Short Wave

Piper Bilo, a geneticist at Vanderbilt University, dives into groundbreaking research linking stuttering to specific genetic factors. She and her team identified 57 genetic regions associated with the condition. This research challenges traditional views and highlights hereditary traits in families. The discussion reveals intriguing connections between stuttering and other traits, like musicality, and explores the genetic correlations with mental health issues. Additionally, they touch on the different recovery rates in boys and girls, advocating for personalized approaches to treatment.

In this discussion, Michael Hengartner, a clinical psychology professor in Zurich, dives into the complexities of discontinuing SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. He addresses the challenges patients face, including lasting withdrawal symptoms and the risks of relapse into depression or anxiety. The episode highlights personal stories from individuals grappling with long-term effects and calls for more comprehensive research in this area. Hengartner advocates for increased awareness and better understanding within the psychiatric community.

Tim Gay, an experimental atomic physicist with a love for football, dives into the intriguing physics of the spiral pass in this engaging discussion. He reveals how two decades of research and spirited debates with fellow physicists led to groundbreaking insights into the mechanics behind a perfect throw. Listeners will learn about the forces at play, the role of Newton's laws, and how air resistance influences a football's trajectory. Get ready for an entertaining blend of science and sport that answers long-held mysteries!

Michelle Wong, a chemist and science communicator with a PhD in chemistry, dives into the effectiveness of U.S. sunscreens compared to those from Korea and Europe. She discusses the significant gaps in UV protection standards, exposing how U.S. regulations lag behind in approving effective ingredients. Wong emphasizes the importance of broad spectrum protection and offers practical tips for maximizing sun safety, including proper application methods and the use of UV-blocking clothing. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices for your skincare!

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR science correspondent, dives deep into the intriguing world of the Inca Empire and its sophisticated quipu record-keeping system. She reveals how a recent discovery of a 500-year-old hair cord might challenge the notion that only the elite could create quipus, suggesting broader societal literacy. Nell discusses the implications of these finds on our understanding of Inca culture, including links to diet and social status, highlighting a more inclusive narrative of this remarkable civilization.

Drew Hawkins, a public health reporter from the Gulf States Newsroom, dives into the unique intersection of climate change and music, particularly in New Orleans. He discusses how rising temperatures are impacting local musicians and their performances. Drew presents a fascinating method called sonification, turning climate data into soundscapes to better illustrate temperature trends. He even collaborates with a brass band to creatively translate this data into music, making the vital topic of climate change both relatable and engaging.

Deep sea mining is sparking heated debates as companies eye rare earth elements crucial for green technologies. While some argue this is essential for a global green transition, others warn of the potential environmental devastation. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone holds vast resources, but concerns about its unique ecosystem and long-term impacts loom large. Calls for a moratorium on mining highlight the urgent need to understand the environmental risks before moving forward. Can we strike a balance between resource needs and marine conservation?

Discover the fascinating world of chocolate and how its unique flavors stem from specific farms around the globe. Scientists are exploring the potential of lab-created chocolate flavors, aiming to replicate the diverse profiles influenced by fermentation and microbes. The conversation takes a turn to seabird behavior and the surprising links between diet and daytime sleepiness. Learn how food choices affect alertness, with tips on optimizing your diet for better energy. It's a delicious dive into science and sustainability!

Burley McCoy, a producer at Short Wave, shares insights on the controversial reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park three decades ago. He explores how this decision aimed to rebalance the ecosystem by controlling elk populations but reveals that the narrative isn't that simple. The discussion dives into the complex interactions between wolves, elk, and aspen trees, challenging the notion that wolves are solely responsible for ecological changes. McCoy also highlights the challenges of wolf reintroduction beyond Yellowstone, addressing local human conflicts and differing ecological contexts.

Shabnam Mohammadi, an evolutionary biologist, dives into the fascinating world of toxic animals and their predators. She reveals how some creatures have evolved to withstand cardiotonic steroids, often lethal to others, and how these adaptations can even relate to human medicine. The discussion spans from microbial resistance in digestion to the artistic influence of plant toxins on figures like Van Gogh. Mohammadi also touches on potential future applications in contraception, showcasing the interconnectedness of nature and science.