Radiolab

Steve Strogatz, a mathematician and Cornell professor renowned for his work on the Fibonacci sequence, joins the conversation to delve into the fascinating dynamics of growth. The discussion journey spans from giant pumpkins at the Alaska State Fair to the regenerative wonders of sea slugs. Strogatz reveals the profound connections between math, creativity, and nature's growth patterns. It also addresses the paradox of global population growth, highlighting the challenges of declining birth rates and the implications of an aging demographic. A captivating exploration of growth's many layers!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice, championed gender equality with her strategic legal maneuvers. Alongside Carolyn Whitener and Curtis Craig, pivotal figures from the Craig v. Boren case, they dive into how a seemingly simple beer law highlighted deep-rooted gender discrimination. Their discussions reveal Ginsburg's unique approach to challenging the judicial system and the historical context of women's rights in America. The conversations reflect on the importance of deliberate legal strategies in enacting meaningful change.

Dive into the murky history of airborne diseases and how disbelief masked an invisible threat for years. Science journalist Carl Zimmer reveals the tragic tale of a chorale rehearsal turned superspreader during COVID-19. Explore the dramatic shift from miasma to germ theory, uncovering how singing in shared spaces exposed hidden risks. Discover forgotten pioneers of air quality science and the fascinating connection between what we breathe and our health, highlighting the endless evolving narrative of disease transmission.

Rebecca Skloot, author of 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' dives into the profound legacy of Henrietta, who unknowingly contributed to medical breakthroughs through her HeLa cells. The conversation highlights Henrietta's life and the ethical dilemmas surrounding her cells, which were used without consent. Skloot also explores themes of identity, ownership in scientific research, and the emotional journeys of Henrietta's family as they advocate for recognition and privacy in the face of their mother's lasting impact on medicine.

Join researchers as they capture stunning northern saw-whet owls in Pennsylvania, diving into avian navigation and the celestial cues these birds rely on. Discover how quantum physics may unlock the mysteries of their extraordinary ability to sense Earth's magnetic field. The role of cryptochrome in birds' vision and navigation is explored, revealing a fascinating 'chemical compass.' With playful storytelling, the journey highlights the intersection of science, nature, and the enigmatic world of migratory birds.

Explore the surreal side of brain disorders with fascinating stories about personal experiences of vertigo. Discover how a researcher grapples with the unexpected hijacking of her own mind and a librarian faces the strange symptoms she terms 'gravitational anarchy.' Delve into the role of the basal ganglia in movement and the peculiar medical mysteries of sudden vertigo relief. These narratives connect the complex dance of brain function, identity, and the unpredictable nature of health, creating a profound reflection on the human experience.

Nicola Twilley, an author and host of the Gastropod podcast, dives into the intriguing world of food science. She discusses how refrigeration revolutionized our relationship with food, allowing us to enjoy fruits out of season. Twilley explores the role of ethylene in ripening, the innovations in produce storage, and even shares the story of a groundbreaking apparatus designed to keep lettuce fresh. Her insights reveal how the science behind cold influences not just flavor, but the future of food preservation.

Harold Herring, a former Air Force Major, shares his riveting journey navigating nuclear command, questioning the unchecked presidential authority over nuclear launches. Alongside nuclear historian Alex Wallerstein, they explore the moral dilemmas faced by military personnel tasked with following potentially unlawful orders. The conversation spans from Truman's ethical struggles to Nixon's alarming power, revealing the dangerous consequences of questioning authority while emphasizing the urgent need for checks and balances in nuclear decision-making.

Sönke Johnsen, a biologist at Duke University, specializes in ultra-black animals. He takes listeners on a journey into the science behind the darkest creatures on Earth, revealing how certain fish and butterflies achieve their deep black hues through unique structural adaptations. Johnsen discusses the fascinating interplay between darkness and bioluminescence, exploring survival strategies of deep-sea life. The conversation also touches on the implications of this research for engineering, merging biology with advancements in material science.

Monica Gagliano, an evolutionary ecologist who challenges traditional views on plant intelligence, joins home inspector Alvin Ubell to discuss the surprising capabilities of plants. They explore how plants may sense their environment and even exhibit memory, using fascinating examples like the mimosa pudica's defensive reflexes. Ubell reveals the intricate ways plant roots interface with infrastructure, highlighting a plant's instinctual behavior in seeking water. Together, they encourage a rethinking of what constitutes intelligence in the natural world.