Short Wave

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the hosts as they share their festive plans and discuss art as an upcoming theme. They engage listeners by inviting feedback through a fun survey. With lighthearted banter about delicious food and pie, the warmth of gratitude is sprinkled throughout the conversation.

Rebecca Hersher, a dedicated NPR Climate Desk reporter, joins the discussion on the recent COP27 climate meeting. She reveals the critical establishment of a fund to aid countries severely affected by climate impacts. The conversation highlights emotional milestones in climate negotiations while addressing major hurdles in reaching comprehensive agreements on emissions. Hersher also touches on wealthier nations' responsibilities towards poorer ones and the influence of the fossil fuel industry on policy outcomes. The road to mitigating climate change remains complicated but urgent.

Allison Aubrey, NPR health correspondent, dives into the revolutionary world of lab-grown meat. She discusses the innovative journey of Uma Valeti, who transitioned from cardiology to create sustainable meat alternatives. The conversation highlights how cultivated meat could reduce greenhouse gas emissions while addressing food security. Listeners get an inside look at production facilities and the tasting experience of lab-grown chicken, plus insights on how younger consumers are embracing this delicious, eco-friendly alternative.

Sonia Vallabh, a dedicated researcher, is on a mission to eliminate genetic prion disease that took her mother's life. Along with her husband, Eric Minikel, they transitioned from law and urban planning to founding a lab at MIT and Harvard, driven by a personal urgency due to Sonia’s own genetic mutation. They share insights on managing their research with family life, the complexities of developing treatments, and the touching conversations about clinical trials with their children. Their story is one of courage, love, and hope in the face of daunting challenges.

Sonia Vallabh, a dedicated scientist, shares her profound journey after losing her mother to a hereditary prion disease. She and her husband Eric recount the painful diagnosis process and the emotional weight of looming genetic risks. They discuss the transformative decision to shift from grief to scientific pursuit, aiming to prevent others from suffering similar losses. Their commitment fuels their research, showcasing resilience and the power of love even in the face of heartbreaking adversity.

Gabriel Spitzer, a Senior Editor at NPR with a focus on science journalism, dives deep into the eerie realm of prions—self-replicating proteins that can trigger devastating diseases. He reveals how these biological anomalies don't contain genes yet replicate, challenging foundational concepts of molecular biology. Spitzer recounts the history of kuru, a deadly brain disease that impacted the Fore people of New Guinea, shedding light on the cultural practices that facilitated its spread. He articulates the existential dread these infectious agents evoke and the revolutionary shift they represent in our understanding of health.

Nathan Rott, NPR's correspondent at COP27, shares firsthand insights on crucial climate negotiations happening in Egypt. He highlights the pressing discussions around loss and damage payments, emphasizing the demands from developing nations for reparations from wealthier countries. Rott also addresses how the Ukraine war and U.S. midterm elections are impacting these debates, showcasing the complex interplay of global events and climate action. His observations reveal the urgent need for accountability and financial support in mitigating climate change's effects.

Ari Shapiro, host of NPR's All Things Considered, delves into the profound realities of climate change and its role in global migration. He shares the compelling story of Mamadou Thiam, a Senegalese fisherman displaced by rising seas. Shapiro explores the perilous journeys of sub-Saharan African migrants through Melilla and the emotional struggles of those living in temporary UN shelters. He also highlights the personal narratives of fishing communities grappling with their lost heritage and the dreams of new lives amid the backdrop of increasing far-right politics.

Corey Gray, a Senior Operations Specialist at the LIGO Hanford Observatory, shares his part in the groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars. He reflects on the emotional weight of this historic moment and the significance of celebrating it with a tattoo. Delving into the challenges of translating cosmic signals into recognizable sounds, Corey also connects traditional Indigenous wisdom with modern science, weaving a narrative that honors both cultures while showcasing the marvels of astrophysics.

As the world teeters on the brink of exceeding 1.5°C warming, experts reveal the dangers of climate tipping points. The melting Greenland Ice Sheet poses serious threats to coastal cities, while Antarctic ice dynamics could drastically alter global sea levels. The imminent peril to coral reefs underscores the urgent need for reduced emissions. Moreover, the thawing of permafrost raises alarm bells for Arctic communities, highlighting the urgent requirement for innovative strategies to adapt and mitigate these escalating environmental crises.