Short Wave

Mar 17 2020 12.8k

New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, every weekday. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.

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Micro Wave: How 'Bout Dem Apple...Seeds
Jan 15 2021 10 mins  
Should one eat the whole apple? While that might be a matter of taste, we alleviate any fears folks might have heard about apple seeds being poisonous.
How COVID-19 Affects The Brain
Jan 14 2021 13 mins  
New research suggests severe cases of COVID-19 can injure the brain, affecting memory, thinking and mood for months after the infection is gone.
Should Black People Get Race Adjustments In Kidney Medicine?
Jan 13 2021 14 mins  
NPR science correspondent Maria Godoy explains the debate around eliminating the race-based kidney health diagnostic tool eGFR.
CubeSat: Little Satellite, Big Deal
Jan 12 2021 10 mins  
It's become possible to pack a sophisticated satellite into a tiny package.
This Teen Scientist Is TIME's First-Ever 'Kid Of The Year'
Jan 11 2021 11 mins  
Fifteen-year-old Gitanjali Rao is a scientist, inventor, and TIME Magazine's first-ever 'Kid Of The Year.'
Micro Wave: What Makes Curly Hair Curl?
Jan 08 2021 9 mins  
Hair scientist Crystal Porter explains the science behind curly hair. (Hint: It involves mushy cells in teeny-tiny tunnels.)
The Hunt For The World's Oldest Ice
Jan 07 2021 12 mins  
Scientists are searching for the world's oldest ice, which they think is hiding somewhere in Antarctica.
One Page At A Time, Jess Wade Is Changing Wikipedia
Jan 06 2021 13 mins  
By day, Jess Wade is an experimental physicist at Imperial College London. By night, she's a contributor to Wikipedia — where she writes entries about women and POC scientists.
How COVID-19 Has Changed Science
Jan 05 2021 14 mins  
A look at some of the ways — both good and bad — that COVID-19 has changed science. We talk with Ed Yong of The Atlantic.
Meet The Ko'Ko', The Comeback Bird
Jan 04 2021 11 mins  
After a decades-long recovery effort, the Ko'Ko', or Guam Rail bird, has become the second bird to recover from extinction in the wild. (Encore episode)
Happy New Year from Short Wave!
Jan 01 2021 3 mins  
To kick off the new year right, Maddie fills out a Short Wave mad lib crafted by Emily. It's a little tribute to you, our awesome listeners. We're back with new episodes next week. Hope you had a safe and happy orbit around the sun!
How Will Climate And Health Policy Look Under Biden?
Dec 31 2020 15 mins  
It's an episode of The NPR Politics Podcast! Our colleagues take a look at Joe Biden's approach to climate and health policy.
It's Okay To Sleep Late (Do It For Your Immune System)
Dec 29 2020 11 mins  
Dr. Syed Moin Hassan was riled up. "I don't know who needs to hear this," he posted on Twitter, "BUT YOU ARE NOT LAZY IF YOU ARE WAKING UP AT NOON." Hassan speaks to Short Wave's Emily Kwong about de-stigmatizing sleeping in late, and why a good night's rest is so important for your immune system. (Encore episode)Email the show at [email protected]
2020: At Least It Was Good For Space Exploration?
Dec 28 2020 11 mins  
Correspondents Nell Greenfieldboyce and Geoff Brumfiel run through some of 2020's biggest events in space.
Happy Holidays from Short Wave!
Dec 25 2020 3 mins  
Maddie and Emily play a quick game of "Fact or Fiction?" with help from Ariela Zebede, our resident fact-checker. Plus, a little reminder that you can support the show by donating to your local public radio station at donate.npr.org/short. (If you're outside of the U.S., choose a lucky member station!)Follow Maddie and Emily on Twitter, @maddie_sofia and @emilykwong1234. Email the show at [email protected]
Seeing Monsters? It Could Be Sleep Paralysis
Dec 24 2020 12 mins  
As a teenager, Josh Smith says he was plagued by sleep paralysis. Now he fears his kid might be experiencing it. We look at the science behind this sleep disorder. (Encore episode)
Oof! 2020: A Hot Year For The Record Books
Dec 22 2020 16 mins  
2020 and 2016 are virtually tied for the hottest year on record. That means more powerful hurricanes, more intense wildfires, less ice and longer heat waves.
Antimatter: Matter's "Evil Twin"
Dec 21 2020 12 mins  
NPR's Correspondent Geoff Brumfiel explains what's up with antimatter — and why we know so little about it. (Encore episode)
Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall: Can You Reveal An Animal's Inner World At All?
Dec 18 2020 11 mins  
The mirror self-recognition test has been around for decades. And, only a few species have what it takes to recognize themselves while others learn to use mirrors as tools.
The Science Behind The Historic mRNA Vaccine
Dec 17 2020 15 mins  
We explain the science behind mRNA technology used in the new Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
How A 100-Year-Old Treatment Could Help Save Us From Superbugs
Dec 15 2020 13 mins  
With her husband close to dying from a superbug, Steffanie Strathdee scours scientific research to save his life and comes across a 100-year-old treatment. (Encore episode.)
To Unlock Sublime Flavor, Cook Like A Scientist
Dec 14 2020 14 mins  
Nik Sharma brings scientific inquiry to the kitchen in his new cookbook, The Flavor Equation.
Chang'e-5: To The Moon And Back
Dec 11 2020 12 mins  
Late in November, China landed its first mission designed to return samples from the moon's surface. The mission is called Chang'e-5, in honor of the moon goddess.
Climate Change And 2020's Record-Breaking Hurricane Season
Dec 10 2020 13 mins  
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season broke records and caused enormous damage. But how much of that was actually driven by climate change, and what does it mean for the future?
Science From Curiosity And A Little Paper
Dec 08 2020 14 mins  
We talk to Manu Prakash, the co-inventor of the Foldscope, a low-cost microscope aimed at making scientific tools more accessible.
How Effective Are Antibody Treatments For COVID-19?
Dec 07 2020 12 mins  
Science correspondent Richard Harris explains how monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 work and how effective they're shaping up to be.
Why We See Rainbows
Dec 04 2020 8 mins  
Short Wave producer Thomas Lu and host Maddie Sofia go on a journey to explore what a rainbow exactly is and how we see them! We all remember ROY G BIV, right?
Nebraska Doctor: 'Don't Call Us Heroes.' Dig Deep And Do Your Part
Dec 03 2020 15 mins  
Nebraska is one of the highest risk states in the country. We talk with one Omaha doctor about the latest surge, and why she's tired of being called a hero.
Too Much Of A Good Thing: The Cautionary Tale of Biotech Crops
Dec 01 2020 14 mins  
Some of the most popular agricultural biotech products are running into problems. We look at what happens when farmers use too much of a good thing.
The Long Legacy Of The Arecibo Telescope
Nov 30 2020 13 mins  
The National Science Foundation plans to shut down the legendary Arecibo telescope. Today, we revisit our conversation about the role it played in science and popular culture.
How Tall Is Mount Everest REALLY?
Nov 27 2020 13 mins  
We talk about the ridiculously complicated science involved in measuring Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. And why its height is ever-changing.
The Special Connection Between Smell and Memory
Nov 26 2020 12 mins  
Why can a smell trigger such a powerful memory? Biological anthropologist Kara Hoover explains what goes on in the brain. Plus, why our sense of smell is heightened in the winter.
When Critters Bleed ... On Purpose!
Nov 24 2020 11 mins  
Some insects and reptiles have a strange way of defending themselves — by bleeding from places like their eyes and knees. It's a process scientists have called "reflex bleeding."
Ultracold Soup: Meet The 'Superfluid' States Of Matter
Nov 23 2020 11 mins  
We explore OTHER states of matter — beyond solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Have you heard of superfluids?
Measuring Sea Level Rise From Space
Nov 20 2020 9 mins  
Space is the best place to get a complete picture of how climate change is affecting the Earth's oceans. And what happens in the ocean does not stay in the ocean.
Happy (Harm Reduction) Thanksgiving!
Nov 19 2020 15 mins  
The safest way to have Thanksgiving this year is to stay at home. But realistically, we know many people will still be traveling to gather with loved ones. So in this episode, Emily and Maddie outline ways to gather as safely as possible. We'll cover best practices for quarantining before the trip, testing, ventilation and food preparation. That way, this Thanksgiving you can pass the turkey, hold the 'rona. Additional Resources:CDC Holiday Guidelines Aerosol & Ventilation FAQShort Wave Coronavirus Testing Episode Email the show at [email protected]
Trump Administration Lifts Protections For Largest National Forest In US
Nov 17 2020 13 mins  
The Trump administration has eliminated federal protections for Alaska's Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world.
Who Gets The Vaccine First? And How Will They Get It?
Nov 16 2020 10 mins  
Developing an effective coronavirus vaccine will be crucial to getting the pandemic under control. Also important, distributing it throughout the country once it's been approved.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Results: What They Mean, What Comes Next
Nov 13 2020 10 mins  
A COVID-19 vaccine candidate seems to be working really well, interim results show. How well is the vaccine working and what are the next steps in this vaccine's development?
A Call For Equity In Genomics Research
Nov 12 2020 14 mins  
