Radiolab • WNYC Studios

Dive into the microbial battleground with Radiolab's Latif Nasser, Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich, and their guests, Maryn McKenna, Christina Lee, and Freya Harrison, as they explore the intricate dance of evolution and medicine in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This episode sheds light on the profound challenges we face as the very drugs designed to cure us fall victim to the relentless adaptability of microscopic adversaries. From the Golden Age of antibiotics sparked by Alexander Fleming's serendipitous discovery of penicillin to the daunting realizations of today, witness the historical push and pull between scientific breakthroughs and bacterial resilience.

As the battle against stubborn pathogens wears on, the pharmaceutical industry's withdrawal from antibiotic development marks a concerning trend. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the ancient pages of Bald's Leech Book as microbiologist Freya Harrison and historian Christina Lee unearth a thousand-year-old eye infection remedy with astonishing efficacy against modern bacterial fortresses like MRSA. This episode not only recounts the pressing issue of growing antibiotic resistance but also posits a fascinating phenomenon—the cyclical return to antiquity's wisdom might just unlock future antidotes in our ongoing war with the microbial world.

Dive into the latest Radiolab episode where hosts Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser discuss the vital changes being made to improve the caller experience for the 988 mental health hotline. As technological innovation meets empathetic strategies, discover the subtle yet crucial enhancements put in place to prevent caller drop-offs, such as refreshing the script and voice of the hotline and curating specific on-hold music, overseen by technology lead Stephanie Grosser. This audio journey not only reveals challenges like funding shortages but also underscores the ingenuity in addressing mental health support needs.

Travel back in time with guest speaker George Colt, who delves into the historical context of suicide prevention hotlines, sparked by the efforts of Dr. Ed Shneidman in the shadow of Marilyn Monroe's death and growing veteran suicides. Radiolab examines how the evolution from volunteer-led to professionally managed services transformed the landscape of crisis intervention. This narrative weaves a story of societal response to mental health crises and the continuing evolution of support mechanisms, shining a light on the enduring importance of listening and connection in times of desperation.

Dive into a fascinating exploration of cognition across the animal kingdom with "Radiolab's" latest episode, where hosts Latif Nasser, Pat Walters, and Jad Abumrad invite guests like Tracy Clayton, Laurel Braitman, and Jordan Mendoza to deliberate on animal intelligence. This inquisitive panel sifts through a menagerie of species, dissecting the mental acumen of some of nature's most interesting creatures and the unique ways they exhibit what could be regarded as intelligence.

From the problem-solving crows that mimic human behavior to the communal sperm whales with their empathetic bonds, "Radiolab" challenges our concepts of brainpower outside the human sphere. Laurel Braitman highlights the stark differences in avian intelligence while the episode also considers the strategy of slime molds and the adaptive lifestyle of koalas. Peel back the layers of what intelligence might mean across varied forms of life in an episode that doesn’t just scratch the surface but burrows deep into the animal psyche.

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of the ultimate fate of all living things in Radiolab's latest episode, featuring insights from speakers such as Rob Salguero-Gómez, Maria Paz Gutierrez, and Latif Nasser. This episode weaves together physics, biology, and philosophy to present a multi-faceted discussion on the topic of mortality, examining the implications of an inevitable demise governed by the laws of thermodynamics and aging.

The conversation extends beyond the acknowledgement of life's impermanence, engaging with the ambitions and scientific endeavors aimed at extending lifespan, as highlighted by experts like Gabriella Kountourides and Chris Schell. Intriguing theories of life continuing in potential alternate universes are entertained by thinkers such as Janna Levin, painting a grand canvas of possibilities that invite contemplation about the nature of life, death, and the potential for existence beyond the known universe.

Dive into the cosmic quirkiness of a celestial naming saga in Radiolab's latest installment, featuring the accidental christening of Earth's quasi-moon, Zuzwe. Speakers Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser recount the almost serendipitous tale where a typo on a poster by Alex Foster led to a momentous occasion in astronomical history. With Gareth Williams from the International Astronomical Union's small body nomenclature group blessing the name, this episode orbits the heartwarming intersection of human error and cosmic fate.

Radiolab also presents a unique chance for the stargazing community to ink their mark in the stars. A keen collaboration between the International Astronomical Union and a radio show has opened the doors for public participation in naming another quasi-moon. They invite proposals steeped in the rich soils of world mythology or even the ethereal landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth. Astronomy buffs are encouraged to distill their creativity and cultural acumen into potent 300-character justifications for their suggested names, promising to add another layer of human touch to our celestial neighbors.