Best Great Pacific Garbage Patch Podcasts (2025)

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Climate Change Is Here For Your Chocolate 13:27

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2M ago13:27

13:27

Last year, we reported how extreme weather events may be dwindling the future of chocolate. Just last week, we saw an inkling of that: The Hershey Company announced it would significantly raise the cost of its candy in the face of historically high cocoa prices. So, we're revisiting host Emily Kwong's conversation with Yasmin Tayag, a food, health …

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This Underwater Sculpture Garden Protects Italian Fishing Grounds 7:53

2M ago7:53

7:53

Mermaids, giants and huge eyes look up from the waters near Talamone, Italy. It's one fisherman's way of protecting fishing grounds from the damage of trawling nets. Artists' sculptures are sunk to the bottom of the Mediterranean sea along with concrete blocks to break the nets of the trawlers that devastate marine life. Learn more about sponsor me…

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Nature Quest: Are Summers Getting Hotter? 13:47

2M ago13:47

13:47

Much of the country is deep in the middle of a heat wave right now. And every summer, Duane Stilwell's town in Arizona seems to get hotter. It has him worried — and he's not the only one. Since 1980, the average number of heat waves in the U.S has doubled and the average length of a heat wave season has increased from 40 days to 70. Future summers,…

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Sea Camp: The Largest Daily Migration On Earth 12:47

2M ago12:47

12:47

The twilight zone of the ocean is a mysterious place. At 200-1000 meters below the surface, it's a tough place to study. That's why, during World War II, people reading sonograms from this zone were perplexed when it looked as if the ocean floor was moving up. Every day. And then back down again before dawn. In this latest installment of Sea Camp, …

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Sea Camp: Is Better Human Health Hidden In The Sea? 13:00

3M ago13:00

13:00

For this week's Sea Camp, we're diving below the ocean's surface to explore the sunlight zone, the portion of ocean that's 0-200 meters deep. Here, we zoom in on some spineless inhabitants envied for their "superpowers." Marine biologist Drew Harvell tells us about stealthy sea slugs, sea stars with super strength and life-saving sponges. Also, exc…

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The Downstream Effects of China's Rare Earth Mining 6:17

3M ago6:17

6:17

China has nearly cornered the market in rare earth minerals, which are a necessary component to much of our technology today. But China sources some of those rare earths and other heavy metals from neighboring Myanmar. And the ramped up in production there is causing downstream environmental concerns in Thailand. We go to Thailand to understand the…

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Sea Camp: These Critters Call The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Home 14:35

3M ago14:35

14:35

For this second installment of the Sea Camp series, we explore the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It's the largest of five gigantic garbage patches in the sea. These patches hang out at the nexus of the world's ocean currents, changing shape with the waves. These areas were long thought to have been uninhabited, the plastics and fishing gear too harm…

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When old oil wells become 'orphans,' that's a problem 7:58

3M ago7:58

7:58

All across the U.S., there are aging oil and natural gas wells no longer in use. A lot of them don't have anyone on the hook to seal them up. Some estimate over a million such "orphan wells" still exist. Because they haven't been plugged, they're still leaking greenhouse gases and other chemicals into the atmosphere and into the land around them. W…

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After devastating floods a Central Texas community comes together 10:53

3M ago10:53

10:53

It's been nearly a week since devastating flooding tore through Kerr County, Texas killing more than a hundred people. Now, after unimaginable tragedy, residents are coming together to help each other move forward. NPR's Juana Summers and producers Erika Ryan and Tyler Bartlam visited the City West Church, which has transformed from a house of wors…

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Itchy? Air Pollution May Be Making It Worse 13:11

3M ago13:11

13:11

Short Wave producer Hannah Chinn has adult-onset eczema. They're not the only one. Up to ten percent of people in the United States have it, according to the National Eczema Association — and its prevalence is increasing. Despite its ubiquity, a lot about this skin condition remains a mystery. So today, Hannah's getting answers. In this encore epis…

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A New Minimally Invasive Approach to Spinal Cord Injury 14:44

2y ago14:44

14:44

Spinal cord injury affects 17,000 Americans and 700,000 people worldwide each year. Prognoses are often tragic and social costs exceed $2 million (U.S. and EU) in the first five years ofcare. A research team at NeuroPair, Inc. won the Grand Prize in the 2023 Create the Future Design Contest for a revolutionary approach to spinal cord repair. Dr. Yo…

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Human Factors in Drug Delivery 47:48

2y ago47:48

47:48

Patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans when drug-delivery devices are user-friendly. So, what can device developers do to ensure safety but also provide a positive user experience? Using human factors engineering, developers can design features to prevent errors and contribute to the successful use of the device. On this episod…

