Short Wave

Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate correspondent, dives into the complexities of the social cost of carbon. She explains how this crucial figure, currently $51 but proposed to rise to $190 per ton, encapsulates the extensive damages from carbon emissions. Hersher discusses the ethical tightrope of valuing human life and environmental impacts in monetary terms. The conversation articulates the potential for this shift to reshape climate policy and the moral dilemmas tied to how we assess the cost of climate change on society.

In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, scientists highlight the unpredictability of these natural disasters. Despite advanced models, earthquake prediction remains elusive, often offering only seconds of warning. The podcast explores the complex geological factors at play, including tectonic interactions between various plates. It also delves into the importance of seismic networks and the successful implementation of early warning systems in countries like Japan. Additionally, the evolution of global earthquake research underscores the power of collaboration and open data.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR reporter specializing in science, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of the James Webb Space Telescope’s data access policies. They discuss the overwhelming demand for telescope time and the proposal of immediate open access to data, which could accelerate discoveries. However, the team also weighs concerns about equity, as instant access might favor established researchers over newcomers. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of astronomical data and its implications for future exploration.

The conversation delves into how unique perceptions of color and vision shape our understanding of the world. A fascinating home experiment reveals the vast differences in individual sight. The discussion uncovers blind spots—both visual and social—highlighting how our brains fill in gaps. This exploration emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse viewpoints, especially in science education, and advocates for equity and inclusion as essential elements in learning. Celebrating Black History Month, it connects identity with scientific understanding.

Dive into the wonders of a green comet returning after 50,000 years and how our ancient ancestors might have reacted. Discover the quirky rivalry between Jupiter and Saturn as the former claims supremacy with its moon count. Uncover the extraordinary potential of cancer-sniffing ants, trained to detect tumors by smell—imagine if humans had such a gift! Join lively discussions about these captivating scientific stories and more that connect the cosmos with current events.

Ari Daniel, NPR's global health and development correspondent, shares his insights on the Nipah virus, a dangerous pathogen with a staggering 70% fatality rate. He delves into the baffling outbreak history in Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges researchers face in tracking the virus's leap from bats to humans. The discussion unearths fascinating connections between bats, date palm sap, and community practices. Personal stories from survivors add a poignant touch, emphasizing the urgent need for global pandemic preparedness.

Moiya McTier, an astrophysicist and folklorist, explores the fascinating links between ancient astronomy and folklore, showing how our ancestors navigated the cosmos through storytelling. She reveals how celestial observations fueled myths and provided early humans with vital knowledge, like predicting eclipses. The conversation shifts to the enchanting lore of the Milky Way across cultures and prophecies of its future collision with Andromeda, inviting us to reframe our understanding of time and our place in the universe.

Yejin Choi, a computer science professor at the University of Washington and MacArthur Fellowship recipient, dives into the intriguing world of AI and common sense. She discusses her journey from software engineering to pioneering research in natural language processing. The conversation highlights the challenges of teaching AI human-like common sense, illustrated by amusing misidentifications. Innovative techniques, like the Atomic knowledge graph, aim to enhance AI's understanding of language. Choi emphasizes the exciting intersection of technology and humanities in shaping AI's future.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Brady, NPR's climate and energy correspondent, unpacks the controversial world of gas stoves. He addresses alarming research linking gas cooking to childhood asthma and highlights the high nitrogen dioxide emissions that often exceed WHO safety guidelines. Brady also sheds light on the gas industry's tactics to downplay these health risks, drawing parallels with past tobacco strategies. Finally, he discusses the urgent need to transition to cleaner electric alternatives to combat both health dangers and climate change.

Yi-Kai Tea, a biodiversity research fellow at the Australian Museum and wildlife aficionado known as @KaiTheFishGuy, shares insights from a recent deep-sea expedition. He humorously introduces the bony-eared assfish and other captivating creatures like deep sea batfish and highfin lizardfish. Diving into the abyss, Kai explains the incredible adaptations of these species while stressing the importance of ocean floor mapping. He advocates for the preservation of deep-sea biodiversity, highlighting the unique ecosystems thriving far below the surface.