Maddie talks to genome scientist Keolu Fox about the troubled history of genomic research and his approach to fixing it.
Undisclosed: Fire And Flood Risk In The United States
Nov 10 2020 14 mins  
NPR climate reporters Rebecca Hersher and Lauren Sommer have found most people in the U.S. don't realize their wildfire or flood risk — and that's putting millions in harm's way.
What's It Like To Be A COVID-19 'Long Hauler'
Nov 09 2020 14 mins  
Scientists can only guess. Many battle to be believed. But their stories are an important part of understanding the pandemic. (Encore episode.)
The US And The Paris Climate Agreement: 5 Things To Know
Nov 06 2020 12 mins  
On Wednesday, the United States formally withdrew from the biggest international climate change agreement in history. What does that mean for the planet and for the country?
Pandemic Reality Check - Where We Are. Where We're Headed.
Nov 05 2020 12 mins  
Throughout the U.S., the pandemic is still raging. And with cooler weather and the height of flu season ahead, an already dire situation could get much, much worse.
Touch And Go: NASA Samples An Asteroid
Nov 03 2020 14 mins  
A cautionary tale about wanting something really badly, and getting what you want. Then, realizing that you got so much of the precious thing that you might just end up losing it.
Welcome To The World Of Whale Falls
Nov 02 2020 8 mins  
What happens after a whale dies? Their carcasses, known as "whale falls," provide a sudden, concentrated source of food for organisms in the deep sea. (Encore Episode.)
Micro Wave: "Once In A Blue Moon" Is Happening Again This Halloween
Oct 30 2020 9 mins  
In which we explain everything you need to know about blue moons.
One More Step Toward Solving The Sleep & Alzheimer's Puzzle
Oct 29 2020 10 mins  
We know that people with Alzheimer's often have sleep problems. But does it work the other way? Do problems with sleep set the stage for this degenerative brain disease?
The Mystery Of The Mummified Twinkie
Oct 27 2020 12 mins  
NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce explains how two scientists unraveled the mystery of a mummified, moldy twinkie left in a basement for eight years.
Crows: Are They Scary Or Just Super Smart?
Oct 26 2020 9 mins  
We learn some crow facts and leave it to you — do crows deserve their creepy reputation?
Micro Wave: Why Do Leaves Change Color During Fall?
Oct 23 2020 11 mins  
From the magic of photosynthesis to the pigments inside each leaf, we explain why leaves change color during the fall.
Why These Tiny Particles Are A Big Deal
Oct 22 2020 13 mins  
For much of the pandemic, some scientists had been pushing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recognize that the coronavirus is spread through aerosols--very small particles that can linger in the air. The CDC did that this month, so we brought Senior Science Correspondent Maria Godoy onto the show to explain the distinction, and the implications for staying safe during the pandemic.Is the constant refining of the science behind the coronavirus leaving you confused? Send us your questions at [email protected] and we might answer them on a future episode.
Randall Munroe's Absurd Scientific Advice For Real-World Problems
Oct 20 2020 10 mins  
How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems is the latest book from Randall Munroe, the cartoonist behind the popular Internet comic, xkcd.
Quantum Mechanics For Beginners
Oct 19 2020 10 mins  
Imagine building a better clock — with entangled atoms. Sound difficult? Not for Monika Schleier-Smith.
The Tricky Business Of Coronavirus Testing On College Campuses
Oct 16 2020 13 mins  
NPR Education Reporter Elissa Nadworny explains why even the best plans for testing and monitoring the coronavirus on college campuses can still fall short.
Micro Wave: You Mite Want To Shower After This
Oct 15 2020 11 mins  
Your face is home to tiny organisms — eight-legged mites that live in your pores and come out when it's dark. We're not sure what they eat.
Gender Discrimination And Harassment At Sea
Oct 13 2020 13 mins  
We speak with reporter Chelsea Harvey about the gender discrimination and harassment some say they faced while on the MOSAiC research expedition.
Butterflies Have Hearts In Their Wings. You Won't Believe Where They Have Eyes
Oct 12 2020 12 mins  
Professor Adriana Briscoe explains why insects fly toward light and how butterflies can be trained to detect light of a certain color.
Micro Wave: Does Talking To Plants Help Them Grow?
Oct 09 2020 10 mins  
The science behind how plants respond to sound.
What Coronavirus Test Results Do — And Don't — Mean
Oct 08 2020 10 mins  
We go back to the basics of coronavirus testing: the types of test, when they are most accurate and what their results do — and don't — mean.
The Fattest Bear Wins!
Oct 06 2020 13 mins  
We chat with wildlife ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant about all the unique things that go down as black bears hibernate.
The Nobels Overwhelmingly Go to Men — This Year's Prize For Medicine Was No Exception
Oct 05 2020 13 mins  
Do the Nobel Prizes in science do more harm than good?
Micro Wave: Why Some Fruits Ripen Faster In A Paper Bag
Oct 02 2020 9 mins  
Two key factors to why some fruits, including peaches, ripen faster in a paper bag — and others don't.
Want To Dismantle Racism In Science? Start In The Classroom
Oct 01 2020 13 mins  
Some of the most prestigious scientists in history advanced racist and eugenicist views. But why is that rarely mentioned in textbooks?
Fueled By Climate Change, Hurricanes Are Causing Industrial Accidents. Who's Liable?
Sep 29 2020 14 mins  
Can companies — and the people who work for them — be held responsible or even sent to prison for failing to adequately prepare for climate change?
The CDC Doesn't Know Enough About Coronavirus In Tribal Nations
Sep 28 2020 14 mins  
A recent CDC report is notable for what it does not say about how the coronavirus is affecting Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.
Micro Wave: Mighty Mice, Drugs And Hopes For Space Voyagers
Sep 25 2020 9 mins  
NPR Science Correspondent Jon Hamilton gives us an update on those mighty mice that went into space this past winter. The results could have big implications for the future of space travel.Check out the study to learn more about the results.Also, since it's a Micro Wave, we hear some listener mail from you! Which you can always send us by emailing [email protected]
A Short Wave Guide To Joe Biden's Coronavirus Plan
Sep 24 2020 13 mins  
A Short Wave guide (with some help from our friends at NPR Politics) to Joe Biden's coronavirus plan.
ICYMI: 200+ Short Wave Episodes Are Waiting For You
Sep 23 2020 1 mins  
Short Wave is taking a break today, but don't worry! We've got 200+ episodes in our back catalog for you to explore in the meantime.
Preparing For Perimenopause: You Don't Have To Do It Alone
Sep 22 2020 13 mins  
Though half the population experiences it, perimenopause is still a largely misunderstood chapter of reproductive life.
How Hackers Could Fool Artificial Intelligence
Sep 21 2020 10 mins  
University and military researchers are studying how attackers could hack into AI systems by exploiting how these systems learn. It's known as "adversarial AI." (Encore episode.)
A Key To Black Infant Survival? Black Doctors
Sep 18 2020 12 mins  
A new study demonstrates the critical role a doctor's race could play in the survival of Black newborns.
How The U.S. Is Caught In A "Pandemic Spiral"
Sep 17 2020 12 mins  
The Atlantic's Ed Yong explains the "pandemic spiral" the U.S. is stuck in. He argues our intuitions have been misleading our response, rather than guiding us out of disaster.
Miss an episode? Now's your chance to catch up...
Sep 16 2020 1 mins  
Short Wave is taking a break today, but fear not! We've got 200+ episodes in our back catalog for you to explore in the meantime.
Saving Water A Flush At A Time
Sep 15 2020 11 mins  
Moving human waste more efficiently down a toilet bowl could be one solution for saving water. In this encore episode, we bring you some toilet science.
A Mathematician's Manifesto For Rethinking Gender
Sep 14 2020 15 mins  
Mathematician Eugenia Cheng uses category theory to re-examine the gendered thinking society
Micro Wave: Why Mosquitoes Bite You More Than Your Friends
Sep 11 2020 9 mins  
Asked and answered: why some of you might be more prone to being bitten by mosquitoes than others.
This Is Not A Typo: One In Four Animals Known To Science Is A Beetle
Sep 10 2020 10 mins  
It's not just because they're incredibly diverse — it's that they inspire passion in the scientific community.
Managing Wildfire Through Cultural Burning
Sep 09 2020 12 mins  
Long before the vast blazes of recent years, Native American tribes held controlled burns that cleared out underbrush, encouraged new plant growth, and helped manage wildfires.
The International Scientists Getting Pushed Out
Sep 08 2020 14 mins  
In June, the Trump Administration suspended new h-1b visas for the remainder of the year, affecting US companies seeking to hire international scientists and engineers.
SPACE WEEK: An Astrophysicist On The End Of Everything
Sep 04 2020 12 mins  
Astrophysicist Katie Mack breaks down some ways the universe will end — as told in her new book, The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking).
SPACE WEEK: Is Space Junk Cluttering Up The Final Frontier?
Sep 03 2020 12 mins  
As satellites have increased, so, too, has space junk. On today's show, we talk about how space junk could pose a serious problem to the final frontier. (Encore episode.)