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Powerful Sensors for the Eye 12:59

2y ago12:59

12:59

Advances in integrated microelectronics have enabled a revolution in ever smaller and more powerful medical sensors. One such use is for detecting pressure in the eye. InjectSense has invented an implantable sensor that detects direct dynamic pressure in the eye and transmits high-fidelity data from inside the eye of a patient to their physician. O…

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How AI is Changing Military Aircraft Maintenance and More 18:13

2y ago18:13

18:13

On Nov. 2nd, the Department of Defense (DoD) published its 2023 Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy, outlining how the agency will acquire and deploy AI-enabled systems in the future. David Mazar, Vice President of Strategy and Growth, SparkCognition Government Systems is the guest on this episode of Here’s an Idea. Ahead…

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The Next Frontier in Neurology 20:02

2y ago20:02

20:02

Treatments for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and other related neurological disorders often include invasive surgery to implant electrodes in specific brain regions to help control motor symptoms. But what if there weretechnologies that offered minimally invasive options while improving patient outcomes and…

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Dr. Brendan Mulvaney Talks China’s Space and SATCOM Strategy 14:09

2y ago14:09

14:09

Ahead of his participation in the 2023 Global MilSatCom conference and exhibition, Dr. Brendan Mulvaney joins the podcast to discuss China’s latest military space and satellite technology related developments. Dr. Mulvaney is the Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute at National Defense University. He also served several tours in Califo…

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The Gripen E Jet's New Lithium-Ion Battery 16:55

2y ago16:55

16:55

The Gripen E is the latest variant of Saab's fighter jet that first achieved certification for military use and entry into service in December 2022. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer recently awarded a new design and development contract for a 24 volt lithium-ion battery to be developed by EaglePicher, a St. Louis, Missouri-based supplier of missi…

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Medtech’s New Normal 12:10

2y ago12:10

12:10

The medical device industry landscape is becoming increasingly complex with an evolving regulatory environment. The focus is now data-centric systems vs. equipment-centric, creating a fundamentally different business model. What does this new normal look like and how can medical device and life sciences businesses best address it? On this episode o…

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A Plant-Based Gel That Saves Lives 14:10

2y ago14:10

14:10

Rapid and effective control of bleeding can be the difference between life and death in surgery, on the battlefield, and in emergency situations. Excessive bleeding can lead to a rapid drop in blood volume, causing hypovolemic shock, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly. By stopping bleeding quickly, medical personnel can prevent shock and …

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This Electric Autonomous Drone Enables Networked Warfighter Communications 28:50

2y ago28:50

28:50

A California-based startup named Kraus Hamdani Aerospace has emerged as a unique entrant into the market for new commercial and military drone technologies with its K1000ULE fully electric autonomous unmanned aircraft system. The solar-powered glider has demonstrated its ability to fly non-stop for 26 hours, longer than any electric unmanned aircra…

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AI in MedTech 12:05

2y ago12:05

12:05

On this episode of Here's an Idea™, James F. Jordan, Healthcare & LifeSciences Expert, President of StraTactic, and the National Co-Chairman of the BIO Bootcamp, discusses where AI can have the greatest impact in medical technology and what medical device developers should consider as they integrate AI.…

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Automating Warehouse Inventory Monitoring with Drones 15:31

2+ y ago15:31

15:31

Efficient inventory management is crucial for manufacturing companies to maintain smooth operations. Pittsburgh-based Gather AI is using drones to automate inventory monitoring processes for warehouse operators to decrease the cost of inventory, improve productivity, and boost revenue. Sankalp Arora, CEO and Co-Founder of Gather AI, discusses how t…

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A Wearable Lab on a Patch 17:10

2+ y ago17:10

17:10

Clinicians today are hampered by insufficient and delayed lab diagnostics. Nutromics has created a breakthrough technology that combines multiple DNA sensors with microneedles. The diagnostic platform does everything a blood test does and more: it is a lab-on-a-patch. On this episode of Here's an Idea™, Peter Vranes, CEO and Co-Founder of Nutromics…

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The Natilus Blended Wing Body Autonomous Air Cargo Aircraft 14:50

2+ y ago14:50

14:50

Natilus was first established a startup in San Diego, California in 2016 with the goal of developing a blended wing body (BWB) autonomous air cargo carrying aircraft. In April, the startup completed the first flight of the sub scale prototype of its Kona aircraft. On this episode of Here's an Idea, Natilus CEO AlekseyMatyushev discusses their visio…

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Real-Time Remote Heart Monitoring 23:16

2+ y ago23:16

23:16

Biotricity is connecting cardiologists to real-time patient data while empowering patients to help prevent and manage various heart diseases — which is the leading cause of death in the United States. On this episode of Here's an Idea™, Waqaas Al-Siddiq, CEO and Founder of Biotricity, discuss how the company is bridging the gap in remote monitoring…

