moon Enceladus, with hints of subsurface oceans that may harbor life. Plus, learn about the newly discovered quasi-moon asteroid that shares Earth's orbit, sparking new questions about our cosmic neighborhood.

Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent specializing in environmental issues, discusses innovative flood risk solutions. She emphasizes the limitations of traditional levees and advocates for giving rivers space to breathe. Sommer highlights a river restoration project in California that transforms agricultural land into natural floodplains, benefitting both ecosystems and communities. With rising flood risks due to climate change, she underscores the need for nature-based approaches to flood management and the ecological benefits for wildlife.