logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2019
13m 2s

Exploring The Rainforest With 'TreeTop B...

NPR
About this episode
Pioneering ecologist Nalini Nadkarni takes us up into the canopy — the area above the forest floor — where she helped research and document this unexplored ecosystem. Plus: the story of her decades-long effort to get more women into science, and how she found a surprising ally in the fight — Barbie. Video and more from Maddie's trip to the canopy is here. Follow Maddie on Twitter @maddie_sofia. Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Yesterday
The physics of the Winter Olympics
Watching a ski jumper fly through the air might get you wondering, “How do they do that?” The answer is – physics!That’s why this episode, we have two physicists – Amy Pope, a physicist from Clemson University and host Regina G. Barber – break down the science at play across some ... Show More
13 m
Feb 9
These bacteria may be key to the fight against antibiotic resistance
In 1928, a chance contaminant in Scottish physician Alexander Fleming’s lab experiment led to a discovery that would change the field of medicine forever: penicillin. Since then, penicillin and other antibiotics have saved millions of lives. With one problem: the growing threat o ... Show More
11m 1s
Feb 6
Babies got beat: Why rhythm might be innate
Rhythm is everywhere. Even if you don’t think you have it, it’s fundamental to humans’ biological systems. Our heartbeat is rhythmic. Speech is rhythmic. Even as babies, humans can track basic rhythm. Researchers wanted to find out if there were more layers to this: Could babies ... Show More
8m 17s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Terrestrials: Stumpisode
<p>As dead as they seem, tree stumps are hubs of life and relationships. <br /><br />Co-host Lulu Miller is back with another season of her hit spinoff show <i>Terrestrials</i>, and to celebrate, we’re sharing the first episode with you. From stumps to snags, dead wood provides h ... Show More
32m 37s
Jul 2025
A magical world at the ocean’s edge
In coastal California, researchers grapple with potentially losing a landscape they love. Guests: Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences; Peter Roopnarine, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology at t ... Show More
36m 42s
Oct 2024
The world's longest treasure hunt
After 31 years, a mammoth treasure hunt consisting of solving eleven cryptic clues has finally concluded. A replica of the final prize – a golden owl – was dug up in France, leaving fellow treasure hunters both disappointed and relieved. Inspired by this pursuit, the Unexpected E ... Show More
49m 29s
Sep 2025
Is Jane Goodall Fighting a Losing Battle?
From the forests of Tanzania to the halls of power, Jane Goodall has spent her life fighting to protect wildlife. But as the planet warms and some governments retreat from environmentalism, is her mission slipping out of reach? Ryan Knutson interviews the renowned conservationist ... Show More
24m 19s
Aug 2025
The Deep Sea’s Mysterious Oxygen Source
Trillions of potato-sized rocks scattered across the deep ocean floor are rich in metals such as cobalt and copper—making them a target for mining companies eager to fuel the clean-energy transition. But recent research suggests these rocks may also be supporting marine life in w ... Show More
18m 3s
Aug 2025
The Deep Sea’s Mysterious Oxygen Source
Trillions of potato-sized rocks scattered across the deep ocean floor are rich in metals such as cobalt and copper—making them a target for mining companies eager to fuel the clean-energy transition. But recent research suggests these rocks may also be supporting marine life in w ... Show More
18m 3s
Jan 2025
Emily Calandrelli becomes the hundredth woman in space
<p dir="ltr">This week, we celebrate a remarkable milestone as Emily Calandrelli, also known as &ldquo;the Space Gal,&rdquo; becomes the 100th woman to venture into space. Emily shares her experiences on the Blue Origin voyage, what she took to space, and how motherhood influence ... Show More
55m 41s
Oct 2025
The Story presents: Planet Hope - Protecting Australia’s Ningaloo Coast
<p><em>This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays. </em></p><br><p>Marine scientist Ben Fitzpatrick is fi ... Show More
30m 45s
May 2025
The man who walked butterflies on a leash
Static electricity plays an invisible role in the natural world, and it may even help insects pollinate plants. To understand this hidden force, scientists have jumped through some pretty weird experimental hoops — and “walked” butterflies through literal hoops. Guests: Sam Engla ... Show More
24m 49s
Dec 2024
The New Conservationists: AI is Making Meaning from the Sounds and Visuals of Wildlife (Part 2)
Ashleigh Papp, an animal scientist turned storyteller, takes us on into the field. Conservationists and animal behaviorists were once restricted to wildlife data gathered manually. Now new technologies are expanding the amount of passively collected data—and machine learning is h ... Show More
17m 55s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami