logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
13m 30s

The Mysterious Ice Worm

NPR
About this episode
On the mountaintop glaciers of the Pacific Northwest lives a mysterious, and often, overlooked creature. They're small, thread-like worms that wiggle through snow and ice. That's right, ice worms! NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce talks to Emily about how they survive in an extreme environment and why scientists don't understand some of the most basic facts about them.

For more of Nell's reporting, you can follow her on Twitter @nell_sci_NPR. You can follow Emily @emilykwong1234.

Email the show with suggestions or thoughts at ShortWave@NPR.org.

See 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
Up next
Today
How much has the U.S.’s wildlife changed since Lewis and Clark?
Ever wish you could have been part of the Lewis and Clark expedition? Us too. The Corps of Discovery came across scores of plants and animals that were new to Western science: Grizzly bears, ponderosa pines, a “barking squirrel” that William Clark would later call the prairie dog ... Show More
14 m
Aug 21
Why scientists are stoked about mysterious black hole stars
You've heard of black holes. You've heard of stars. But have you heard of the newly discovered black hole stars that may explain multiple mysteries of the universe? We just did and we're honestly freaking out about it. Learn everything you need to know about it in this episode. P ... Show More
12m 14s
Aug 19
More men are taking testosterone. What gives?
If you’re a guy – or even just friends with a guy – and on the Internet, you may have noticed that testosterone discourse is everywhere. There’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing testosterone screenings for soldiers, Joe Rogan discussing hormone therapy, and influencers d ... Show More
14m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
Invasion of the jumping worms
These worms are fast, they’re mysterious, and they’re quickly changing North American ecosystems. How worried should we be about global worming? For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more abo ... Show More
25m 29s
Jul 2013
Grunting the Conqueror Worm
<p>Grunting the Conqueror Worm: Behold the conqueror earthworm, a creature introduced to North America mere centuries ago and now virtually unstoppable. And yet some humans know the means of summoning these worms from the Earth using only music or the rhythmic rubbing of stakes. ... Show More
28m 11s
Jan 2024
Strange Ice, Part 1
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a handful of novel ice formations and how scientists believe they form. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
46m 22s
Jan 2025
What’s hiding under the Antarctic ice?
Some of the largest lakes in the world have been buried under miles of ice for millions of years. Is there life hiding down there? And if so, could life be found in even more extreme places … beyond our planet? Guest: John Priscu, microbiologist at Montana State University For ... Show More
23m 46s
Feb 2024
Strange Ice, Part 2
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a handful of novel ice formations and how scientists believe they form -- as well as some other STBYM angles on ice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
44m 35s
Mar 2022
What Is the Longest Worm in the World?
The bootlace worm, Lineus longissimus, is as thin as a pencil but can grow as long as a blue whale. Learn about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/bootlace-worm.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www ... Show More
6m 32s
Dec 2023
The tallest mountains on Earth are ... underground?
An expedition to Antarctica. Strange seismic readings. Clues to uncover a hidden part of our planet. For show transcripts, go to bit.ly/unx-transcripts For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our s ... Show More
19m 59s
Aug 2022
Salamander search party
One of the world’s most biodiverse aquifers is full of strange, blind creatures that have evolved in isolation for millions of years. But one is missing. This episode was reported by Benji Jones and Mandy Nguyen, who produced the episode. Editing from Meradith Hoddinott, Katherin ... Show More
27m 19s
Aug 2017
Two-Headed Space Worms
What in the world are Planarian Flatworms? Why in the world did scientists send them on a mission to outer space? And where in the world are their mouths if not on their heads?! Join Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas for a tale of two worms....in one body. It's the latest who, what, when, ... Show More
23m 5s
Sep 2023
Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS) with Holly Bik
<p>Weird little mouths! Hairy skin tubes! Demon nematodes! Antarctic explorer and Nematologist Dr. Holly Bik charms us into loving deep sea (benthopelagic) worms in a way you never thought possible. We also cover tiny worm brains, the smell of Antarctic mud, first-generation Ph.D ... Show More
1h 15m