Short Wave

In this engaging discussion, Yuki Noguchi, an NPR science correspondent covering consumer health, sheds light on the alarming rise of alcoholic liver disease among young women, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. They explore how even moderate drinking can lead to severe liver damage. Yuki shares insights into the personal stories of those affected, including a Kentucky Teacher of the Year battling addiction. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding alcoholism and the crucial need for better treatment access and community support.

Ariella Zabidi, a climate contributor at Shortwave, dives deep into the provocative world of solar geoengineering. She explores the ambitious yet contentious idea of artificially cooling the planet, drawing parallels with the film 'Snowpiercer.' The discussion touches on the ethical dilemmas, risks, and potential benefits of these technologies, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation, especially for low-income countries affected by climate change. Zabidi emphasizes the moral complexities of altering our environment and the spiritual connections we have to nature.

Explore President Biden's ambitious proposal for a Civilian Climate Corps, inspired by the historic Civilian Conservation Corps. Discover how this initiative seeks to tackle climate change and promote public lands conservation. Hear about the enduring legacy of the CCC and its connection to modern environmental efforts. The focus on community engagement and inclusive hiring showcases a forward-thinking approach to conservation. Personal stories from young conservationists highlight the passion and urgency behind the movement for preserving our planet.

Dr. Eve Higginbotham, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a leader in equity and inclusion, dives into the profound impact of the pandemic on women in STEMM. She discusses how systemic gender and racial biases have intensified during these challenging times, particularly affecting women of color. The conversation reveals the critical need for institutional support to help women navigate career hurdles. Dr. Higginbotham also highlights the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, underlining the urgency for cultural changes in STEMM to foster women's success.

Allison Aubrey, an NPR health correspondent specializing in public health, joins the conversation about the CDC's new mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. They discuss the public's mixed reactions and the implications for businesses and essential workers. Critics voice concerns that it's too soon to relax mask mandates, particularly in the face of vaccination inequities in marginalized communities. They also touch on the growing interest in vaccinating children and address the phenomenon of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated.

Duaa Eldeib, a Reporter with ProPublica focusing on the opioid epidemic, discusses the alarming rise in drug overdose deaths, particularly among Black residents in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights how the pandemic has intensified both the opioid crisis and systemic racism, creating a deadly combination. The importance of naloxone in combating overdoses is emphasized, alongside the challenges of awareness and access exacerbated by the pandemic. Telemedicine's evolving role in treatment is also explored, shedding light on new barriers and solutions.

Dive into the world of badgers and uncover the surprising origins of the term 'badgering.' Discover their unique social behaviors, from intriguing scent-marking techniques to their complex underground homes. Explore the humor in their communication and how badgers' lives parallel modern millennial experiences. Celebrate these misunderstood creatures and learn about their impressive biology, aiming to reshape their negative reputation into one of admiration.

Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Boston, shares crucial insights into the mental health crisis facing children during the pandemic. She reveals a disturbing surge in mental health emergencies and discusses how marginalized groups have been disproportionately affected. Dr. Christian-Brathwaite emphasizes the importance of communication through reflective listening and highlights the positive role of family relationships in supporting children's emotional well-being amidst ongoing challenges.

Lauren Sommer, NPR climate correspondent and expert on climate change impacts, discusses the surprising value of dirt in coastal protection. She highlights the increasing demand for mud and dirt to combat rising sea levels. Sommer reveals the irony of a federal agency disposing of usable dirt rather than reusing it for restoration projects. The importance of marshes in flood management is also emphasized, along with the ecological role of sediment that is often overlooked in urban planning.

Allison Aubrey, NPR health correspondent with extensive knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, delves into the critical push for vaccination among children aged 12 to 15. She discusses recent FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine and addresses parents' hesitancy through statistics and pediatricians' trust-building efforts. Aubrey highlights innovative strategies like mobile clinics to increase access and emphasizes the importance of vaccination mandates in schools. The conversation also touches on the future of COVID-19 vaccinations against a backdrop of global challenges.