Internet Stars Fueling Parrot Extinction: New Forensics Fight Back
Related Episodes
AI Fuels Cybercrime Surge: The New Criminal SaaS Model
AI democratizes cybercrime, making sophisticated attacks accessible via SaaS models and fueling a record surge in data breaches, creating a new technological arms race.
View Episode Notes →
Solar Radiation Grounds Airbus A320s Amid Holiday Travel Chaos
Urgent Airbus A320 inspections trigger holiday travel chaos, while Afghan asylum seekers face limbo and discerning AI fakes becomes a critical societal challenge.
View Episode Notes →
Extremophiles and Exoplanets Challenge Limits of Life and Habitability
Life thrives at 145°F, defying temperature limits, while exoplanet TOI 561b unexpectedly retains an atmosphere, challenging our understanding of habitability.
View Episode Notes →
Archaeoacoustics Reveals Intentional Sound Use in Ancient Sites
Ancient sites reveal unique acoustics, suggesting sound was integral to ritual and connection. Discover how early humans intentionally used soundscapes to shape experience and communicate with the spiritual world.
View Episode Notes →
Urbanization Drives Backyard Wildlife--Embrace Coexistence for Healthier Ecosystems
Backyard wildlife surges signal urbanization's ecological shifts. Embrace strategies that foster biodiversity for healthier ecosystems and more productive gardens.
View Episode Notes →
Fusion of Celebrity, Market Logic, and Dissent Suppression Erodes Democracy
Celebrity, market logic, and suppressed dissent fuse to normalize authoritarian tactics, exploiting human misery and dismantling democratic norms for profit.
View Episode Notes →Resources
Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe" by Sean M. Carroll - This book by a physicist is the December pick for the SciFri book club.
Articles & Papers
- "African Grey Parrot Trade Investigation" by Renee Ebersole (Rolling Stone) - This feature story investigates the global parrot trade and the black market for wild African Greys, which is threatening their existence.
People Mentioned
- Irene Pepperberg - A researcher who conducted over 30 years of study with a parrot named Alex, discovering their ability to use language meaningfully, understand abstract concepts, and show evidence of self-awareness.
- Valerie McKenzie (University of Colorado Boulder) - A researcher pioneering a microbiome-based forensic technique to distinguish wild-caught parrots from captive-bred ones.
- Renee Ebersole (Editor in Chief at Wildlife Investigative Reporters and Editors - WIRE) - Author of the Rolling Stone article on the African Grey Parrot trade and guest on the podcast.
Organizations & Institutions
- Wildlife Investigative Reporters and Editors (WIRE) - Renee Ebersole is the editor in chief of this organization.
Websites & Online Resources
- sciencefriday.com/bookclub - Website to sign up for the SciFri book club and get details about the live stream event.
- sciencefriday.com/parrots - A link to Renee Ebersole's article mentioned in the podcast.