To understand plastic’s impact on humans, scientists study Forest Park’s turtles

To understand plastic’s impact on humans, scientists study Forest Park’s turtles

Author: St. Louis Public Radio August 18, 2026 Duration: 30:43
This summer, researchers from St. Louis Zoo spent hours in Forest Park studying what the turtles living there eat — and excrete. The work is part of a yearslong mission to understand how plastic affects the natural world. Dr. Sharon Deem, a veterinarian and director of the Institute for Conservation Medicine, talks about why she and her team are focusing on the snapping and box turtles living in St. Louis’ largest park, how to “wrangle” a sample from them, and what the plastics in their bodies could tell us about how plastics are affecting humans, too.

Tune in to St. Louis on the Air for the conversations that define our city and region. Produced by St. Louis Public Radio, this daily podcast goes beyond the headlines to foster a genuine dialogue, one where community voices are central. Each episode gathers a range of perspectives-from everyday residents to experts and creators-to thoughtfully examine the issues, challenges, and innovations shaping life here. You might find yourself immersed in a discussion about local history one day and a deep dive into a groundbreaking scientific discovery the next. The program consistently makes space for the artists, musicians, and authors who contribute to the cultural fabric of the area. What you’ll hear is a respectful and honest exchange of ideas, reflecting the complex character of St. Louis itself. It’s a direct line to the stories of the people who live, work, and create in this community. For anyone curious about the forces at play in the region or simply wanting to feel more connected, this podcast serves as an essential, engaging resource. The result is a comprehensive audio portrait of a city in motion, delivered with the depth and nuance you’d expect from public radio.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

St. Louis on the Air
Podcast Episodes
‘Meet Me’: The ongoing fight over Missouri’s congressional maps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
Missouri’s congressional map is one court ruling away from being locked in for the 2026 midterms. In Part 2 of the “Meet Me” podcast’s look at redistricting, host Luis Antonio Perez talks with voters about the confusing…