SPACE WEEK: What Would It Be Like To Fall Into A Black Hole?
Sep 02 2020 14 mins  
Black holes are one of the most beguiling and puzzling objects in our universe, where the laws of physics break down. We explore their fascinating properties. (Encore episode.)
SPACE WEEK: Every Moon, Ranked
Sep 01 2020 13 mins  
Science writer Jennifer Leman did it. She ranked all 158 moons in our solar system based on interviews with scientists. And her own moonpinions. (Encore episode.)
SPACE WEEK: The Mystery Of Dark Energy
Aug 31 2020 15 mins  
It's Space Week on SW! Dark energy makes up almost 70% of our universe and is believed to be the reason the universe is expanding. But little is known about it. (Encore episode.)
The Arecibo Telescope Is Damaged — And That's A Big Deal
Aug 28 2020 12 mins  
Arecibo, one of the largest single-dish telescopes in the world, was damaged in early August. Here's why that's a big deal.
The Science Of Wildfire Smoke
Aug 27 2020 13 mins  
Smoke from wildfires can travel huge distances. We've already seen smoke from the fires in California reach all the way to Minnesota. So what actually is smoke?
What Does A Healthy Rainforest Sound Like?
Aug 26 2020 12 mins  
On a rapidly changing planet, there are many ways to measure the health of an ecosystem. Can sound be one of them?
Scorpion Vs Mouse: A Mind-Blowing Desert Showdown
Aug 25 2020 13 mins  
Encore episode. Inspired by the Netflix series "Night On Earth," we explore a predator/prey relationship in the Sonoran Desert: the grasshopper mouse and Arizona bark scorpion.
Safely Socializing In The Time Of 'Rona
Aug 24 2020 12 mins  
Socializing is critical for mental and emotional health. But what's the safest way to socialize during a pandemic?
Science Movie Club: 'Arrival'
Aug 21 2020 13 mins  
Field linguist Jessica Coon tells us what the 2016 sci-fi hit 'Arrival' gets right, and wrong, about linguistics. It's our latest installment of the Short Wave Science Movie Club.
How The Lack of Fans Is Changing the Psychology of Sports
Aug 20 2020 10 mins  
Professional sports are back - but with no fans in the stands. We talk to a sports psychology researcher about how the lack of real life fans is changing the psychology of sports.
The Science Behind Storytelling
Aug 19 2020 13 mins  
Encore episode. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to convey information, even in the world of science. It can also shift stereotypes about who scientists are.
Farming Releases Carbon From The Earth's Soil Into The Air. Can We Put It Back?
Aug 18 2020 13 mins  
Traditional farming drains carbon from soil by exposing organic matter to light and air. Scientists say soil can be rejuvenated by simply leaving it alone.
The Science Is Simple, So Why Is Opening Schools So Complicated?
Aug 17 2020 13 mins  
School districts, parents and teachers are all facing big decisions about how to return to the classroom this fall. We look at the differing approaches and the science behind them.
Save The Parasites
Aug 14 2020 13 mins  
Scientists say many parasites are at risk of extinction. We hear about the important role parasites play in ecosystems and a new global plan to protect them.
How To Know If A Hurricane Is Coming For You
Aug 13 2020 12 mins  
Hurricane maps and forecasts can be confusing if you don't know what to look for. We explain how to avoid the most common mistakes.
1st U.S. Dog With COVID-19 Has Died, And There's A Lot We Still Don't Know
Aug 12 2020 13 mins  
Buddy was the first dog in the U.S. to test positive for the coronavirus. His death reveals just how little we know about COVID-19 and pets.
Gene-Altered Squid Could Be The Next Lab Rats
Aug 11 2020 12 mins  
The first genetically modified squid is here. NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce explains how this breakthrough was made and what it means for scientists who study these critters.
Why Herd Immunity Won't Save Us
Aug 10 2020 13 mins  
Herd immunity. It makes sense theoretically. But the reality — in this coronavirus pandemic and without a vaccine — is potentially full of risk and maybe even unachievable.
Micro Wave: Spreading Warm Bread With Socks
Aug 07 2020 9 mins  
It's another Micro Wave. Today, what happens in your brain when we notice a semantic or grammatical mistake ... according to neuroscience!
Wearing A Mask Could Be Even More Important Than We Thought
Aug 06 2020 13 mins  
A mask might not only prevent you from spreading the coronavirus, but protect you from getting the severely sick, too — by cutting down on your viral dose.
How Gene Therapy Helped Conner Run
Aug 05 2020 11 mins  
Gene therapy has helped a 9-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy regain the muscle strength to run. It's a treatment that's been decades in the making.
The Search For Ancient Civilizations On Earth ... From Space
Aug 04 2020 11 mins  
Encore episode. A view from above helps solve one of the biggest challenges in archaeology: where to start digging.
Pregnancy And COVID-19: What We Know And How To Protect Yourself
Aug 03 2020 13 mins  
Obstetrician Dr. Laura Riley explains what we know at this point about pregnancy and COVID-19 and what pregnant women can do to protect themselves.
Coronavirus Q&A: Running Outside, Petting Dogs, And More
Jul 31 2020 14 mins  
What's the deal with wiping down groceries? How often should you sanitize your phone? Can you greet other people's dogs? Your coronavirus questions, answered.
Butterflies Have Hearts In Their Wings. You'll Never Guess Where They Have Eyes
Jul 30 2020 13 mins  
Professor Adriana Briscoe explains why insects fly toward light and how butterflies can be trained to detect light of a certain color.
Mars Is The Place To Go This Summer
Jul 29 2020 9 mins  
The United Arab Emirates and China have just launched missions to Mars. NASA has one set for tomorrow. We explain why they're all going now and what happens when they get there.
The Controversy Around COVID-19 Hospital Data
Jul 28 2020 10 mins  
NPR's Pien Huang explains the recent controversy around COVID-19 hospital data, and why the way that information is reported is such a big deal.
Eavesdropping On Whales In A Quiet Ocean
Jul 27 2020 11 mins  
The pandemic has led to quieter oceans, and scientists are listening in, hoping to learn how whale communication is changing when the drone of ships is turned down.
Why Shame Is A Bad Public Health Tool — Especially In A Pandemic
Jul 24 2020 14 mins  
Shame and anger won't make people wear masks or keep a safe distance. Harvard's Julia Marcus argues for a more empathetic approach.
CDC Employees Call Out A 'Toxic Culture Of Racial Aggressions'
Jul 23 2020 15 mins  
Employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have signed a letter criticizing the agency's culture of racism, which they say also undermines CDC's pandemic response.
America's 'Never-Ending Battle Against Flesh-Eating Screw Worms'
Jul 22 2020 11 mins  
How scientists maintain a transcontinental barrier on the southern border of Panama that keeps flesh-eating parasites from entering the North American continent.
Fat Phobia And Its Racist Past And Present
Jul 21 2020 12 mins  
Where does our preference for thinness really come from? As sociologist Sabrina Strings explains, the origins of fat phobia can be traced all the way back to slavery.
The Troubling Link Between Deforestation and Disease
Jul 20 2020 11 mins  
There's evidence deforestation has gotten worse under the pandemic. It's especially troubling news. Scientists believe increased deforestation could lead to more disease outbreaks.
Micro Wave: The Science Of Microwave Ovens + Listener Mail
Jul 17 2020 8 mins  
Introducing Micro Waves: low-calorie episodes featuring bite-sized science and mail from our listeners.
Why The Pandemic Is Getting Worse... And How To Think About The Future
Jul 16 2020 13 mins  
Rising cases, not enough testing, and not enough people taking the virus seriously — why the same problems from March and April are still with us.
Understanding Unconscious Bias
Jul 15 2020 12 mins  
Where does unconscious bias come from? How does it work in the brain and ultimately impact society?
Why Do Flying Snakes Wiggle In The Air?
Jul 14 2020 12 mins  
Some flying snakes leap off branches, undulating through the air, onto another tree. But why do they wiggle? One researcher wanted to find out.
How Record Heat In Siberia Is Messing With...Everything
Jul 13 2020 14 mins  
The high temps have contributed to all sorts of problems - mosquito swarms, buckling roads, wildfires - and are directly threatening the livelihoods of many people who live there.
Lightbulbs Strike Back
Jul 10 2020 12 mins  
Encore episode. How one of the most important inventions, artificial light, has shaped us in unexpected ways.
The Congolese Doctor Who Discovered Ebola
Jul 09 2020 14 mins  
Encore episode. NPR East Africa correspondent Eyder Peralta tells the story of Jean-Jacques Muyembe — and why his crucial role in discovering Ebola is often overlooked.
This NASA Engineer Is Bringing Math And Science To Hip-Hop
Jul 08 2020 13 mins  
Encore episode. NASA engineer Dajae Williams is using hip hop to make math and science more accessible and memorable to young people of color.
Honeybees Need Your Help
Jul 07 2020 12 mins  
Encore episode. A deadly triangle of factors is killing off U.S. honeybees. Entomologist Sammy Ramsey tells host Maddie Sofia what's going on, and how to help.
The Importance Of Black Doctors
Jul 06 2020 14 mins  
Though Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, they represent only 5% of physicians. How does that lack of diversity affect Black patients?
Typhoid Mary: Lessons From An Infamous Quarantine
