Entanglements, by Undark

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 51: A Scramble to Define ‘Habitat’ — and the Future of Conservation Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on the dusky gopher frog now has conservationists and developers squaring off over the legal definition of the term ‘habitat.’ The accepted meaning will guide American lawmakers in designating protected areas for endangered species across the country.

Ep. 50: Studying and Surviving the Pandemic's Collective Trauma Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

In South Africa, trauma researchers are studying — and working to ease — the psychological toll of Covid-19, while trying to endure the pandemic themselves. They warn the widespread and long-lasting impacts of this collective trauma could span generations and cross national borders.

Ep. 49: When Wildfires and a Pandemic Collide Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

As smoky summers resulting from wildfires have become the new normal across much of the West Coast, communities have tried to put better systems in place protect their most vulnerable residents. But this year, they didn’t plan on dealing with a smoke wave in the middle of a pandemic. How are they coping?

Ep. 48: Capturing the Songs of a Changing Climate Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

This month: Acoustic ecologists are racing to record Earth’s shifting soundscapes before they disappear. Some researchers are using their recordings to answer questions about how the environment and its inhabitants are changing, while others are sounding the alarm on pressing conservation issues.

Ep. 47: The Toll of the Culture of Silence in Animal Research May 30, 2020

Show notes

This month: Communicating about animal research with the public can open early career scientists up to social stigma and even campaigns that threaten careers. But working with animals can be an emotionally taxing job — and the silence could isolate scientists further and strengthen public misconceptions.

Ep. 46: A Debate on the Dregs of Asbestos Mining May 06, 2020

Show notes

This month: Ground-up waste leftover from asbestos mining still lines the landscape of Quebec. Now, a number of companies are eager to transform that waste into profitable product — but health officials worry this new industry might reawaken an old problem the province finally seemed to be moving away from.

Ep. 45: Making Precision Medicine a Reality Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

This month: Tailoring medicine to each individual patient could make health care more affordable and effective. But that reality won’t come to fruition unless researchers, industry, the government, and the public reach a consensus on issues like patient privacy, data bias, and sharing of medical records.

Ep. 44: Confronting Knowledge Gaps in Intersex Health Care Feb 27, 2020

Show notes

This month: The impulse to “fix” intersex infants with invasive surgeries is facing increased and, some would argue, long overdue scrutiny. As doctors, parents, and intersex people face decisions that may affect their long-term health, researchers grapple with defining and measuring outcomes.

Ep. 43: A Reality Check on Regenerative Agriculture Jan 31, 2020

Show notes

This month: A new farming method has been touted as better for the earth and for struggling farmers. Some are putting these claims to the test.

Ep. 42: Screening Illicit Drugs to Prevent Fentanyl Deaths Dec 30, 2019

Show notes

This month: Harm reduction organizations take a controversial step in checking illicit drugs for fentanyl.