TED Radio Hour • NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

Explore the fascinating marriage between technology and natural intelligence in the latest TED Radio Hour episode, as host Manoush Zomorodi and guests dive deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) is being inspired by the intricate complexities of nature. From the restoration of marine ecosystems to the protection of endangered species and the translation of animal communication, this episode showcases cutting-edge research bridging the gap between biology and technology.

Discover with Karen Bakker and Frances Chance how the sounds of healthy reefs are leveraged to aid in coral proliferation, and how acoustic tracking is being utilized to safeguard whale communities from the dangers of shipping. Meanwhile, AI's potential to decode millions of bat vocalizations opens new doors to understanding animal dialects, and a look into the dragonfly's neural circuitry could revolutionize the efficiency of future AI systems. Join us on this enthralling journey through the natural world and its inspirational role in advancing artificial intelligence.

Dive into a deep exploration of memory and the intricate workings of the brain in the TED Radio Hour. Manoush Zomorodi navigates the waters between normal memory quirks and signs of cognitive disorders alongside Julianne Moore and neuroscientist Lisa Genova. The episode unpacks the ordinary moments of forgetfulness we all experience and highlights how these differ from the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. As Moore and Genova dissect the nuances of memory, listeners will gain a better understanding of when to chalk up forgetfulness to distraction and when it may be symptomatic of something more serious.

The podcast goes further, delving into the proactive measures that can be taken to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, including the importance of sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social engagement. It also addresses the emotional and logistical struggles faced by people living with neurological illnesses and their caregivers. By amplifying the power of storytelling, Genova emphasizes the essential role of narrative in fostering empathy and community support. Through compelling discussion and personal anecdotes, the episode casts a light on the human aspects of these conditions, urging society to look beyond the diagnosis and connect with the individuals affected.

Explore the complexity of America's historical landscape in the TED Radio Hour, guided by speakers including Manoush Zomorodi and guests Joseph McGill, Charles Blow, and B.A. Parker along with her mother. This episode ventures into the realms of preservation, political influence, and personal ancestry, weaving together narratives that challenge us to reexamine the past and consider its profound impact on the present.

Joseph McGill's Slave Dwelling Project highlights a journey of remembrance, casting a light on the lives of enslaved African Americans and the significance of preserving their living quarters. Meanwhile, Charles Blow's advocacy for a "reverse migration" of African Americans to the South opens a powerful dialogue on reshaping political power at the state level. Complementing these discussions, B.A. Parker's poignant trip to Somerset Plantation with her mother offers an intimate look at connecting with one's ancestral past, ensuring their stories and sacrifices continue to resonate through generations.

Step into the complex interplay of emotional well-being and cardiac health with the TED Radio Hour's latest episode, brought into focus by Manoush Zomorodi along with an ensemble of insightful speakers including Sandeep Johar and Jeannie Suk Gersen. Explore the often-underestimated connection between mental health and heart conditions, drawing upon compelling narratives and clinical findings that reveal the profound influence our emotions exert on our physical hearts.

From the intense emotional stress that can precipitate heart ailments to the deep relationship between professional strains and personal well-being, the episode underscores the need for greater awareness of the psychological contributors to heart health. As speakers like Hui-wen Sato share personal experiences and Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug discusses the emerging concern of climate grief among younger generations, this installment of the TED Radio Hour illuminates the essential role of emotional management and positive engagement with our world in safeguarding not only our mental, but also our heart health.

Dive into a realm where digital technology, celestial mechanics, and genetics converge to redefine our understanding of doppelgangers in the latest TED Radio Hour episode. Manoush Zomorodi brings together an array of voices, including writers Naomi Klein and Sarah Stewart, aerospace engineer Karen Willcox, and psychologist Nancy Segal to explore the concept through varied lenses. From mistaken identities in the public sphere to technological replications that hold the promise of advancing human knowledge and well-being, this episode traverses the different dimensions in which duplicates impact our world.

Naomi Klein tackles the perils of digital identity, sharing the personal turmoil of being confused with another individual propagating falsehoods. Meanwhile, Karen Willcox demonstrates how the burgeoning field of digital twins transforms industries through trailblazing simulations. Sarah Stewart reshapes our understanding of the Earth-Moon narrative with her synestia theory, and Nancy Segal sheds light on the profound genetic influences discovered through the unique case studies of twins. Join these insightful speakers as the concept of doppelgangers is dissected through the prisms of technology, space, and human behavior.