Whales Have an Alphabet

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.[MUSIC PLAYING]michael barbaroFrom “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”[MUSIC PLAYING]Today, ever since the discovery that whales produce songs, scientists have been trying to find a way to decipher their lyrics. After 60 years, they may have finally done it. My colleague, Carl Zimmer, explains.[MUSIC PLAYING]It’s Friday, May 24.[MUSIC PLAYING]Hi, Carl.carl zimmerHello.michael barbaroI have to say, after many years of working with you on everything from the pandemic to —carl zimmerCRISPR.michael barbaro— CRISPR DNA technology, that it turns out your interests are even more varied than I had thought, and they include whales.carl zimmerThey do indeed.michael barbaroAnd why? What is it about the whale that cap...