Jul 03 2020 43 mins  
The story of Typhoid Mary is about journalism, the powers of the state, and the tension between personal freedom and public health.
Backyard Birding 101
Jul 02 2020 9 mins  
Ornithologist Viviana Ruiz Gutierrez has a primer on backyard bird watching. Don't worry about arcane knowledge; just bring curiosity.
One Way To Slow Coronavirus Outbreaks At Meatpacking Plants? A Lot Of Testing
Jul 01 2020 12 mins  
After coronavirus outbreaks in meatpacking plants, large-scale employee testing by some companies has helped slow the virus's spread. It could be a lesson for other industries.
Octocopter Set to Explore Titan, Saturn's Very Cool Moon
Jun 30 2020 12 mins  
NASA is on a mission to explore Titan — the largest moon of Saturn. To do that, scientists are building a nuclear-powered, self-driving drone called Dragonfly.
Meet The Climate Scientist Trying to Fly Less for Work
Jun 29 2020 11 mins  
Climate scientist Kim Cobb on her journey to fly less for work and what happened when the pandemic suddenly made that idea a reality.
A COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need To Know
Jun 26 2020 11 mins  
Approximately 200 COVID-19 vaccines are being actively developed, a process that health officials are expediting to help end the pandemic.
Minneapolis' Bold Plan To Tackle Racial Inequity And Climate Change
Jun 25 2020 12 mins  
Racial discrimination shaped the map of Minneapolis. Then zoning locked many of those patterns into place. Now the city has a plan to tackle housing disparities and climate change.
The Science Behind That Fresh Rain Smell
Jun 24 2020 11 mins  
The main source of that smell is geosmin, a chemical compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. But why do the bacteria make it in the first place? It's a bacteria-based mystery!
Tech Companies Are Limiting Police Use of Facial Recognition. Here's Why
Jun 23 2020 14 mins  
There's growing evidence these algorithmic systems are riddled with gender and racial bias.
There Is No 'Second Wave'
Jun 22 2020 8 mins  
With cases rising in some states, you may have heard there's a 'second wave' of coronavirus. There's not. America is still stuck in the first wave.
A Kazoo And The Evolution Of Speech
Jun 19 2020 12 mins  
Encore episode. Researchers discovered that a kazoo could offer insights into the evolution of human speech.
The Inseparable Link Between Climate Change And Racial Justice
Jun 18 2020 12 mins  
Marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explains the ways the fight around climate change and racial justice go hand in hand.
How Many People Transmit The Coronavirus Without Ever Feeling Sick?
Jun 17 2020 10 mins  
It's called asymptomatic spread — and a scientist with the World Health Organization created confusion when she seemed to suggest it was "very rare." It's not.
We Don't Know Enough About Coronavirus Immunity
Jun 16 2020 12 mins  
In which Katherine Wu shares her reporting on how determining immunity to the coronavirus is a really complicated question.
The Fight Over A Weedkiller, In The Fields And In The Courts
Jun 15 2020 12 mins  
A federal court has ordered farmers to stop spraying one of the country's most widely used herbicides. Then the Environmental Protection Agency came out with an order of its own.
Coronavirus 'Long-Haulers' Have Been Sick For Months. Why?
Jun 12 2020 14 mins  
Scientists can only guess. Many battle to be believed. But their stories are an important part of understanding the pandemic.
Spinosaurus Makes Waves
Jun 11 2020 14 mins  
Get excited because today, we're talking about the Spinosaurus, the first known swimming dinosaur.
How Tear Gas Affects The Body
Jun 10 2020 12 mins  
In protests around the country, law enforcement agencies have used tear gas to disperse crowds. But is it safe, especially in the middle of a respiratory pandemic?
People Are Volunteering To Be Exposed To The Coronavirus...For Science
Jun 09 2020 10 mins  
In this episode, Maddie Sofia talks with Invisibilia's Alix Spiegel about the bioethics of conducting human challenge trials with the aim of producing a viable coronavirus vaccine.
Science Is For Everyone — Until It's Not
Jun 08 2020 14 mins  
Why novelist Brandon Taylor made the hard decision to walk away from science — and the lessons his story contains for any community working to be more inclusive.
Code Switch: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die
Jun 06 2020 23 mins  
The last few weeks have been filled with devastating news — stories about the police killing black people. So today, we're turning the mic over to our colleagues at NPR's Code Switch. Now, as always, they're doing really important work covering race and identity in the United States. In this episode, they spoke with Jamil Smith, who wrote the essay "What Does Seeing Black Men Die Do For You?" for The New Republic. Thank you for listening.
Coronavirus And Racism Are Dual Public Health Emergencies
Jun 05 2020 14 mins  
Across the country, demonstrators are protesting the death of George Floyd and the ongoing systemic racism that is woven into the fabric of the United States. The protests come in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic that is disproportionately killing people of color — particularly black Americans. We talk to public health expert David Williams about how these two historic moments are intertwined.
#BlackBirdersWeek Seeks To Make The Great Outdoors Open To All
Jun 04 2020 12 mins  
Happy #BlackBirdersWeek! Co-founder Chelsea Connor shares how black birders are changing the narrative about who gets to be safe in nature.
Meet The 'Glacier Mice.' Scientists Can't Figure Out Why They Move.
Jun 03 2020 11 mins  
Short Wave's Emily Kwong and NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce discuss the fuzzy green "glacier mice" that roll around glaciers in a herd, baffling scientists.
The Key To Coronavirus Testing Is Community
Jun 02 2020 15 mins  
We examine the Unidos en Salud testing effort in San Francisco's Mission District. Doctors there noticed coronavirus was disproportionately affecting the Latinx community.
The World Is Constantly Running Out Of Helium
Jun 01 2020 13 mins  
Helium is the second-most common element in the cosmos, but it's far rarer on planet Earth.
What We Will ⁠— And Won't ⁠— Remember About The Pandemic
May 29 2020 12 mins  
There's no doubt that we're living through a Big Historic Event, but that doesn't necessarily mean we'll remember it all that well.
The Pandemic Cut Down Car Traffic. Why Not Air Pollution?
May 28 2020 14 mins  
An NPR analysis of a key air pollutant showed levels have not changed dramatically, which reveals a lot about what really makes our air dirty.
What Would It Be Like To Fall Into A Black Hole?
May 27 2020 14 mins  
Black holes are one of the most beguiling objects in our universe, where the laws of physics break down. We explore their fascinating properties.
Space Launch! (It's Tomorrow And It's Historic.)
May 26 2020 13 mins  
Tomorrow, two NASA astronauts are set to head up into space on a brand new spacecraft, built by the company SpaceX.
A Short Wave Mad Lib
May 25 2020 2 mins  
We're back with a new episode tomorrow.
How to Correct Misinformation, According to Science.
May 22 2020 14 mins  
One man's unusual approach to correcting misinformation in his family and what experts say actually works.
Science Movie Club: 'Contact'
May 21 2020 12 mins  
The 1997 film adaptation of Carl Sagan's 'Contact' got a lot of things right ... and a few things wrong.
What You Flush Is Helping Track The Coronavirus
May 20 2020 12 mins  
More than 100 cities are monitoring sewage for the coronavirus. Scientists think wastewater surveillance could provide an early warning for future spikes.
The Squishy, Slimey Science Of ASMR
May 19 2020 11 mins  
What causes the brain-tingling sensation known as ASMR? And why slime videos are a trend for some but a sensory pleasure-trigger for others.
The Pandemic Time Warp
May 18 2020 11 mins  
We talk with neuroscientist Dean Buonomano about his research into how the brain tells time. We'll also ask him what's behind the pandemic time warp.
What Did Earth Look Like 3.2 Billion Years Ago?
May 15 2020 11 mins  
The surface of the Earth is constantly recycled through the motion of plate tectonics. So how do scientists study what it used to look like?
The Coronavirus Is Mutating. Here's What That Means.
May 14 2020 13 mins  
All viruses mutate. It doesn't necessarily mean the coronavirus itself is becoming more dangerous or transmissible. Ed Yong explains.
Kids' Books Where Science Is The Adventure
May 13 2020 11 mins  
Theanne Griffith discusses her new children's book series, Magnificent Makers, and the importance of diversity in the sciences.
Making Music Out Of The Coronavirus
May 12 2020 13 mins  
MIT engineering professor Markus Buehler explains his method for making music out of proteins, including the spike proteins that surround the coronavirus.
We Need More Coronavirus Testing. Are Antigen Tests The Answer?
May 11 2020 10 mins  
The U.S. needs to be testing more people for the coronavirus. Could antigen testing be the answer?
Here's The Deal With 'Murder Hornets'
May 08 2020 11 mins  
Entomologist Samuel Ramsey explains just how much of a threat Asian giant hornets could be to honeybees throughout the United States.
What We're Missing, By Missing Strangers Now
May 07 2020 11 mins  
Today, the science of what talking to complete randoms can do for you and what we're missing by not bumping into strangers these days.
Scientists Think The Coronavirus Transmitted Naturally, Not In A Lab. Here's Why.
May 06 2020 13 mins  
