Short Wave

Is it getting windier?

Is it getting windier? Long-time listener Barry Zalph thinks it is, at least in Louisville. And he’s not the only one. Redditors [https://www.reddit.com/r/Louisville/comments/1ssool0/windier/] and local reporters [https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-wind-severe-weather-damage-year-windy-windier-national-weather-service-nws/417-c37a5664-2de9-4d8c-8c96-f8bb43108c71] have noticed a recent uptick in the region’s windstorms, too. But does that point to any larger trends in windiness? And if so, what could be causing it? We talked to meteorologist and extreme weather specialist Scott Gunter [https://profiles.louisville.edu/william.gunter] to find out. Plus, we dig into whether Tornado Alley is shifting into Kentucky as the climate warms.  This episode is part of Nature Quest, our monthly listener-driven segment about climate and the environment. Have a question for us? Send a voice memo to shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org] with your name, location and what you’re noticing in the environment around you… it could be our next Nature Quest! Interested in more weather and wind science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org]. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave [http://plus.npr.org/shortwave]. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy [https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy]

The magic — and science — of synchronous fireflies

Every year for two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, Congaree National Park [https://www.nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm] in South Carolina is home to a fairy-tale-like display of flashing lights. These rhythmic performances happen all because of thousands of fireflies, flashing their belly lanterns at exactly the same time. According to the National Park Service, there are just three species of these synchronous fireflies in North America, making the experience all the more magical for the lucky visitors who get the chance to see them. (encore) This story was originally reported for NPR by science correspondent Pien Huang [https://www.npr.org/people/729920828/pien-huang]. Read Pien's full story here [https://www.npr.org/2024/05/24/g-s1-935/synchronous-fireflies-congaree-endangered]. Want more of the science behind wildlife wonders? Email us at shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org]. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave [http://plus.npr.org/shortwave]. Today's episode was produced by Rachel Carlson. It was edited by Berly McCoy. Pien checked the facts. Kwesi Lee was the audio engineer. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy [https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy]

The supertree shielding coastlines and storing carbon

Coastal fishing communities around the world are struggling with declining fish stocks. That’s because of climate change, environmental degradation and overfishing. But one tree – the humble mangrove – has a superpower that’s supporting healthy fisheries in many parts of the world. The majority of fishes we eat worldwide are supported by mangroves: Their roots serve as a nursery for baby fish. So, today on the show, two reporters travel to Cambodia, where they discover why a local fishing solution now plays a crucial role in slowing global warming.  Read more [https://www.npr.org/2026/03/27/nx-s1-5671057/mangrove-fisheries-climate-change-cambodia] about Rebecca Hersher and Ryan Kellman’s journey here (and check out their incredible photos).  Interested in more climate science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org]. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave [http://plus.npr.org/shortwave]. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy [https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy]

Why renaming this common hormonal disorder is a huge deal

You probably know someone who has a condition that, until last week, was known as PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome. It affects one in eight reproductive-aged women. But despite it being such a common disorder, patients are often misdiagnosed and have delayed treatment. Now, medical professionals are trying to change that. After 15 years of work, the condition has been renamed to PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. The new name reflects the real driver of the condition: disruptions in hormones. But how much can changing a name really do?  Click here [https://www.mchri.org.au/guidelines-resources/community/pmos-resources-2/] to access resources about PMOS in multiple languages.  Interested in more science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org]. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave [http://plus.npr.org/shortwave]. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy [https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy]

A solution for California's water woes

For years, farmers in California have been pumping huge amounts of water from their wells to irrigate their crops. The state’s Central Valley is the nation’s single biggest source for many different foods. But all that water use is making aquifers shrink [https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin-118/Critically-Overdrafted-Basins], wells go dry and, in some places, the ground sink. Science reporter Dan Charles [https://site.danielcharles.us/] has been looking into the issue and is on the show today to talk about what happens when water gets scarce. What is it like for farmers? And for the people enforcing new water restrictions?  If you liked this episode, check out some of our other recent water stories – including why the world’s freshwater is getting saltier [https://lnk.to/7Mz2Ng], what’s happening to our groundwater supply [https://lnk.to/os7Fci], and what happens when a city runs out of water [https://lnk.to/Ty93au]. Interested in more stories about water, farming and food production? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org [shortwave@npr.org]. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave [http://plus.npr.org/shortwave]. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy [https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy]