Short Wave

Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent focused on depression and Alzheimer's, discusses pivotal research at the Society for Neuroscience meeting. He highlights a groundbreaking study testing long-held beliefs about Alzheimer's causes. Additionally, he reveals intriguing findings on ketamine's antidepressant effects, which last longer when paired with uplifting video games. This innovative approach, along with promising anti-amyloid drug trials, points toward the evolving landscape of brain disorder treatments. Tune in for insights that could reshape mental health care!

Dive into the fascinating world of tears and discover their surprising types—basal, irritant, and emotional. Explore how a spectrum of feelings from joy to sorrow triggers our weeping. Uncover the evolutionary role of emotional tears in communication and social bonding. Learn about the social dynamics of crying, including gender differences and societal expectations. The podcast takes you on a journey through the science and emotional impact of tears, blending personal reflections with captivating insights.

Dr. Rosalind LaPierre, a multidisciplinary professor and expert in ethnobotany, discusses the profound connection between humans and plants. She uncovers how traditional plant knowledge is often misunderstood, especially in the context of COVID and psychedelic use. Dr. LaPierre shares insights on the vital role of this knowledge in reproductive health, particularly amidst recent legal challenges. She highlights the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities and the importance of women's roles in preserving these traditions, emphasizing a holistic approach to wellness.

In this engaging discussion, Lauren Sommer, an NPR climate reporter and expert on climate issues, sheds light on the pressing debate surrounding climate change liability. She emphasizes how vulnerable countries, like the Marshall Islands, are demanding compensation from wealthier nations for the destruction they face. The conversation dives into the disconnect between ambitious climate goals and actual commitments, the notion of 'loss and damage,' and potential solutions like debt forgiveness to aid nations hit hardest by climate chaos.

Adam Rutherford, a geneticist and author of "Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics," dives into the chilling history of eugenics and its roots in 19th-century Britain, spurred by Darwin's theories. He explores how societal fears shaped this pseudo-science, linking it to political ideologies. The discussion highlights the dark legacy of American eugenics, including forced sterilizations and racial bias, and emphasizes the importance of understanding this flawed legacy to avoid repeating history's mistakes.

In this engaging discussion, NPR correspondent Allison Aubrey dives into the ongoing debate over permanent Daylight Saving Time. She highlights the impact of clock changes on our circadian rhythms and overall health. Listeners learn about health risks linked to biannual time shifts, including increased hospital visits and accident rates. The conversation also touches on the Senate's unanimous vote regarding permanent Daylight Saving Time and its implications for various states. Aubrey presents insights into the balance between our natural rhythms and the benefits of extended daylight for evening activities.

A cat lover recounts her surprising journey from severe allergies to embracing her feline friends. The discussion dives into the fascinating workings of the immune system and the rise of allergies among millions. It questions traditional treatments while exploring innovative advances in allergy management, including gene therapy. Heartwarming anecdotes about her cats, Calvin and Hobbes, add a personal touch, illuminating the joys of pet companionship. Tune in for a blend of science, personal stories, and hope for allergy sufferers!

Pacific lamprey have lived on Earth for about 450 million years. When humans came along, a deep relationship formed between Pacific lamprey and Native American tribes across the western United States. But in the last few decades, tribal elders noticed that pacific lamprey populations have plummeted, due in part to habitat loss and dams built along the Columbia River. So today, an introduction to Pacific lamprey: its unique biology, cultural legacy in the Pacific Northwest and the people who are fighting to save it. (Encore)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this enlightening conversation, journalist Abby Ohlheiser, known for her compelling articles in the MIT Technology Review, shares her insights from her exploration of body donation to science. She reveals how donated bodies are used in various fields, from surgical training to forensic science, often in serene environments that some may find surprisingly peaceful. Abby also touches on the ethical evolution of body donation, the educational importance of studying human anatomy, and the philosophical reflections on death that shape our understanding of this profound act.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, a science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of box turtles, which are found across the U.S. She highlights a groundbreaking century-long study in North Carolina aimed at understanding these often-overlooked creatures. Listeners learn about the various threats to box turtles, from habitat loss to poaching, and the passionate volunteers working towards their conservation. Insights into recent studies reveal a surprising stability in turtle populations, sparking hope for these remarkable reptiles.