The Trump administration has advanced the theory that the coronavirus was released through a lab accident in Wuhan, but scientists disagree.
What Is Dark Energy? Physicists Aren't Even Sure
May 05 2020 15 mins  
We ponder dark energy, one of the universe's mysteries.
Letters From The 1918 Pandemic
May 04 2020 12 mins  
The 1918 flu outbreak was one of the most devastating pandemics in world history. Medical historian Dr. Howard Markel shares lessons learned.
How An Early Plan To Spot The Virus Fell Weeks Behind
May 01 2020 12 mins  
A public health effort called sentinel surveillance was supposed to detect the early spread of the coronavirus in six cities. It fell weeks behind as cases multiplied.
How Bears Come Out Of Hibernation Jacked
Apr 30 2020 13 mins  
We chat with wildlife ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant about all the unique things that go down as black bears hibernate.
Can Optimism Be Learned? (Like Right Now?)
Apr 29 2020 13 mins  
Optimism is often thought as a disposition, something you're born with. So Alix Spiegel, co-host of NPR's Invisibilia, was surprised to discover the concept of "learned optimism."
The Lightbulb Strikes Back
Apr 28 2020 12 mins  
We chat with material scientist Ainissa Ramirez about her new book, The Alchemy of Us.
The Hard Truth About Ventilators
Apr 27 2020 11 mins  
Ventilators have been considered a vital medical tool to treat critically-ill COVID-19 patients. But early evidence is suggesting that those who go on a ventilator — don't survive.
Contact Tracing Is Key To Reopening. We're Not There Yet
Apr 24 2020 12 mins  
Before wide-scale reopening is safe, the U.S. made need 100,000 workers for contact tracing in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
How Infectious Disease Shaped American Bathroom Design
Apr 23 2020 12 mins  
From toilets to toothbrush holders, bioethicist and journalist Elizabeth Yuko explains how infectious diseases like tuberculosis and influenza have shaped American bathroom design.
Animal Slander! Debunking 'Birdbrained' And 'Eat Like A Bird'
Apr 22 2020 13 mins  
Is it accurate to say "eat like a bird?" Is "birdbrained" justified? NPR's Short Wave investigates the scientific validity of these common phrases.
On Earth Day, What You Can Do For The Environment
Apr 21 2020 11 mins  
April 22nd is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. We put a simple question to two leaders on climate change. What can individuals and households do to reduce their carbon footprint?
Coronavirus Models Aren't "Wrong." That's Not How They Work.
Apr 20 2020 13 mins  
Scientific models of the coronavirus — like the influential IHME model from the University of Washington — are now forecasting when states might reopen.
When The Military Fights A Pandemic At Home
Apr 17 2020 14 mins  
On a recent night in New York, some critically ill COVID-19 patients had to be evacuated from overwhelmed hospitals in Queens. It took 3 branches of the military to get it done.
Every Moon, Ranked
Apr 16 2020 12 mins  
Science writer Jennifer Leman did it. She ranked all 158 moons in our solar system based on interviews with scientists. And her own moonpinions.
Where Did The Coronavirus Start? Virus Hunters Find Clues In Bats
Apr 15 2020 12 mins  
Bats harbor some of the toughest known zoonotic diseases, and are the likely origin for this coronavirus.
The Science of Making Bread
Apr 14 2020 11 mins  
Chemist Patricia Christie explains the science of making bread, and shares a few tips (and emotional support) for when things go wrong.
How To Talk About The Coronavirus With Friends And Family
Apr 13 2020 10 mins  
If friends or family are not taking the coronavirus seriously, The Story Collider's Liz Neeley has some tips for how to communicate the risks effectively.
The "7 Day COVID-19 Crash"
Apr 10 2020 12 mins  
Some patients with COVID-19 are experiencing a crash after about a week of showing symptoms of the disease. Doctors are starting to think it might not be the virus.
Science Is For Everyone. Until It's Not.
Apr 09 2020 14 mins  
Why novelist Brandon Taylor made the hard decision to walk away from science — and the lessons his story contains for any community working to be more inclusive.
Science Movie Club: 'Twister'
Apr 08 2020 9 mins  
The 1996 drama 'Twister' got a lot of things wrong...and a few things right.
Puerto Ricans Are At Risk From The Coronavirus And A Lack Of Information
Apr 07 2020 12 mins  
Mónica Feliú-Mójer of the group CienciaPR argues that Spanish-language information about the pandemic needs to be communicated in a timely and culturally relevant way.
The Peculiar Physics Of Wiffle Balls
Apr 06 2020 13 mins  
The design of the Wiffle Ball guarantees you don't need a strong arm to throw a curve ball. But what physics makes that possible?
How The Coronavirus Could Hurt Our Ability To Fight Wildfires
Apr 03 2020 10 mins  
This upcoming fire season could be a tough one for states like California, which had an especially dry winter. Now the spread of the coronavirus is complicating efforts to prepare.
Honeybees Need Your Help, Honey
Apr 02 2020 11 mins  
A deadly triangle of factors is killing off U.S. honeybees. Entomologist Sammy Ramsey tells host Maddie Sofia what's going on, and how to help.
Is This Real? Loss of Smell And The Coronavirus
Apr 01 2020 11 mins  
There isn't scientific evidence that loss of smell is a symptom of COVID-19, but the American Academy of Otolaryngology is gathering information to find out more.
Seen Any Nazi Uranium? Researchers Want To Know
Mar 31 2020 14 mins  
Nazi Germany tried to build a nuclear reactor. How evidence of that effort was almost lost to history.
Lessons In Being Alone, From A Woodland Snail
Mar 30 2020 13 mins  
Bedridden with illness, Maine writer Elisabeth Tova Bailey found an unlikely companion — a solitary snail a friend brought her from the woods.
No, The Coronavirus Isn't Another Flu
Mar 27 2020 13 mins  
The coronavirus appears to be deadlier and more transmissible. What science tells us about how influenza and the coronavirus are alike — and different.
Stay Home And Skype A Scientist
Mar 26 2020 10 mins  
The group Skype A Scientist has seen a surge in demand these last couple of weeks for its service of virtually connecting students to scientists.
Exploring The Canopy With 'TreeTop Barbie'
Mar 25 2020 13 mins  
Pioneering ecologist Nalini Nadkarni takes us up into the canopy — the area above the forest floor — where she helped research and document this unexplored ecosystem.
Why Is The Coronavirus So Good At Spreading?
Mar 24 2020 13 mins  
Ed Yong, writer for The Atlantic, says the coronavirus has a few traits that seem to make it especially effective at infecting humans.
It's Okay To Sleep Late (But Do It For Your Immune System)
Mar 23 2020 10 mins  
Sleeping late is more natural for some people. And that's okay. Plus, why sleep is so important for a healthy immune system.
Keep Your Distance
Mar 20 2020 13 mins  
It's a phrase we're hearing a lot now, social distancing. Practicing it is essential to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. But what does it look like in our daily lives?
Yep. They Injected CRISPR Into An Eyeball
Mar 19 2020 8 mins  
A new CRISPR treatment could revolutionize care for diseases that we're previously off limits to this innovative gene-editing technique. In this case, a genetic form of blindness,
Coronavirus Can Live On Surfaces For Days. What That Really Means
Mar 18 2020 10 mins  
The coronavirus can survive on certain surfaces — in a laboratory setting — for up to 72 hours. We've got some tips on how to clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Coronavirus Is Closing Schools: Here's How Families Can Cope.
Mar 17 2020 14 mins  
As schools across the U.S. shutter for weeks at a time, Short Wave looks at the science behind the decision. Plus, tips from a psychologist on how to cope with long, unexpected periods at home.
Is Failure To Prepare For Climate Change A Crime?
Mar 16 2020 11 mins  
An Arkema chemical plant burned for days after Hurricane Harvey struck Houston. Now the company and several employees face criminal charges.
Coronavirus Latest: Testing Challenges And Protecting At-Risk Elderly
Mar 13 2020 16 mins  
Why testing for coronavirus has been difficult — plus how we can protect the elderly and others at greater risk of infection.
Humble Pi: When Math Goes Awry
Mar 12 2020 11 mins  
In honor of Pi Day, we examine a common math mistake known as the 'off-by-one-error,' which comedian and mathematician Matt Parker explores in his new book, 'Humble Pi.'
As Coronavirus Spreads, Racism And Xenophobia Are Too
Mar 11 2020 13 mins  
NPR's Gene Demby says the harassment of Asians and Asian Americans as the coronavirus spreads is part of a longer history of xenophobia and racism in the name of public health.
Freshwater Mussels Are Dying And No One Knows Why
Mar 10 2020 10 mins  
The unsolved mystery surrounding a freshwater mussel die-off, the team racing to figure it out, and what it means for the health of our streams and rivers.
Creating Antimatter: Matter's "Evil Twin"
Mar 09 2020 12 mins  
NPR's Correspondent Geoff Brumfiel explains what's up with antimatter — and why we know so little about it.
The U.S. Doesn't Use The Metric System. Or Does It?
Mar 06 2020 12 mins  
The United States hasn't fully adopted the metric system. And yet, traces of the metric system exist in our everyday lives.
Mouse Vs Scorpion: A Mind-Blowing Desert Showdown
Mar 05 2020 12 mins  
Inspired by the Netflix series "Night On Earth," we explore a predator/prey relationship in the Sonoran Desert: the grasshopper mouse and Arizona bark scorpion.
