Radiolab

Jeff Lockwood, an entomologist and professor at the University of Wyoming, shares his thrilling experiences studying fierce Gryllacrididae insects, which he describes as "crickets on steroids." He reflects on their surprising self-awareness, challenging the idea that they are mere mindless brutes. Lockwood also discusses the complex nature of violence through a harrowing personal experience that reshaped his understanding of empathy and trauma. His journey raises profound questions about the balance between scientific observation and emotional connection.

In a riveting conversation, Jeff Guo, a host and reporter for NPR's Planet Money, dives into the sustainability of Earth's resources and the implications of unchecked economic growth. They explore alarming statistics on resource consumption, touching on essential materials like copper and oil. Guo raises critical questions about humanity's relationship with these finite resources, the urgent need for change in consumption habits, and the paradox of capitalist growth in a resource-scarce future. Expect insights that blend humor with existential dread!

Becca Bressler, a talented producer for Radiolab, joins to dissect the often-ignored complexities of pregnancy. She reveals the placenta's surprising role as a vital organ, likening it to a competitive invader in a biological skirmish for resources. The conversation highlights the intense battle between the placenta and the uterus, exploring their evolutionary significance. Bressler also discusses personal stories and cultural views on placentas, offering a unique perspective on their emotional and historical importance in childbirth.

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.