Short Wave

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.

Sabrina Imbler, a science journalist and author of 'How Far the Light Reaches', joins pediatricians who bravely swallowed Lego heads for science. They explore the comedic yet serious side of kids consuming small objects, reassuring parents through this quirky experiment. The doctors share their challenges tracking the digestive journey of these plastic toys, blending humor with medical insight. Sabrina highlights the journey of their humorous study, emphasizing the importance of making scientific discussions relatable in pediatric health.

Daniel Kwan, co-director of the Oscar-nominated film "Everything Everywhere All At Once," discusses the meld of science and storytelling in the film's narrative. He dives into the fascinating concept of the multiverse and how personal experiences, particularly with ADHD, shaped their creative approach. The conversation reveals how mathematics inspired innovative storytelling techniques and emphasizes the role of humor in addressing heavy themes like identity and depression. Kwan passionately advocates for a positive narrative about humanity in art.

In this discussion, NPR climate correspondent Rebecca Hersher explores how our focus on the present impacts our responses to climate change. She highlights the struggle between immediate concerns and long-term goals, explaining how this bias can hinder both government and corporate decision-making. Hersher also shares insights on transforming personal experiences with climate disasters into proactive support for environmental policies. By tapping into our immediate realities, she believes we can mobilize more effective climate action.

A self-taught geologist's discovery of a massive reptile skeleton in the Nevada desert opens a Pandora's box of ancient mysteries. Scientists uncover a graveyard filled with ichthyosaurs and embryos, sparking theories about their birthing habits. What led to the mass death of these creatures? A paleontologist shares new evidence that may finally explain the unusual findings. This captivating exploration not only unravels the past but also sheds light on the migration patterns of marine reptiles, linking them to modern ecological understanding.