Science Friday

Michael McCormick, a former air traffic control operations manager at the FAA and associate professor at Embry-Riddle, sheds light on the recent radar failures at Newark Airport. He discusses how air traffic controllers monitor and manage airspace, especially during system outages. McCormick also highlights staffing shortages and the potential role of AI in air traffic management. Additionally, he shares gripping insights from his experience on 9/11, revealing the intense challenges faced by controllers during crises.

Join infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm and vaccine researcher Ted Ross as they delve into the NIH's ambitious plan for a universal vaccine. They discuss the potential of a single shot for flu and COVID-19 that could last for years. The conversation covers the challenges of vaccine development, addressing public hesitancy, and the innovative COBRA program that uses AI in vaccine design. With clinical trials on the horizon, they explore the complexities of ensuring trust and efficacy in public health strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Betül Kaçar, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and NASA-funded researcher, shares her journey from biochemistry to the intriguing world of evolutionary biology. She dives into the challenges of resurrecting ancient microorganisms and proteins, highlighting the perseverance required to push boundaries in science. Alongside NASA's Melissa Kirven-Brooks and evolutionary biologist Harmit Malik, Betül emphasizes the importance of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding life's origins.

Wade Eastwood, a renowned stunt coordinator and second unit director, shares insights into the breathtaking underwater stunt in the latest 'Mission: Impossible' film. He discusses the intricate science and safety protocols that ensure thrilling yet safe action. Psychologist Kenneth Carter joins the conversation, analyzing what drives thrill-seekers and the brain chemistry behind their adrenaline-fueled adventures. Listeners can even take a fun questionnaire to discover their own sensation-seeking tendencies!

Climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla, author of *A Billion Butterflies*, grew up in rural India where unpredictable monsoons meant life or death. He shares his remarkable journey from his village to becoming a pioneer in modern weather forecasting. Shukla discusses the evolution of weather predictions, the impact of chaos theory, and the challenges posed by climate change. He reflects on how his childhood shaped his career and emphasizes the critical need for accurate forecasting to protect vulnerable communities.

In this discussion, James Forbes, a Clemson University automotive engineering professor, and Rachel Plotnick, an author and media scholar, explore the recent resurgence of physical controls in cars. They analyze why buttons are becoming preferred over touchscreens, focusing on user experience and psychological benefits. The conversation delves into the balance between automation and tactile feedback, addressing how nostalgia for traditional interfaces intersects with modern technology. They also celebrate the joy of buttons in everyday life, highlighting their emotional connections.

Dr. Michael Schatz, a professor of computational biology and oncology at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the genetic world of tomatoes and eggplants. He reveals how researchers have mapped the genomes of these nightshades to locate genes that dictate their size and flavor. With CRISPR gene editing, they are creating bigger fruits while maintaining taste. The conversation also touches on the shift from traditional breeding to modern genetic techniques and the balance between innovation and public safety in genetically modified crops.

Richie Robertson, a geologist from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, shares his journey from an art student to the community's trusted volcanologist during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption. He discusses the challenges of predicting volcanic activity and the emotional toll on evacuated residents. Stacey Edwards emphasizes the importance of local scientific expertise and community trust during crises. Together, they highlight the resilience and self-determination that Caribbean communities must embrace in the face of climate challenges.

Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, and Shoshannah Buxbaum, a producer, dive into the controversial decision to revoke protections for the lesser prairie chicken. They discuss its colorful courtship rituals and the environmental policy shifts under the Trump administration. Topics also include the surprising intersection of Trump supporters with wind energy, revolutionary at-home health tests, and the discovery of a new fossil shedding light on the evolution of flight. Plus, quirky cicada facts and flamingos’ feeding techniques add humor to the mix!

Sara Jahnke, Director at the Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, discusses the lurking cancer risks firefighters face. She highlights a crucial registry's brief shutdown and its importance for understanding these risks, especially among diverse firefighter populations. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges and mental health impacts within the profession. Additionally, the innovative efforts to breed pest-resistant trees are explored, revealing how science is taking action to protect America's forests.