Nell Greenfieldboyce

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR science correspondent, sheds light on the dire situation of sunflower sea stars, a keystone species disappearing from our oceans. She shares the inspiring story of a passionate biologist working to save them through innovative breeding and rescue efforts. Greenfieldboyce discusses the critical ecological role these sea stars play and the challenges posed by disease in their decline. Listeners learn about the emotional connections caregivers form with these lab-grown stars as they strive to restore balance to marine ecosystems.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of ice worms, tiny creatures thriving in the glaciers of the Pacific Northwest. She discusses how these thread-like worms survive extreme conditions, their unique feeding habits, and their surprising role as climate change indicators. Listeners learn about the challenges researchers face to study these elusive organisms and the urgent need to understand their ecology in a warming world. Join Nell as she unravels the mysteries hidden within the icy realms.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR's insightful science correspondent, dives into groundbreaking research on Earth's plutonium origins. She details how traces of plutonium found in Pacific Ocean sediments hint at extraterrestrial origins, linking it to supernova explosions. The discussion covers cosmic cataclysms and their role in forging heavy elements like plutonium and iron, suggesting an exciting influx of stardust on Earth. Greenfieldboyce also addresses skepticism about cosmic connections, leaving listeners pondering the vast mysteries of the universe.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of flying snakes that glide through the air in South and Southeast Asia. She discusses groundbreaking research on their unique undulating movements that allow them to soar from tree to tree. Explore how advanced motion capture technology is revealing their flight mechanics. Greenfieldboyce also highlights the implications of these findings for robotics, showcasing how understanding snake gliding could inspire innovative designs in technology.

Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR's science correspondent, joins the discussion about an upcoming NASA launch featuring astronauts boarding a SpaceX spacecraft—its first crewed mission since 2011. They explore the excitement and nostalgia surrounding this historic event, comparing it to the Space Shuttle era. Greenfieldboyce highlights the revolutionary partnership between NASA and SpaceX and the advances in safety protocols. They also delve into how the pandemic shaped launch preparations, reflecting on the evolving public interest in space exploration.