Coronavirus Is Here. Will Quarantines Help?
Mar 04 2020 11 mins  
Despite quarantines and other measures, the coronavirus keeps popping up. What makes it so hard to control?
When The Tides Keep Getting Higher
Mar 03 2020 10 mins  
Rising sea levels are creating higher tides, and coastal communities are asking tough questions about whether or not they can keep up.
A Tale Of Two (Very Different) Drug Prices
Mar 02 2020 12 mins  
Endo Pharmaceuticals makes two versions of almost the exact same drug. One costs 8 times more than the other.
Short Wave Presents: Life Kit's Tips To Prepare For The Coronavirus
Feb 29 2020 15 mins  
Here's what you need to know to prepare for and prevent the spread of the coronavirus — from our friends over at NPR's Life Kit.
A Short Wave Guide To Good — And Bad — TV Forensics
Feb 28 2020 11 mins  
Forensic chemist Raychelle Burks shares the crime shows she loves to watch, and how to know whether or not they're getting the science right.
Vaccines, Misinformation, And The Internet (Part 2)
Feb 27 2020 13 mins  
Anti-vaccine and health misinformation has been rampant online for a long time. Stanford's Renee DiResta explains why the Internet is so good at serving up bad information.
Vaccines, Misinformation, And The Internet (Part 1)
Feb 26 2020 13 mins  
Pediatrician Nicole Baldwin posted a video promoting vaccines on TikTok. When it went viral, a group of anti-vaccine activists targeted and harassed her.
This NASA Engineer Is Bringing Math And Science To Hip Hop
Feb 25 2020 12 mins  
NASA engineer Dajae Williams is using hip hop to make math and science more accessible and memorable for young people.
Australia's Next Danger: Mudslides
Feb 24 2020 10 mins  
Predicting landslides used to be impossible. New tools are making it easier — giving scientists ways to analyze the factors that could trigger them, from soil type to rainfall.
A Board Game Where Birds (And Science) Win
Feb 21 2020 12 mins  
Imagine a board game inspired by the natural lives of birds? That's the premise of popular game Wingspan, designed by Elizabeth Hargrave.
Foldscope: Science From Curiosity And A Little Paper
Feb 20 2020 12 mins  
We talk to Manu Prakash, the co-inventor of the Foldscope, a low-cost microscope aimed at making scientific tools more accessible.
Harvard Professor's Arrest Raises Questions About Scientific Openness
Feb 19 2020 13 mins  
Some say the case points to larger issues around scientific collaboration in an era of geopolitical rivalry, as well as possible racial profiling of scientists.
Can Taking Zinc Help Shorten Your Cold?
Feb 18 2020 11 mins  
It's possible — but it depends on a few key factors. And the story of the scientist who uncovered the importance of zinc for human health in the first place.
Is This Love? Or Am I Gonna Fight A Lion.
Feb 14 2020 11 mins  
We talk with Adam Cole about his bop "A Neuroscience Love Song," which breaks down what happens in the body as a person falls in love.
The Weedkiller That Went Rogue
Feb 13 2020 12 mins  
A peach farmer is suing two big companies, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) and BASF, for damaging his trees. The trial is underway and could have a big impact on how we farm.
Does Your Cat Really Hate You?
Feb 12 2020 12 mins  
We look at the evidence with cat researcher, Kristyn Vitale of Oregon State University. It's the latest installment of our series, "Animal Slander."
A Tiny Satellite Revolution Is Afoot In Space
Feb 11 2020 10 mins  
Meet the CubeSat: a miniaturized satellite that's been growing in sophistication. Over 1,000 CubSats have been launched for research and space exploration.
There's A Plan To Drive Down Global Insulin Prices. Will It Work?
Feb 10 2020 11 mins  
Diabetes is a growing global problem, and insulin prices are skyrocketing. The World Health Organization wants to do something about tit.
A Coronavirus Listener Q&A Episode
Feb 07 2020 11 mins  
How does the coronavirus spread? Does wearing a face mask help? Why is the virus getting so much media coverage? We answer your coronavirus-related questions.
Service Animals In The Lab: Who Decides?
Feb 06 2020 13 mins  
How one scientist is trying to help more service animals and their handlers work in laboratory settings together.
Discovering 'Stormquakes'
Feb 05 2020 11 mins  
The accidental discovery that certain storms can cause earthquakes.
Sepsis Is A Global Killer. Can Vitamin C Be The Cure?
Feb 04 2020 11 mins  
Sepsis can be fatal. There is no cure for the condition. Then in 2017, a doctor proposed a novel treatment that included Vitamin C. It's divided scientists from around the world.
From Stream To Sky, Two Key Rollbacks Under The Trump Administration
Feb 03 2020 13 mins  
The thrilling crossroads where science and government intersect: regulations. We promise, it's going to be good.
The Surprising Origin Of Some Timely Advice: Wash Your Hands
Jan 31 2020 10 mins  
The story of the scientist who's credited with discovering the importance of handwashing.
Where The 2020 Democrats Stand On Climate Change
Jan 30 2020 11 mins  
A Short Wave guide (with some help from our friends at NPR Politics) to where the top-tier Democratic candidates stand on climate change and the environment.
A Decade of Dzud: Lessons From Mongolia's Deadly Winters
Jan 29 2020 9 mins  
Mongolia has a many-thousand year history of herding livestock. But an increasingly frequent natural disaster called "dzud" has been impacting livestock.
A Brief History (And Some Science) Of Iran's Nuclear Program
Jan 28 2020 12 mins  
NPR Correspondent Geoff Brumfiel catches us up on Iran's nuclear program — how it began, the impact of the Iran nuclear deal in 2015, and where it is now.
Archaeology...From Space
Jan 27 2020 10 mins  
A view from above helps solve one of the biggest challenges in archaeology: where to start digging.
China's Coronavirus Is Spreading. But How?
Jan 24 2020 10 mins  
Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, but there's a lot we still don't know.
The Comeback Bird: Meet the Ko'Ko'
Jan 23 2020 10 mins  
The Guam Rail is the second bird in history to recover from extinction in the wild. It took a little matchmaking and a lot of patience.
Can A Low-Carb Diet Prevent A Plague Of Locusts?
Jan 22 2020 9 mins  
Farmers around the world share a terror of locusts which can devastate crops. We visit one lab in Arizona where researchers think low-carb crops could help keep these pests away.
Mighty Mice Return From Space
Jan 21 2020 11 mins  
How the mighty mice got their muscles and what it could mean for helping humans.
2020 So Far: Fires, Floods, And Quakes
Jan 17 2020 12 mins  
The science behind recent natural disasters in Australia, Indonesia, and Puerto Rico.
Can A 100-Year-Old Treatment Help Save Us From Superbugs?
Jan 16 2020 12 mins  
When her husband is close to death from a superbug infection, Steffanie Strathdee scours scientific research for a way to save his life and comes across a 100-year-old treatment.
In Mozambique, Meteorologists Can't Keep Up With Climate Change
Jan 15 2020 12 mins  
Countries with less money, like Mozambique, have to rely on weather data from weather countries. This can be a matter of life or death as weather becomes more variable and extreme.
Your Brain On Storytelling
Jan 14 2020 12 mins  
Liz Neeley, the Executive Director of Story Collider, breaks down some of the science behind the power of storytelling.
Space Junk: How Cluttered Is The Final Frontier?
Jan 13 2020 11 mins  
As satellites have increased, so, too, has space junk. On today's show, we talk about how space junk could pose a serious problem to the final frontier.
Animal Slander! - "Blind As A Bat" And "Memory Of A Goldfish"
Jan 10 2020 9 mins  
Host Maddie Sofia and reporter Emily Kwong evaluate what truth there is to the popular phrases "blind as a bat" and "memory of a goldfish."
The Link Between Kitchen Countertops And A Deadly Disease
Jan 09 2020 12 mins  
Why silicosis is emerging among workers who cut quartz countertops.
What's Behind Australia's Historic Fires
Jan 08 2020 11 mins  
It's a story about climate change, ecology, and politics.
Food Waste + Poop = Electricity
Jan 07 2020 9 mins  
Dairy farmers in Massachusetts are using food waste and manure to create renewable energy.
A Star In Orion Is Dimming. Is It About To Explode?
Jan 06 2020 10 mins  
Scientists might pop champagne if they see signs of a supernova in the sky.
Short Wave Presents: Life Kit Tips For Dealing With Anxious Kids
Jan 03 2020 11 mins  
A special adaptation of a Life Kit episode about how to help a child with anxiety. Full version at npr.org/lifekit.
Compost Your Loved Ones
Jan 02 2020 8 mins  
Starting in May, it'll be legal to compost a human body in Washington state. Soil scientist Lynne Carpenter-Boggs tells us about this alternate way to put your loved ones to rest.
Happy New Year!
Jan 01 2020 1 mins  
We're back with a new episode tomorrow! Hope you had a safe and happy orbit around the sun.
Tennessine's Wild Ride To The Periodic Table
Dec 31 2019 9 mins  
There are rare chemical elements, and then there is tennessine.
The Decade In Science
Dec 30 2019 11 mins  
It's a long time for a short podcast, but we tried!
Sci-Fi Movies Of The Decade (Sort Of)
Dec 27 2019 11 mins  
Talking sci-fi films with astrophysicist (and movie fan) Adam Frank.
One Of The Germiest Places In The Airport
Dec 26 2019 7 mins  
It's not where you think.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 25 2019 2 mins  
Ho ho ho.
A Shortwave Christmas Carol
Dec 24 2019 10 mins  
Short Wave takes on shortwave radio. How it works, how far it travels, and the use of shortwave radio for science. Plus, a tale of Antarctic Christmas caroling via shortwave!
