Short Wave
New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — in just under 15 minutes. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber for science on a different wavelength.If you're hooked, try Short Wave Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/shortwave
Episodes (2552)
‘Black rain’ in Iran and the environmental cost of war
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This is your brain on pleasure (even the guilty kind)
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An icy mystery: What are lake stars?
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We saved gray whales from extinction. Why are so many dying again?
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Sibling order may affect sexuality and identity
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What crocodile bones teach us about dinosaurs
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Teen sleep is getting wrecked by more than just phones
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The global fallout of RFK Jr.'s vaccine policies
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Will Punch the baby monkey be okay?
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Spring ice is thawing earlier in lakes. What does that mean for life below the s...
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The dangers of warming winter lakes
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Screen time is up for grandma and grandpa
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Could our trash become local fishes’ treasure?
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The serious hunt for alien life
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The noise that isn't there
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The truth about intermittent fasting
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The neuroscience of cracking under pressure
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Tea time... with an ape?
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Could this vaccine trial mean a future without HIV?
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Why do we kiss? It's an evolutionary conundrum
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AI is great at predicting text. Can it guide robots?
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The physics of the Winter Olympics
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These bacteria may be key to the fight against antibiotic resistance
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Babies got beat: Why rhythm might be innate
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How do extreme G-forces affect Olympic bobsledders?
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Autism: debunking Trump claims, and what scientists still don't know
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Why research into ‘forever chemicals’ includes firefighters
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Lessons and failures from the Challenger space shuttle explosion
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How scientists predict big winter storms
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What drives animals to your yard? It's complicated
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Iran offline: How a government can turn off the internet
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The plight of penguins in Antarctica
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A failed galaxy could solve the dark matter mystery
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Is ‘The Pitt’ accurate? Medical experts weigh in
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Come critter spotting with us on a cold winter's night
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10 breakthrough technologies to expect in 2026
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When is your brain actually an "adult"?
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The ozone layer is still healing…thanks to science
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These little microbes may help solve our big problems
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Hot galaxies alert!
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Micro forests: an emerging climate hero?
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Behold a T-Rex holotype, paleontology's "gold standard"
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Did Earth’s Water Come From Space?
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The trouble of zero
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Science In 2025 Took A Hit. What Does It Mean?
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Climate Anxiety Is Altering Family Planning
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Why Kratom Is At The Heart Of A Big Public Health Debate
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Why Drones Are Catching Whale Breaths
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Drinking Turns Some Red With Asian Glow—And May Fight Tuberculosis
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Why Suicide Prevention is 'Everyone's Business'
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