Locust Plague, Presidential Cabinet, Biomimicry

City-Sized Swarms of Locusts Are Annihilating Crops in East Africa and Middle East (0:32) Guest: Quinn Mecham, Professor of Political Science, BYU While the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic, a plague of locusts is swarming across East Africa and the Middle East. The locusts are devouring crops and their numbers are multiplying rapidly. It really is like the book of Exodus come to life – but it’s not landing on the front pages of newspapers in America. When Invasive Species Stand in for Extinct Animals in an Ecosystem (18:17) Guest: Erick Lundgren, PhD Student, Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney Hippos are native to Africa. But there’s a thriving population of the lumbering plant-eaters in Colombia on the former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar. The hippos were part of his private zoo and after Escobar’s death in 1993, they were left to fend for themselves. Now they’ve moved into Colombia’s main river and may number around 100. This is the classic example of an invasive species setting up shop in a place it doesn’t belong – and usually it’s bad news. Just look at Florida’s python problem. But these hippos might be a case of helping the ecosystem because they behave a little like some of the ancient creatures that used to roam this part of Colombia. Should I Be Wearing a Mask When I Go Outside? (33:59) Guest: Arnold Monto? MD, Professor of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health. For weeks, US health officials have been telling us not to wear masks in public unless you’re already infected with COVID-19. But now both the CDC is considering changing that recommendation to say that a basic face mask is a good idea for everyone – even if it’s just a bandana tied around your face, since masks are nearly impossible to find in stores now. Some Asian countries have encouraged face masks throughout the pandemic. Have we been putting ourselves at risk this whole time? US Presidents Weren’t Supposed to Have Cabinets, But They All Do. Here’s Why. (50:4