Short Wave

Sarafina El-Badry Nance, an astrophysicist and science communicator, shares her profound insights from her memoir, Starstruck. She discusses the parallels between supernovae and personal growth, inspired by her own journey with cancer. The conversation delves into how cosmic explosions mirror our life challenges and revelations. Sarafina also reflects on historical supernovae and the emotional hurdles of navigating health crises, emphasizing empowerment and gratitude as key themes in both science and life.

Learn how Canadian wildfires are polluting U.S. air with dangerous PM 2.5 particles. Discover the significant health risks and the importance of the Air Quality Index in assessing dangers. Gain practical tips for protecting yourself, especially if you're sensitive to smoke, including the use of N95 masks. Explore strategies for reducing indoor smoke exposure and maintaining mental well-being during smoky conditions. Plus, find out how to enhance indoor air quality and stay updated with helpful resources.

Teppei Katori is a particle physicist and artist who bridges the worlds of science and music. In this conversation, he shares how he transforms cosmic ray data into mesmerizing soundscapes. Teppei discusses his journey from studying subatomic particles to creating innovative art installations, emphasizing the synergy between art and science. He also highlights collaborations with musicians that make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging for the public, inviting listeners to experience the wonders of the universe in a creative way.

Explore the intriguing journey of paleoclimatologist Celina Suarez as she investigates the end Triassic extinction. Discover how rock analysis from South Africa reveals the conditions that allowed dinosaurs to flourish. Learn about the competitive Triassic landscape and the key adaptations of early reptiles. Witness the dramatic transformation of small theropods into massive dinosaurs amidst geological turmoil caused by volcanic eruptions and climate shifts. This science-packed adventure offers insights into mass extinctions and their relevance to today's climate challenges.

Dive into the latest breakthroughs in biomedical research with a focus on recently approved RSV vaccines for older adults. Discover a novel adhesive patch that makes vaccinations easier and painless. Most excitingly, hear about a groundbreaking device helping a man with paralysis walk again, reconnecting his brain signals with spinal cord stimulation. This episode highlights the transformative potential of science in improving lives and reshaping our understanding of mobility and health.

Rebecca Hersher, a climate reporter, explores the surprising link between melting Antarctic ice and hurricane risks in Galveston, Texas. She discusses how rapidly rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and complicate local disaster preparedness. Personal stories from Galveston's past reveal vulnerabilities against climate change, including the severe impact of the Great Storm of 1900. The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of hurricanes and offers a glimpse of hope amidst the chaos, highlighting the resilience of communities facing these challenges.

Meet Mora, a 15-year-old who, after losing half her brain at 9 months, now plays soccer and shares jokes. Her journey showcases the incredible power of brain plasticity, allowing her to adapt and thrive. Discover how infants can recover from such trauma better than adults, with remarkable resilience in cognitive and social skills. The podcast highlights inspiring findings that bring hope to families and the medical community, emphasizing the brain's remarkable ability to learn and adjust despite significant challenges.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a theoretical physicist at the University of New Hampshire and author of 'The Disordered Cosmos,' dives deep into the mysteries of our universe. She discusses how recent images from the James Webb Space Telescope challenge our understanding of galaxy formation, suggesting these celestial structures emerged much earlier than previously thought. The conversation also touches on the implications of these findings for the Big Bang theory and the intricate relationships between dark matter and spacetime.

Explore the emotional journey of a young woman navigating life with a transplanted kidney that faces rejection. Hear how her experience with dialysis and the search for a new donor unfolds, filled with both humor and heartache. Gain insights into the challenges faced by kidney transplant recipients, like job loss and medication access, especially during the pandemic. The discussion also delves into recent advancements in healthcare for organ recipients, emphasizing the vital role of living donation.

Kwasi Wrensford, a Ph.D. graduate from UC Berkeley, studies how climate change affects Alpine and Lodgepole chipmunks. He shares fascinating insights into their contrasting survival strategies amidst a warming world. The Lodgepole chipmunk displays remarkable resilience, while the Alpine chipmunk's habitat is rapidly shrinking. Kwasi discusses the adaptation behaviors of these species and explains how their unique responses might reveal broader implications for wildlife facing climate challenges. Tune in to discover how these squirrelly creatures illustrate important lessons for nature's adaptability!