Another edition of Ask Sam, where Sam answers listener questions about the natural world. This time, questions about hugging trees, bumpy roads, objects stuck on power lines, and epic hummingbird battles.

Featuring special guests, Maddie Sofia, host of NPR's Short Wave, and Kendra Pierre-Louis, climate journalist with Gimlet's How to Save a Planet.

Also featuring Ferris Jabr, Stephen Morris, Greg Bruton, and Anusha Shankar.

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Ask Sam: Do Hummingbirds Sleep and Other Questions

A show where curiosity and the natural world collide. We explore science, energy, environmentalism, and reflections on how we think about and depict nature, and always leave time for plenty of goofing off.

Outside/In is a production of NHPR.

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Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

If we’re in the middle of a mass extinction, shouldn’t more species be going extinct?

The mystery of the missing extinctions

Some social media influencers tout the all-meat diet and say that plants are making people sick. The science says otherwise.

Meet the meatfluencers

Is hemp overhyped? Or is it a planet-saving super plant?

Reefer madness, the CBD bubble, and the future of hemp

In which we consider Flaco the Eurasian eagle owl, impulse goat purchases, and a big night for salamanders. Plus, our host graces us with a rendition of a Tom Waits song.

Songbird accents, eating rats, and why we need the moon

The SEC is trying to make sustainable investing easier. But can you save for retirement in a way that’s both good for the planet… and good for your pocketbook?

Ask Sam: Do Hummingbirds Sleep and Other Questions

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