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NPR · Science

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. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Short Wave.

Episodes

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A cooler of eggs and a bold plan to save leopard sharks

28 Jul 2026
13m
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Could this nasal spray replace all your vaccines one day?

27 Jul 2026
10m
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The problem with modern avocados — and the ancient solution

24 Jul 2026
9m
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Avocados, ancient Egyptian royal remains, and global birdsong patterns reveal surprising insights into history and biology. Commercial avocado production relies heavily on the genetically identical Hass variety, creating vulnerability to disease; however, research into diverse Nicaraguan varieties highlights the import...

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Does the science of peptides live up to the hype?

22 Jul 2026
12m
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cyclosporiasis-illness-cyclospora-lettuce-taco-bell

21 Jul 2026
10m
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Are Trump and AI driving a nuclear power boom?

20 Jul 2026
13m
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Why did designing the World Cup pitches take eight years?

17 Jul 2026
13m
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Our favorite brains, including Einstein's stolen one

15 Jul 2026
13m
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What's this super-aging butterfly’s longevity secret?

14 Jul 2026
13m
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How should we decide who, or what, is conscious?

13 Jul 2026
13m
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Plot twist: We're probably way undercounting insects on Earth

10 Jul 2026
9m
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NASA's race against time to rescue a falling satellite

08 Jul 2026
11m
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The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a NASA mission launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, faces premature reentry due to increased solar activity causing atmospheric expansion. To prevent the loss of this valuable asset, NASA launched a robotic spacecraft named Link, designed to autonomously dock with and boost th...

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Could this anti-aging dog pill lead to one for you too?

07 Jul 2026
11m
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Sky Uber? Air taxis could be here soon.

06 Jul 2026
14m
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This July 4th, are you a thrill- or chill-seeker?

03 Jul 2026
13m
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Is setting your trash on fire a good idea?

01 Jul 2026
14m
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Ticks are a growing problem, no matter where you live

30 Jun 2026
13m
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Is working from home actually good for you?

29 Jun 2026
13m
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Salty Clouds aren’t the only strange thing about this object in space

26 Jun 2026
9m
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Did Trump's foreign aid cuts fuel the Ebola outbreak?

24 Jun 2026
10m
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