Short Wave

Crystal Rogers, a developmental biologist at UC Davis, digs into the age-old question of what defines a living being. She explores the criteria that separate life from non-life, highlighting tricky cases like viruses and futuristic androids. Alongside scientist Regina G. Barber, they debate whether entities like the character Data from Star Trek can be deemed alive. Their discussion raises profound questions about existence, consciousness, and the ethical implications of categorizing life, making you rethink everything you thought you knew about being alive.

Wendy Bohon, an expert earthquake geologist, sheds light on the complexities of aftershocks following devastating quakes. She explains the unpredictability of these seismic events and the challenges they pose to communities in recovery. Delving into concepts like Omori's Law and the impact of local geology, Wendy also discusses the shifting standards in earthquake measurement. Through fascinating analogies, she highlights the nuances of different magnitudes and emphasizes the importance of resilience and building integrity in earthquake-prone areas.

Asyia Gusa, a fungal researcher at Duke University, dives into the fascinating and terrifying world of fungi in relation to the hit HBO series. She discusses how climate change fuels the evolution of fungi capable of surviving in human bodies, making them a real threat. Gusa explains the differences between dramatic insect behaviors of fungi like cordyceps and actual risks to human health. She also highlights the challenges in research and treatment of fungal diseases, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness of these often-overlooked pathogens.

Explore the critical role birds play as indicators of environmental health. Discover alarming statistics about their declining populations and hear inspiring stories of personal passion for avian life. Learn practical strategies to create safer habitats for birds, including solutions for outdoor cats and window collisions. Dive into the impact of bird feeders and migration tracking tools like BirdCast. Finally, get involved in local conservation efforts through citizen science projects and community engagement.

Curious about the health benefits of chocolate? The hosts unravel the truth behind those sweet claims just in time for Valentine's Day. They also explore a spectacular solar flare that painted the sky with beautiful northern lights, impacting communication. And, in a twist of romance, discover how tsetse flies use pheromones to attract mates, shedding light on a unique aspect of love in the insect world. Join in for a fun and enlightening dive into these delightful science stories!

Elizabeth Rega, a renowned anatomy professor and science consultant for over 70 films, joins the discussion about Disney's 'Strange World'. She reveals how the fantastical creatures, like six-legged filterlopes and squishy scouts, are rooted in real biological principles. The creative duo, with her husband, also discusses designing a film environment set inside a giant turtle, blending imagination with science. They highlight the themes of inclusivity and environmental stewardship showcased through diverse characters, enriching the narrative with depth and relevance.

Tanisha Williams, a plant ecologist and founder of Black Botanist Week, discusses her groundbreaking discovery of the Australian bush tomato. She shares the thrilling journey from fieldwork in the rugged Northern Territory to its successful cultivation at Bucknell University. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts behind the research and the challenges of growing rare plant specimens. Williams also emphasizes making botany accessible, celebrating the contributions of everyday plant enthusiasts in fostering inclusivity within the scientific community.

Join NPR's science correspondent Jon Hamilton as he unravels the fascinating world of prairie voles, those adorable little creatures known for their lifelong pair bonds. Discover how oxytocin, often dubbed the 'love hormone,' plays a role in these relationships, yet learn about surprising research that suggests love can flourish even without it. Hamilton shares insights into the unique social behaviors of voles, their co-parenting practices, and why studying them helps us better understand human affection and connection.

The discussion reveals the crucial role of pulse oximeters in assessing COVID-19 severity and highlights their shortcomings for patients of color. It details the systemic bias in medical technology and the need for innovation in device design. Kimani Toussaint's initiative aims to create a more equitable pulse oximeter that accurately measures oxygen levels across diverse skin tones. With the development of a groundbreaking prototype currently in testing, the conversation emphasizes the importance of representation in healthcare solutions to address racial disparities.

In this enlightening discussion, physicist Aurelien Roy from École Polytechnique near Paris unveils innovative lightning protection strategies using high-powered lasers. He critiques the limitations of traditional lightning rods, created over 250 years ago, and explains how lasers can potentially redirect strikes through air ionization. The intriguing conversation also highlights the challenges researchers face in predicting lightning behavior and the pivotal role of advancements in technology to enhance safety in the face of nature's unpredictable forces.