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Robotic Exploration of Mars Caves 12:20

2+ y ago12:20

12:20

University of Arizona engineers have developed a new system that allows autonomous vehicles to scout out underground habitats for astronauts. On this episode of Here's an Idea™, Wolfgang Fink, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer engineering at UArizona, discusses how the approach could help address one of NASA’s Space Technology Grand Ch…

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Amprius’ Electric Aircraft Battery Energy Density Breakthrough 16:56

2+ y ago16:56

16:56

Amprius Technologies has achieved a new battery energy density breakthrough of 500 Wh/kg with its lithium-ion cell, the Silicon Anode Platform. Mobile Power Solutions, an independent testing house offering battery regulatory compliance and performance testing, verified the Silicon Anode Platform's energy density performance. The results indicate th…

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The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Avionics Systems 17:42

2+ y ago17:42

17:42

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transitioning from future-facing buzzwords to a near term possibility for commercial and military aircraft avionics systems. In February, Intel published a jointly written white paper with Daedalean, a Switzerland-based startup and developer of artificial intelligence and machine learning software fo…

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3D-Printed Lubrication System for Single-Use Engines 10:20

3+ y ago10:20

10:20

Effective lubrication is essential to any mechanical system. For example, it is responsible for providing a continuous flow of oil to the engine of the aircraft. As aircrafts have evolved, so have lubrication systems. Now, a Florida-based startup Zulu Pods, has developed the ZPod, a self-contained, sealed, oil tank and pump that can be installed in…

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A Future for Smart Fabrics 11:41

3+ y ago11:41

11:41

Fabrics haven’t changed all that much. For years, a shirt has quite simply been a shirt. But a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology wants to add function to the fibers. What if your shirt, for example, contained electronics that could track your heartbeat or the heartbeat of your unborn child? A team from MIT and the Rhode Island Schoo…

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How to Make the Best Decisions (on the Moon) 14:44

3+ y ago14:44

14:44

Pharma industries, transportation services, the energy sector, and mining companies are looking for a new place to do business, and it’s more than 200,000 miles from Earth. The private sector is heading to the Moon – a world of potential resources like metal, water, and solar power, according to our guest on this week’s Here’s an Idea: Blair DeWitt…

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How a Brain-Computer Interface Works 13:41

3+ y ago13:41

13:41

For some people, a critical link – the one sending signals from brain to body, the one connecting thought to action – does not work properly, or in some cases, has been severed entirely. Marcus Gerhardt, CEO and co-founder of the Salt Lake City, UT-based company Blackrock Neurotech, is creating a technology called a brain-computer interface. The ti…

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Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles 10:11

3+ y ago10:11

10:11

Over 145 million electric vehicles are set to take the road by 2030 and a major component of the new class of electric vehicles – lithium-ion batteries – is rarely recycled. Canadian battery recycling company Li-Cycle is aiming to change that through its sustainable process to provide an end-of-life solution for lithium-ion batteries, while creatin…

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Going for the Gold with Aerodynamic Luge Sleds 12:39

3+ y ago12:39

12:39

Luge is one of the three sliding sports on the program at the 2022 Winter Olympics being held in Beijing this month. The sport requires athletes to barrel down an ice track on small sleds accelerating to speeds of nearly 90 mph. Traditionally, lugers design and build their own sleds, often through trial and error. Now, Clarkson Mechanical and Aeron…

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How to Make an 'Ocean Battery' 11:05

3+ y ago11:05

11:05

Dr. Frits Bliek and his team at Ocean Grazer are building an "Ocean Battery" that brings hydrodam technology to the sea. On this episode of Here's an Idea, Bliek, CEO of the Netherlands-based energy company, talks about an innovative idea for power that involves plastic bags, underground reservoirs, and a big drill.…

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DIVERSION - Great Pacific Garbage Patch 23:32

3+ y ago23:32

23:32

If we care about preserving our planet, the importance of the oceans’ health cannot be overstated. They cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface and produce more than 50% of our oxygen. Unfortunately, our daily actions can be incredibly detrimental to the ocean-health we so desperately need. Set sail with us as we head to the Great Pacific Garbage Pat…

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Listener Tales 1 - Holiday 2021 16:52

4y ago16:52

16:52

Since the start of the show, Listeners have been writing in telling us about the Changemakers in their lives – sometimes the very place they work or volunteer. To wrap up the year, we’re reading some of your emails to highlight the small and large groups keeping children safe, saving pets, supporting underrepresented groups in film, and honoring tr…

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Wearing Many Hats For Children 59:20

