Ukraine's Drone Use, H-1B Visa Uncertainty, New Species In 2024

Summary

Up First from NPR – December 24, 2024

NPR’s Up First delivers a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing issues in a concise, engaging format. Hosted by Asma Khalid, this episode delves into three major stories: Ukraine’s use of drones in its ongoing conflict, the uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas for foreign scientists in the U.S., and the discovery of new species amidst global biodiversity challenges.

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Ukraine’s Escalated Drone Warfare

Timestamp: 00:57 – 06:07

Asma Khalid opens the episode by highlighting the increasing reliance of Ukraine’s military on unmanned attack drones in their struggle against Russian forces. An unnamed Ukrainian soldier encapsulates the grim reality on the ground:

“We try to take out as many as we can before they reach our positions, but sometimes there are just too many and it's impossible to hold.” (00:57)

NPR’s correspondent Brian Mann provides an in-depth look from a secret drone command post near Pokrovsk, a strategic town enduring relentless Russian sieges. Mann describes the meticulous efforts to intercept Russian advances using advanced drone technology:

“The drones operate at night. Their cameras see in infrared. So on a big flat screen TV, I watched as one drone spotted a Russian soldier... a bomb is dropping. You can see it falling. And another flare of light, a large explosion now.” (03:00)

Brian observes firsthand the devastating efficiency of these drones, which are instrumental in slowing Russian momentum despite Ukraine’s manpower shortages. He underscores the dual-edged nature of this technology:

“These drones, they're killing a lot of Russians and Ukrainians.” (04:35)

Military analysts suggest that Ukraine’s innovative use of drones has inflicted significant casualties on Russian forces, contributing to the prolonged defense of key areas like Pokrovsk. However, the Ukrainian soldier’s earlier remark highlights the overwhelming scale of the conflict and the limitations of drone warfare in achieving a decisive victory.

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H-1B Visa Uncertainty Puts U.S. Scientific Research at Risk

Timestamp: 06:07 – 09:49

Transitioning to domestic issues, the episode addresses the critical role of H-1B visas in sustaining the United States' scientific and technological advancements. Asma Khalid introduces the topic with NPR science correspondent John Hamilton:

“Scientific research in the US relies heavily on foreign-born scientists, including more than half a million working under temporary visas.” (06:07)

H1B visas, established in 1990, are pivotal for attracting highly skilled foreign professionals. However, these visas have faced increased scrutiny, particularly under former President Donald Trump's administration. Hugh Gabriel explains the historical context:

“President Trump unveiled a plan to restrict work visas, specifically the H1B... ‘Widespread abuse in our immigration system is allowing American workers... to be replaced by workers brought in from other countries.’” (07:13)

With Trump’s potential return to office and the appointment of Stephen Miller—a key figure behind previous H1B restrictions—the future of these visas remains uncertain. This instability has sown anxiety among scientists and researchers. Layli Mordazavi, a brain scientist at Stanford University, shares her predicament:

“I really like Stanford... But I would have to see what kinds of changes happen under Trump.” (08:46)

Mordazavi’s concerns are echoed by numerous international scientists who fear that tightening visa policies may drive talent away from the U.S. to other countries like Canada and the UK, where opportunities may be more secure. Universities and tech firms recognize the economic and innovative benefits of maintaining a robust H1B program, yet official endorsements from major research institutions remain sparse.

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Discovery Amidst Crisis: New Species Identified in 2024

Timestamp: 09:57 – 13:20

In a departure from conflict and policy, Up First explores the exciting realm of biological discoveries. Evolutionary biologist and NPR science correspondent Jonathan Lambert discusses several newly identified species, highlighting the continuous expansion of our understanding of biodiversity.

Lambert begins with the discovery of clouded tiger cats in South America, previously believed to comprise only two species:

“They look kind of like little leopards. Scientists thought that there were only two species... but it took us over a decade to prove that this was, in fact, a new species.” (10:16)

The process of species identification, from initial observation to formal classification, underscores the meticulous nature of scientific research.

Further, Lambert shares the story of Hugh Gabriel, an undergraduate who co-discovered three new species of frogs in Madagascar. These frogs exhibit unique behaviors and adaptations, such as living entirely within the leaf litter and sustaining themselves on tiny spiders:

“They lay their eggs, they hatch, they eat little spiders, all within the tiny pools of water that collect between the leaves.” (12:08)

Lambert also introduces a newly identified orchid species in Madagascar, notable for its exceptionally long nectar spur:

“This new species has one that's like a foot long, and that's actually the longest nectar spur relative to the flower size of any known plant.” (12:30)

Despite these remarkable discoveries, Lambert emphasizes the precarious state of global biodiversity:

“There’s climate change, there’s deforestation. We risk losing these species just as soon as scientists are finding them.” (12:55)

These findings are a testament to the resilience and dedication of the scientific community, working tirelessly to catalog life even as it faces unprecedented threats.

