Short Wave

Beth Gardiner, environmental journalist and author of Plastic Inc., traces how fossil fuel companies helped make plastic everywhere. She explores the wartime roots of modern plastic, industry resistance to bottle bills, and the rise of fracking-fueled production. The conversation also looks at needless disposable packaging, pollution, climate links, and how local laws could reshape the system.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, brings quantum physics down to Earth with storytelling and metaphor. She digs into Star Trek, why students start with Newtonian mechanics, and what they must unlearn for quantum theory. She also explores the divide between quantum physics and relativity, and why abstract science shapes everyday tech like computers and GPS.

Sammy Ramsey, an entomologist and honeybee researcher behind Secrets of the Bees, dives into what makes bees so fascinating. He talks about bees learning from each other, solving puzzles, and even playing. There is also a look at how they fight off giant predators and the destructive varroa mite threatening colonies worldwide.

Jeff Brumfield, a science correspondent who explains scientific history and applications, walks through helium’s discovery and why Earth’s supply is limited. He outlines where helium comes from and how it powers rockets, MRIs, and superconducting tech. He also covers recent supply disruptions and the debate over conserving this precious, finite resource.

Juana Summers, NPR journalist and All Things Considered host, joins to unpack surprising health science. They discuss why some people may never get the flu, spotlighting a molecule called dermcidin found in the mouth. Conversation covers dermcidin’s antiviral role and possible uses like targeted vaccines or nasal sprays. They also touch on how brief bursts of vigorous exercise affect disease risk and global food fortification efforts.

Nell Greenfield-Boys, NPR science correspondent at Kennedy Space Center covering Artemis II and space policy. She explains the crewed Orion flyby and what systems astronauts will test onboard. She outlines launch timing and risks. She traces Artemis’ long development, its historic firsts, and how the Moon serves as a proving ground for Mars.

Elizabeth Wolkovich, a forest and conservation scientist who studies bloom timing, explains winter chilling and spring warming models. Matthew Morrison, an arborist with the National Park Service who cares for the National Mall cherries, describes the six stages of blossoming and local management. Aru Nair, reporter and on-site producer, narrates field interviews at the Tidal Basin. They discuss forecasting peak bloom, tracking thousands of trees, and climate-driven shifts.

Scott Detrow, known space enthusiast and public radio host, and Geoff Brumfiel, NPR science correspondent, join a lively chat. They debate the scientific fidelity of Project Hail Mary. They weigh the case for orbital data centers and their technical hurdles. They close with an update on the Artemis II lunar mission timeline.

They explore why recycled wastewater triggers a strong

A look at why freshwater is getting saltier around the world and the human activities driving it. Stories from local lakes reveal long-term salinity trends and hidden sources like road salt, fertilizer runoff, and seawater intrusion. The show explores ecological harms, threats to drinking water, the stubborn persistence of salt, and practical community strategies to cut salt use.