Iridium's Pivotal Role In Our Past And ... Maybe Our Future?
Dec 23 2019 12 mins  
The story of how a father and son team - one a physicist, one a geologist - used iridium to help solve a big scientific mystery. What brought the reign of dinosaurs to an end?
What Happened To The American Chestnut Tree?
Dec 20 2019 12 mins  
A blight destroyed the American Chestnut Tree in the 20th century. Scientist have been altering the tree's genome to bring it back.
The First African American Face Transplant
Dec 19 2019 11 mins  
Robert Chelsea is the first African American to receive a full face transplant. We talk to him and Time staff writer Jamie Ducharme, who followed his journey.
And The Winner Is...Science!
Dec 18 2019 9 mins  
Over the summer, Camille Schrier competed in Miss Virginia and won with a "talent" that caught our attention. It put her love of science center stage.
The Science Behind Whakaari/White Island's Eruption
Dec 17 2019 10 mins  
Volcanologist Alison Graettinger explains the science behind a hydrothermal eruption and why they can be especially difficult to predict.
A Polar Expedition To The Top Of The World: Part 2
Dec 16 2019 12 mins  
Reporter Ravenna Koenig was along for the journey.
A Polar Expedition To The Top Of The World: Part 1
Dec 13 2019 10 mins  
Physicists, chemists and biologists are all working to understand more about why Arctic ice is diminishing, and what it means for the planet.
Invasive Species: We Asked, You Answered
Dec 12 2019 12 mins  
So many critters and plants in places they should not be.
The Congolese Doctor Who Discovered Ebola
Dec 11 2019 13 mins  
We talk to NPR East Africa correspondent Eyder Peralta about Jean-Jacques Muyembe, a Congolese doctor — and why his crucial role in discovering Ebola is often overlooked.
Aluminum's Journey From Precious Metal To Beer Can
Dec 10 2019 12 mins  
Aluminum is incredibly common but was once hard to extract. That made it more valuable than gold throughout much of the 19th century.
Getting Closer To The Sun Than Ever Before
Dec 09 2019 9 mins  
A look at some potential answers to one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the sun.
If You Give An Orangutan A Kazoo...
Dec 06 2019 12 mins  
Researchers discovered that a simple instrument could offer insights into the vocal abilities of orangutans — and the evolution of human speech.
Is CBD Safe? The FDA Can't Say
Dec 05 2019 11 mins  
A look at CBD and a new set of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration
The Evolution Of HIV Treatment
Dec 04 2019 12 mins  
A lot has changed since the first cases of AIDS were reported in 1981. We explore the evolution of treating HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, with Dr. Maggie Hoffman-Terry.
An Interstellar Wanderer Is Coming Our Way
Dec 03 2019 10 mins  
Everything you need to know about interstellar comet 2I/Borisov, as told by planetary astronomer Michele Bannister.
Does Your Dog REALLY Love You?
Dec 02 2019 11 mins  
Science says it's not just about food.
The Science Of Smell And Memory
Nov 29 2019 11 mins  
Why can a smell trigger such a powerful memory? Biological anthropologist Kara Hoover explains what goes on in the brain. Plus, why our sense of smell is heightened in the winter.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 28 2019 1 mins  
Gobble gobble.
One Small Step For Cookie Baking
Nov 27 2019 10 mins  
Inside NASA's food operation, and the Thanksgiving menu for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Also, can you bake cookies in space?
The Nightmare Of Sleep Paralysis
Nov 26 2019 11 mins  
As a teenager, Josh Smith was plagued by sleep paralysis. Now he's afraid his kid might be experiencing it too. We look at the science behind this sleep disorder.
Uganda's Solution For Treating Extreme Pain
Nov 25 2019 10 mins  
Uganda has come up with a low-tech solution to treat patients in a lot of pain: drinkable liquid morphine. Nurith Aizenman tell us how this model works.
The CDC, Its 'F-Word' (Firearms) & Suicide Prevention
Nov 22 2019 9 mins  
How the agency's reluctance to mention guns hinders suicide prevention.
Solving The Sleep & Alzheimer's Puzzle
Nov 21 2019 8 mins  
We know that people with Alzheimer's often have sleep problems. But does it work the other way? Do problems with sleep set the stage for this degenerative brain disease?
That Revolutionary Gene-Editing Experiment? So Far So Good.
Nov 20 2019 12 mins  
Gene-edited 'supercells' appear to be making progress.
Saving Water One Flush At A Time
Nov 19 2019 10 mins  
Moving human waste more efficiently down a toilet bowl could be one solution for reducing water consumption. For World Toilet Day, we bring you an episode full of toilet science.
Bye Bye, Bei Bei: Giant Panda Heads to China
Nov 18 2019 10 mins  
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is bidding farewell to Bei Bei. The 4-year-old giant panda will be sent to China on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
An Eyewitness to Extinction
Nov 15 2019 9 mins  
When Karen Lips started studying frogs in Central America as a grad student, she had no idea she'd have a front-row seat to a catastrophic animal die-off.
You Asked About The Flu
Nov 14 2019 11 mins  
How can you tell if you have the flu or a cold? Why does your arm hurt after a flu shot? Can getting the shot give you the flu? We answer your flu-related listener questions.
SpaceX's Satellite Swarm: Could It Hurt Astronomy?
Nov 13 2019 12 mins  
Why some scientists are concerned that heavy satellite traffic could permanently alter their ability to observe the night sky.
Most U.S. Dairy Cows Come From 2 Bulls. That's Not Good.
Nov 12 2019 9 mins  
Why it's a problem that cows are so genetically similar, and what scientists are trying to do about it.
Can Global Shipping Go Zero Carbon?
Nov 11 2019 11 mins  
A lot of the stuff we buy in the U.S. comes by ship — ships that use a particularly dirty kind of fuel. Now a big shipping company says it wants to go zero carbon.
The Mind-Bending Ascent Of Helium — And Why It's Running Low
Nov 08 2019 13 mins  
Helium is the second-most common element in the cosmos, but it's far rarer on planet Earth.
Life After Whale Death
Nov 07 2019 9 mins  
What happens after a whale dies? Their carcasses, known as "whale falls," provide a sudden, concentrated source of food for organisms in the deep sea.
Fighting An Insect Invasion With... An Insect Invasion
Nov 06 2019 9 mins  
An invasive species has no significant natural predators here. Yet.
The U.S. Wants Out Of The Paris Agreement
Nov 05 2019 9 mins  
It's official. The U.S. has notified the United Nations it wants to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the global accord to fight climate change.
A Revolutionary Experiment To Edit Human Genes
Nov 04 2019 12 mins  
A groundbreaking gene-editing technique could change the way we treat genetic diseases.
When A Listener Calls...
Nov 01 2019 10 mins  
Why do some people seek out scary experiences? Turns out, some of us may be more wired to crave the thrill.
The Zombies That Walk Among Us
Oct 31 2019 9 mins  
Ed Yong, science reporter for The Atlantic, creeps us out with real zombies of the animal kingdom.
Crows Don't Forget
Oct 30 2019 9 mins  
We learn some crow facts and leave it to you — do crows deserve their creepy reputation?
Wildfire Season Is Here To Stay
Oct 29 2019 9 mins  
Californians face a terrible new normal as wildfire season grows longer and more intense. We explore three key factors at the heart of the state's high wildfire risk.
Meet Two MacArthur 'Genius Grant' Scientists
Oct 28 2019 10 mins  
The MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" winners were announced this fall. Meet two who study oceans.
Seen Any Nazi Uranium? These Researchers Want To Know
Oct 25 2019 13 mins  
Nazi Germany tried to build a nuclear reactor. How evidence of that effort was almost lost to history.
Adversarial AI
Oct 24 2019 9 mins  
University and military researchers are studying how attackers could hack into AI systems by exploiting how these systems learn. It's known as "adversarial AI."
Logging 'The Lungs' of North America
Oct 23 2019 10 mins  
The Trump administration wants to eliminate a ban on logging in the Tongass National Forest. We talk to an Alaskan worried about the future of the largest U.S. rainforest.
Finally, An All-Female Spacewalk
Oct 22 2019 12 mins  
We hear from NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. They completed the first all-female spacewalk last week.
Randall Munroe's Absurd Science For Real-World Problems
Oct 21 2019 9 mins  
The cartoonist behind the popular Internet comic xkcd has a new book called How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems.
Exploring The Rainforest With 'TreeTop Barbie'
Oct 18 2019 13 mins  
Pioneering ecologist Nalini Nadkarni takes us up into the canopy — the area above the forest floor — where she helped research and document this unexplored ecosystem.
The Squishy Science Behind ASMR
Oct 17 2019 10 mins  
A trend for some is a sensory pleasure-trigger for others.
What We Know (And Don't) About The Dangers Of Vaping
Oct 16 2019 9 mins  
Amid an outbreak of lung injury cases, there's a new spotlight on vaping.
Kicking The Habit With 'Shrooms
Oct 15 2019 10 mins  
How could a magic mushroom trip help people beat addiction? We talk to a patient who used a chemical in 'shrooms to help her quit smoking.
Introducing Short Wave
Oct 06 2019 1 mins  
Short Wave, NPR's new daily science podcast, starts October 15th. Join host Maddie Sofia, Monday through Friday. Subscribe now.
4.3 • 14 Ratings