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Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Asma Khalid reflects on the juxtaposition of scientific breakthroughs and environmental crises, urging listeners to appreciate the ongoing efforts to expand our biological knowledge even amidst global challenges.

Up First not only informs but also engages its audience by weaving together stories of war, policy, and discovery, providing a multifaceted perspective on the state of the world as of December 2024.

For further insights and in-depth analyses, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Up First+ for an ad-free experience and additional content.

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Notable Contributors:

• Asma Khalid – Host
• Brian Mann – Reporter covering Ukraine’s drone warfare
• Hugh Gabriel – NPR Science Correspondent discussing H1B visas
• Jonathan Lambert – NPR Science Correspondent exploring new species discoveries

Supported by Sponsors: Capital One, Warby Parker, Thuma, Mint Mobile

Production Team: Edited by Miguel Macias, Gisele Grayson, Lisa Thompson, and Alice Wolfley. Produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas, Claire Morishima, and Anna Perez.

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Stay informed with NPR’s Up First – the news you need to start your day.

Transcript

[Asma Khalid]

Good morning. And from all of us here at upfirst, we wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas Eve if you're celebrating. I'm Asma Khalid and we are so grateful that you're spending some of your holiday morning with us today. Grateful that you're with us every day. We know you have a lot going on in your life. That's why we work hard to make upfirst as smart and brief as possible. There's always more information available from NPR for you, but this is where you can start your morning and trust that you'll be prepared for the day ahead. You can help us keep doing this work by signing up for NPR today. If you're already a PLUS supporter, thank you so much. If not, sign up and unlock perks for more than 25 NPR podcasts today, including sponsor free listening to Up first. Join now at plus.npr.org that's plus.npr.org alright now, onto the news. Ukraine's military is increasingly relying on unmanned attack drones in its fight against Russia.

[Unnamed Ukrainian Soldier]

We try to take out as many as we can before they reach our positions, but sometimes there are just too many and it's impossible to hold.

[Asma Khalid]

I'm Asma Khalid, and this is up first from NPR News. Scientific research in the U.S. is driven by foreign workers on temporary visas.

[Layli Mordazavi]

I really like Stanford, but I would have to see what kinds of changes.

[Asma Khalid]

Happen under Trump, why scientists are worried about this visa category they rely on. And we often hear about endangered species. But what about the thousands of new species identified each year?

[Hugh Gabriel]

One night I was kind of mesmerized by it.

[Asma Khalid]

Stay with us. We'll give you all the news you need to start your day.

[NPR Sponsor]

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[Asma Khalid]

The Ukrainian army has been struggling to slow Russia's advance in the East. Facing a manpower shortage, Ukraine is relying more and more on unmanned flying attack drones. NPR's Brian Mann was able to visit a secret drone command post near the front lines in Pokrovsk and joins us now from Kyiv. Good morning, Brian.

[Brian Mann]

Good morning.

[Asma Khalid]

Asma, can you describe where you went to see these attack drones?

[Brian Mann]

Well, it's interesting. Ukraine's military actually made it hard to know exactly where I was. The location of these command posts, it's a carefully guarded secret. I was guided in an armored car to a village outside Pokrovsk. It's a key coal mining town and transportation hub that's been under siege by Russia since spring. Soldiers brought me in darkness to a workshop where I saw technicians building these drones, their black five bladed devices, about the size of small lawnmower. Then they took me to a command post where teams coordinate these drone attacks across a huge battlefield.

[Asma Khalid]

And once you were there, what did you see?

[Brian Mann]

Well, these attacks are actually terrifying to watch. The drones operate at night. Their cameras see in infrared. So on a big flat screen tv, Asma, I watched as one drone spotted a Russian soldier. He was moving forward, trying to get close to Ukrainian positions. His body heat was visible against the snowy ground. And I had my recorder on while this was happening. Okay, the camera is zooming in on bright heat signatures and a bomb is dropping. You can see it falling. And another flare of light, a large explosion now. And the Ukrainians Osmos said that Russian soldier was killed. I was standing next to a Ukrainian soldier who goes by the call sign pip, who coordinates attacks that these drone pilots were working that night. He said their job is to disrupt as many Russian assaults as they can.

