logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
23m 7s

Can you put a price on nature?

Vox
About this episode
It’s hard to figure out the economic value of a wild bat or any other part of the natural world, but some scientists argue that this kind of calculation could help protect our environment. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplaina ... Show More
Up next
Today
The wild orchid mystery
More than just beautiful flowers, wild orchids have been confounding scientists for years. Our friends at Sidedoor — a podcast from the Smithsonian — set out to find a rare specimen for themselves. Guest: ⁠Lizzie Peabody⁠, host of ⁠Sidedoor⁠ For show transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ... Show More
25m 55s
Oct 19
An Alzheimer's breakthrough?
The past few months have been full of Alzheimer's optimism: new ideas that could prevent the disease from taking hold, medications that seem to slow it down, and an experimental surgery that might even be able to reverse its progression. It's a lot of hype. Should we believe it? ... Show More
28m 3s
Oct 14
Talking with the dead
“If only I could talk with them again.” It’s a common refrain for anyone who is grieving someone they love. Now, we can access technology like deadbots, or AI replicas of a lost loved one, to simulate those conversations, but at what cost? Maybe we’ve always had the capacity — wi ... Show More
36m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2016
The Big Data of Nature
As we hear over and over again, environmental issues are mounting, and the stakes are huge. So how might big data be used to tackle the issues of sustainability, climate change, habitat loss, and species extinction? And even more than that, can it offer us new ways of engaging in ... Show More
36m 3s
May 2024
How to Protect Wildlife without Leaving Home
Whether you have a large yard or a tiny planter, there are ways to use your outdoor space to protect wildlife. Senior news reporter Meghan Bartels takes us through what you can do, or stop doing, to make your yard and home friendlier to local critters.  Related Reading: – 8 Ways ... Show More
7m 54s
Sep 2012
The Wild World of Bats
<p>Is the bat the most successful mammal on the planet? Quite possibly! In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Julie and Robert explore the insect-munching, fruit-drinking, blood-lapping world of these amazing winged sound warriors.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choic ... Show More
46m 39s
Jun 2020
Bringing Animals Back to Life
Scientists want to bring extinct animals back to life. Is this a good idea? Or could it change our environment too much? Luke Haley and Robin Basselin look at the issue of de-extinction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spotlight-english--406514 ... Show More
15m 1s
Apr 2024
82 - Science Vs. Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience can sometimes be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Today we discuss how philosophers of science have thought about this problem.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseOur merch is ... Show More
35m 40s
Mar 2022
“Apples, Oranges and Dinosaurs”: The Values of Nature
<p>In this episode, we catch up with the work of IPBES experts on the values of nature. Ahead of the publication of the IPBES Values Assessment in July 2022, we explore what those values are, why we should bother trying to understand them, and how we can pull all these different ... Show More
32m 24s
Aug 2019
Could Frozen Zoo DNA Stave Off Species' Extinction?
As human civilization encroaches on wild animals' habitats, some face extinction. Learn how researchers hope to someday use frozen DNA sample taken from zoo animals to replenish wild populations in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheart ... Show More
4m 40s
Jul 2021
FACT SMACK: Bats! They're Cooler Than Birds
With the help of ecologist Rodrigo Medellín, the "Bat Man of Mexico," Rasha Aridi (former Short Waver) presents the case for why bats are the best and coolest flying creatures out there! Are you a scientist who thinks Rodrigo is wrong and that the animal you study is superior? Le ... Show More
12m 47s
Apr 2025
Ghosts in the Green Machine
<p>In honor of our Earth, on her day, we have two stories about the overlooked, ignored, and neglected parts of nature. In the first half, we learn about an epic battle that is raging across the globe every day, every moment. It's happening in the ocean, and your very life depend ... Show More
33m 19s
Feb 2023
How Do We Find Aliens? Maybe Unlearn What We Know About 'Life' First
Science might be redefining what “life out there” really means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
9m 46s