Humans have gotten a lot wrong when it comes to living on Earth. And while it wouldn’t be possible to entirely leave earthly problems behind, when humans settle outer space there will be a host of ethical questions with which to grapple. At an event presented by Missouri Humanities and recorded at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Elaine Cha spoke with astrophysicist and author Erika Nesvold. Nesvold is the author of “Off-Earth. Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space.”

Ethics are difficult on Earth. In outer space, the questions are even harder

St. Louis on the Air creates a unique space where guests and listeners can share ideas and opinions with respect and honesty. Whether exploring issues and challenges confronting our region, discussing the latest innovations in science and technology, taking a closer look at our history or talking with authors, artists and musicians, St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region.

News

St. Louis band Old Capital Square Dance Club recently discovered that their 2019 album was altered — someone took their songs, changed their tempo and pitch-shifted the vocals. The doctored tracks were on Spotify under the name Marico Charlotte. It’s estimated that playlists made of copyrighted songs may generate tens of thousands of dollars for whoever is behind them. We talk with Old Capital bandmates Jesse McClary, Drew Lance, and Zach Anderson about this experience and what the band has in store for the coming year.

Old Capital Square Dance Club makes lemonade out of lemons after copyright infringement

No matter how you prefer to enjoy it – popped, grilled, or in tortilla form – corn is beloved by cultures across the globe. The Missouri Botanical Gardens is putting a spotlight on the humble crop in a new exhibition, "Kernels of Culture: Maize Around the World," showcasing just how versatile corn is.

Corn and its indigenous roots take center stage in new MoBot exhibit

Washington University arrested about 100 pro-Palestinian protesters over the weekend. Is there any question as to whether the private university had that right? Does it matter if the people protesting were students or staff? Attorneys Sarah Swatosh, Javad Khazaeli and Liz Lenivy discussed that issue on the Legal Roundtable. Also discussed was a motion to vacate the conviction of Marcellus Williams, whether a juvenile who beat up a fellow minor near Hazelwood East High School should be tried as an adult, and a lawsuit against 3M and Scott Technologies filed by the family of a St. Louis firefighter who died because of what they say was faulty equipment.

Legal Roundtable: What to know about the First Amendment at Wash U and other college campus protests

Police arrested about 100 protesters Saturday night after a pro-Palestinan march at Washington University. Protesters have a list of demands that include wanting the university to cut ties with Boeing. Wash U officials say they respect freedom of expression — but that protesters violated campus policy by setting up an encampment. STLPR photojournalist Eric Lee discusses the protests and arrests that unfolded on Saturday.

Ethics are difficult on Earth. In outer space, the questions are even harder

Download our free app to listen on your phone