[Hugh Gabriel]

Can we doing this every day, non stop, 24 hours.

[Brian Mann]

Are they also doing this with us?

[Hugh Gabriel]

Yes.

[Brian Mann]

So both ways?

[Hugh Gabriel]

Yes.

[Brian Mann]

And that's a brutal reality of this war. These drones, they're killing a lot of Russians and Ukrainians.

[Asma Khalid]

And it sounds like from your reporting, Brian, that these remote controlled weapons are being used by both sides, by both Russia and Ukraine. So are they actually making a difference for Ukraine in its fight?

[Brian Mann]

A lot of military analysts think Ukraine has been more creative than Russia, more effective using this kind of technology. A group called the Institute for the Study of War did an analysis, found Russia losing huge numbers of soldiers killed and wounded as they grind forward. In one two week period this month, Russia lost 3,000 troops in the Pokrovsk area. Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed those casualties and says his army is winning. And I did speak to one of these Ukrainian soldiers in the drone unit, a technician named Yuri. We agreed to only use his first name for security reasons. He told me drones alone won't stop Russia.

[Unnamed Ukrainian Soldier]

We try to take out as many as we can before they reach our positions, but sometimes there are just too many and it's impossible to hold.

[Brian Mann]

So Ukraine keeps slowly retreating. But after roughly eight months of this intense fighting, this key city, Pokrovsk, still hasn't fallen, and that's in large part because of these drone units.

[Asma Khalid]

NPR's Brian Ryan Mann with the latest from near the front lines in eastern Ukraine. Thanks so much for your reporting.

[Brian Mann]

Thanks, Asma.

[Asma Khalid]

Scientific research in the US Relies heavily on foreign born scientists, including more than half a million working under temporary visas. Those visas became more difficult to get during Donald Trump's first term as president and they are likely to face new scrutiny again as Trump returns to the White House. NPR science correspondent John Hamilton has been reporting on that and is with me now. Good morning, John Good morning. So tell us about this particular kind of visa.

[Hugh Gabriel]

Well, the most common visa for working scientists is called the H1B. It was created in 1990. The idea was to have a limited number of highly skilled foreign nationals working in the US for up to six years. You have to have at least a bachelor's degree to qualify, but many of the scientists working under an H1B actually have a PhD and in the science world, this visa is a big deal. It's sometimes called the secret weapon because it allows universities and tech companies to hire top talent from around the world.

[Asma Khalid]

So I do recall during Trump's first term in office, these H1B visas did come under attack. Can you remind us of what exactly transpired?

[Hugh Gabriel]

So, three months into his first term, President Trump spoke at Snap on Tools in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was standing in front of this flag made of red, white and blue tools, and he unveiled a plan to restrict work visas, specifically the H1B.

[Donald Trump]

Widespread abuse in our immigration system is allowing American workers of all backgrounds to be replaced by workers brought in from other countries to fill the same job for sometimes less pay. This will stop.

[Hugh Gabriel]

At the time, Trump issued several executive orders designed to make these visas harder to get. Then in 2020, he temporarily suspended the new H1B visas. Now, the Biden administration came in, reversed a lot of those changes. But with Trump returning to office now, there could be another shift. Trump has named Stephen Miller as his deputy chief of staff, and Miller was the main architect of the H1B restrictions under the first Trump administrations. On the other hand, Elon Musk has been a supporter of the visas and he's pretty influential.

[Asma Khalid]

So what does this lack of clarity mean for the scientists that you've been speaking with.

[Hugh Gabriel]

It means a lot of anxiety. High level science is this increasingly international sport. So, for example, I talked to Layli Mordazavi. She's a brain scientist who was born in Iran and is now getting her doctorate at Stanford University. She almost didn't get to come because of what's often called the Trump administration's Muslim ban, which kept out Iranian citizens. But Mortazavi was able to get a Canadian passport to attend Stanford.

[Layli Mordazavi]

I really like Stanford. People here are great. The resources are amazing. But I would have to see what kinds of changes happen under Trump.

[Hugh Gabriel]

Right? I mean, she's, she's worried about getting a visa to work in the US So she's looking at jobs in other countries like Canada. She's also looked at Oxford and University College London.

[Asma Khalid]

John, it seems like US Universities invest a lot in these folks and universities, large research organizations, the tech sector, depend quite a bit on international talent. So what are they saying about the fear that people that they are investing in, that they are training, may take their expertise elsewhere?