4y ago59:20

59:20

Globally, we pay a high economic price for lack of investment in promoting, protecting and caring for children. This week, at our first LIVE event, we meet several people wearing Many Hats in the U.S. and Latin America, working to lift up children and give a voice and spotlight to those doing good in the world. Best of all, our conversations takes …

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A Major Role for Microneedles in Drug Delivery, Post-Pandemic 28:11

4y ago28:11

28:11

Who really likes needles? A brand-new episode of our Tech Briefs podcast series Here’s an Idea™ explores the emergence of a drug-delivery patch made of micro-needles. The Velcro-like option is less painful – and more effective, it turns out. And the devices are especially valuable during a pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out inf…

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DIVERSION - How The World Votes 18:17

4y ago18:17

18:17

In many countries around the world, it’s election time. In fact, in weeks, 16 countries hold elections at some level. With that in mind, we’re diving into some of the wild ways and different rules that other countries use to conduct their elections. It’s also important to address some barriers to voting (and of course those breaking barriers) that …

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This Hits Home - Mexico 1:22:29

4y ago1:22:29

1:22:29

Domestic violence happens in every country, town, age group, race and income level. And yet, Mexico is continuously rated one of the most violent countries for women in the world. This week, we travel into the making of a documentary that will change the way we view violence – painting a new picture of traumatic brain injury (TBI), CTE and the role…

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DIVERSION: The Great Book Scare - United States 16:51

4y ago16:51

16:51

This week were headed to 1895 when America was deep into The Great Book Scare to meet Jessie Allan, a librarian in Omaha, Nebraska whose death from tuberculosis unwittingly fueled a book burning fire. Although tuberculosis was common at the time, Allan’s case of "consumption" reignited misinformation about the disease – specifically that she had co…

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1 in 7 Americans - United States 32:58

4y ago32:58

32:58

According to the American Surgeon General, 1 in 7 people in the US will face a substance abuse problem - and that was before a pandemic. We're headed on a journey across America with a man who not only ran 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 seven continents, but is working on a documentary as he runs, exploring his - and others' - journeys through addictio…

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Reinventing the Hearing Aid: From DIY Devices to Brainwave Monitoring 29:19

4y ago29:19

29:19

We speak to four researchers about their hearing innovations: a 3D-printed stent for collapsed cartilage, a one-dollar hearing aid that can be built in an hour, a "mind-reading" hearing aid that solves the cocktail party problem, and a brain monitor for cochlear-implant calibration. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.…

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Profits With Purpose - Afghanistan 52:17

4y ago52:17

52:17

There’s nothing a terrorist fears more than an educated girl. But right now, only 37% of adolescent girls in Afghanistan are literate. And of the 3.5 million children out of school, 85% are girls. This week we’re joined by one of the guys from an incredible company called Combat Flip Flops, co-founded by U.S. special forces members who met in Afgha…

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Seeing Is Believing - Rwanda 53:18

4y ago53:18

53:18

Vision is often considered the most solvable health problem in the world. Globally, 1 in 7 people who cannot see well don’t have access to vision care. But the barriers to getting glasses are a lot more complex than meets the eye. One group is creating a world where access to vision is no longer a barrier to human achievement and possibility. Come …

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Feed A Billion, Save The World - India 49:52

4+ y ago49:52

49:52

1 in 4 children don't know where all their meals will come from this week. Hunger leads families and individuals to make desperate decisions. And those who exploit girls use this to their advantage. This week we’re headed to the city of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, India with Dr. Ambuj (AJ) Jain who founded Feed A Billion – a nonprofit that feed…

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The Robot’s Emerging Role: Surgeon 26:15

4+ y ago26:15

26:15

Tech Briefs talks to three researchers who are finding ways to automate surgical tasks, from suturing, to spotting tumors, to operating one of the biggest machines in surgery today: The Da Vinci. Ken Goldberg of UC Berkeley discusses how his team got the Da Vinci to autonomously perform a training exercise with "superhuman" speed and accuracy. See …

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The Global Good Podcast (Trailer) 1:04

4+ y ago1:04

1:04

Welcome to The Global Good Podcast – where each week we’ll travel around the globe meeting the most incredible people doing the work that’s truly making the world a better place. From the peaks of the Himalayas to leagues under the sea join us as we embark on adventure – for good.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nicole-roberts1/support…

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Inside the New Medical Wearables: Patches, Tattoos, and Skin-Like Sensors 23:31

4+ y ago23:31

23:31

Medical wearables are advancing past smartwatches and Fitbits, but will they catch on? We talk to the researchers behind an assistive mouth sensor, skin-like sensor tattoos called “BodyNet,” a low-cost UV patch, and an electronic sensor that's 3D-printed directly on the skin. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.…