Short Wave

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.

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.