[Hugh Gabriel]

They're clearly worried. You have some tech firms like Box, you know, the cloud computing firm, that are making the case that H1B visas are good for the US economy. Universities are saying very little. I contacted at least half a dozen major research institutions over the past few weeks, and they pretty much declined to comment. I also reached out to the Trump transition team, but I haven't heard back yet.

[Asma Khalid]

NPR science correspondent John Hamilton. Thanks for your reporting.

[Hugh Gabriel]

Always happy to be here.

[Asma Khalid]

Each year, scientists add thousands of new species to the scientific record. Here to talk through a few of them is NPR's evolutionary biologist turned science correspondent, Jonathan Lambert. Good morning, John.

[Jonathan Lambert]

Good morning, Ozma.

[Asma Khalid]

So tell me what struck you as the most interesting species added to the roster?

[Jonathan Lambert]

I want to start with clouded tiger cats, mostly because they're really cute, but they're also this great reminder that there are these, like, big, charismatic species out there that are still undiscovered.

[Asma Khalid]

What do they look like?

[Jonathan Lambert]

So they're about the size of a house cat, but they look kind of like little leopards. And scientists thought that there were only two species of them in South America. But in 2009, this biologist named Tedo de Oliveira, who's like the expert on tiger cats, got an email that piqued his interest.

[Hugh Gabriel]

When I saw, I was kind of mesmerized by it.

[Asma Khalid]

Huh. So how did he know that it was any different than the other tiger cats out there?

[Jonathan Lambert]

He's looked at a lot of Tiger cats. And these ones seem to just be a little different because they had slightly different spots, and their fur seemed thicker. And then on the video, they looked like they were moving different. And so he had a hunch, but it took him and 40 other scientists over a decade to actually prove that this was, in fact, a new species. And so it just shows. It can take a really long time to go from an observation that you've got a hunch about to describing a new species and putting it on the books.

[Asma Khalid]

John, this is all fascinating to me because I feel like I always hear about species that are endangered, and I don't really pay attention to new species being discovered, but, you know, it's a bit of a bright spot. So what else do you have for us?

[Jonathan Lambert]

Yeah, I spoke with another biologist named Hugh Gabriel, who was an undergrad when he got on the path to naming a new species of frog in Madagascar. When I was doing a independent research project in the rainforest, I noticed these frogs that looked really different from anything I was seeing in the guidebook. He told me that these frogs were hidden within the leaves of these trees, and they just looked a bit smaller, and their color was kind of off, sort of a coppery bronze. And so he wrote to the author of that guidebook, who agreed that these frogs did actually seem a little different, and they collaborated.

[Asma Khalid]

That's cool. So he discovered a new species while in undergrad?

[Jonathan Lambert]

Yeah, he actually discovered three new species or described them. And all of these frogs spend their entire lives in these trees. They lay their eggs, they hatch, they eat little spiders, all within the tiny pools of water that collect between the leaves. And this kind of lifestyle is unusual for frogs, and pretty cool.

[Asma Khalid]

Where are we headed next?

[Jonathan Lambert]

So I want to stay in Madagascar because it's such a richly biodiverse place, and I want to add a plant to the list, specifically an orchid. Orchids are these plants that have these nectar spurs, which are like little tubes that feed nectar to pollinators. And this new species has one that's like a foot long, and that's actually the longest nectar spur relative to the flower size of any known plant.

[Asma Khalid]

All right, so this is all really interesting, John, but these species are being found at a moment when a lot of biodiversity around the world is in danger. It's in trouble. So how do you square that?

[Jonathan Lambert]

Yeah, there's climate change, there's deforestation. We risk losing these species just as soon as scientists are finding them.

[Asma Khalid]

All right, well, thanks for walking us through this all, John.

[Jonathan Lambert]

Thank you, Asmaa.

[Asma Khalid]

That's NPR science correspondent Jonathan Lambert. And that's up first for Tuesday, December 24th. I'm Asma Khalid. For your next listen, why not consider Consider this from npr. As the US Economy outperforms most other countries, many Americans remain frustrated by the high cost of living. And that's fueled a lot of unhappiness and a political comeback for President elect Donald Trump. Will his policies bring costs down or rekindle inflation? Listen to Consider this from npr. Today's episode of up first was edited by Miguel Macias, Gisele Grayson, Lisa Thompson and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas, Claire Morishima and Anna Perez. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

[NPR Sponsor]

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