Power Family Dec 01 2020
This is an amazing daily science podcast that fits even the tightest schedule. We love using this in our family homeschool as a break from book learning. Thanks for keeping us up to date with fun science news!

Skurn15 Nov 16 2020
For [email protected]#ks sake. You don't know anything and constantly contradict yourself regarding covid. Loved this podcast until it became the covid show. Byeeee




Peter Oct 13 2020
I appreciate you... But this is barely a science podcast. Used to talk about science, but most episodes are now about social science, race relations and gender, of which there are dozens already by NPR.

Bauble Oct 05 2020
5 stars

Nickygodeep Sep 08 2020
Love my daily science for Short Wave! Interesting and informative topics done well! I always look forward to it!

palal Aug 19 2020
It was once a great podcast, but recently it has gone totally downhill, not providing a comprehensive view for an issue and it has also veered off topic - focusing on non-science things such as race relations. If it doesn't get better, I'll unsubscribe. Check out Science VS from Gimlet instead

Yes THAT Tonya Aug 13 2020
Probably my favorite science podcast! They never talk over my head regardless of the subject. I've learned so much. And Maddie and Emily's enthusiasm is so infectious!




Hupin Jul 31 2020
Short, but interesting stories from the world of science released every weekday

Horsefeed Jul 30 2020
soundbite

heyHomeboy Jul 14 2020
Daily short, fun scientific stories

TurboShues Jun 24 2020
Great way to get some science in your day 😊

Masha Jun 12 2020
Love it!




Stable Genius Jun 02 2020
Very interesting daily science podcast. I listen to a lot of NPR and this is one of my favorites.

Michelle Z Apr 30 2020
A FANTASTIC podcast with an engaging host. Great for snippets of fascinating science to either entertain you or serve as a launching off point for further discussion.