For decades, Coho salmon were turning up dead in urban streams the Pacific Northwest. The salmon would stop swimming straight, and then die before they had a chance to spawn. Researchers worried that unless they figured out the cause, the species would eventually go extinct. Enter a formidable crew of biologists, modelers, community scientists, environmental chemists. After eventually ruling out the obvious suspects — things like temperature, oxygen levels and known toxins — researchers eventually zeroed in on a prime suspect: chemicals in tires. But the question remained: Which one? **If you liked this episode, check out our other episodes on satellites monitoring emissions) and how air pollution could create superbugs).**Want to hear more environmental stories or science mysteries? Tell us by emailing [email protected])!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at* plus.npr.org/shortwave*)*.*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)
