Short Wave
How scientists discovered that animals are doctors, too
September 11, 2026·13 min·4-min readnarrativescience
Podzilla Summary (4 min)
TLDR
This episode of NPR's Shortwave explores the growing scientific field of animal self-medication, revealing how creatures from chimps to butterflies use natural remedies to treat illness — knowledge that could inform human medicine and conservation. It challenges the long-held belief that
This episode of NPR's Shortwave explores the growing scientific field of animal self-medication, revealing how creatures from chimps to butterflies use natural remedies to treat illness — knowledge that could inform human medicine and conservation. It challenges the long-held belief that
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Guest
M
Mandy Nguyen
narrative on Short Wave
Mentions
Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.
People
Mandy NguyenMichael HuffmanMohamedi KalundeYap de RodeElodie Fryman
Books
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Research & Papers
Bitter leaf plant study
Topics
BiologyClimate ChangeEcologyGeneticsLong Form JournalismMental HealthNeuroscienceScientific Method
Listen to This Episode
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