“From Monarchs to Plankton to ‘Star Trek’ Frogs: The Latest Science News Roundup”

In a recent episode of NPR’s science podcast Short Wave, hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong discussed three fascinating science stories that have been making headlines. The first story focused on an ambitious plan to protect monarch butterflies from the impacts of climate change. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate across North America each year, facing threats such as pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. To address these challenges, researchers in Mexico have been planting oyamel trees at higher elevations to provide a suitable habitat for the butterflies.

The second story highlighted new research on the migration patterns of bioluminescent plant plankton in the world’s oceans. Scientists from Stanford University discovered that these plankton travel vertically from deep waters to the surface by inflating themselves and filtering fresh water. This migration allows them to access light for photosynthesis, essential for their survival.

The final story featured the discovery of seven new frog species in Madagascar, all of which were named after characters from the popular TV series “Star Trek.” These inch-long frogs with striking eyes were described by researchers from the Natural History Museum of Denmark. The naming of these species was meant to convey a sense of wonder in nature and the importance of exploration and discovery.

Overall, these stories showcase the diversity and complexity of the natural world and the ongoing efforts to understand and protect it. The research and conservation efforts discussed in the podcast episode provide valuable insights into the challenges facing wildlife and ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.