Alexa Lim was a senior producer for the Science Friday radio production team, which means you could find her on the phone researching stories throughout the week and at a heightened level of anxiety every Friday between 2-4 p.m. E.T. A few of her favorite interviews have involved orchestrating a live physics game show, sound-checking with the International Space Station, and learning how to ask where the bathroom is in Dothraki.
After brief stints in an oncology lab and in the exotic world of science textbook publishing, she found her way into public radio through an internship at StoryCorps. Before joining Science Friday, she produced Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio and for the JazzStories podcast, where she discovered that the jazz harp is an underrated instrument.
Alexa grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology. She can confirm that there is no basement in the Alamo.
34:26
Dolphins Are Changing Their Calls Due To Boat Noise
Bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Maryland were simplifying the calls due to noisier oceans.
10:52
How Does The Appendix Play A Role In Parkinson’s Disease?
A study found that there was a three and a half year delay in onset of Parkinson’s for those who had their appendix removed.
6:52
The Love Songs Of The Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle
You might know the horned male Japanese rhinoceros beetles for being ruthless fighters. But they also sing songs to win over potential mates.
17:15
The Mysterious Power Of Blood
Blood banks, taboos, and other ways that humans have tried to harness the power of blood.
6:35
A Turtle By Any Other Name
What happens when the rules established by the scientific community are used against it?
26:47
Why Are More Expecting Mothers Having C-Section Deliveries?
One out of every three children in the United States are now born born via cesarean section.
12:14
Mining For Clues Of The Mayan Salt Producers
Scientists uncovered clues about a Mayan salt production system off the coast of Belize. What does this reveal about their economy?
17:35
How Secure Are The 2018 Midterm Elections?
A look at how the voting infrastructure can be secured against malicious hacks and technological errors.
23:59
Borax: It’s What’s For Dinner
In the early 20th century, milk could be spiked with formaldehyde and pepper could contain coconut shells or charred rope—until a government chemist called for new food safety.
10:10
A Trip To An Asteroid…And Back
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency landed two rovers on the asteroid Ryugu with a plan to return samples to Earth in two years.