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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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Sibling order may affect sexuality and identity

10 Mar 2026
12m
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The podcast explores the fraternal birth order effect, the observed phenomenon where gay men are more likely to have older brothers. It examines the statistical evidence, noting that each older brother increases the likelihood of male same-sex attraction by approximately 33%, though this is not the only influence on a ...

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What crocodile bones teach us about dinosaurs

09 Mar 2026
11m
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Teen sleep is getting wrecked by more than just phones

06 Mar 2026
8m
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High school students in the United States are facing a growing sleep deprivation crisis, with over three-quarters receiving less than seven hours of nightly rest. Data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates this trend persists across all demographics and correlates with increased risks of depression, motor...

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The global fallout of RFK Jr.'s vaccine policies

04 Mar 2026
15m
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Will Punch the baby monkey be okay?

03 Mar 2026
12m
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Spring ice is thawing earlier in lakes. What does that mean for life below the surface?

02 Mar 2026
12m
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The dangers of warming winter lakes

27 Feb 2026
12m
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Screen time is up for grandma and grandpa

25 Feb 2026
13m
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Could our trash become local fishes’ treasure?

24 Feb 2026
12m
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The serious hunt for alien life

23 Feb 2026
12m
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The noise that isn't there

21 Feb 2026
21m
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The truth about intermittent fasting

20 Feb 2026
8m
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The neuroscience of cracking under pressure

18 Feb 2026
12m
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Tea time... with an ape?

17 Feb 2026
11m
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Could this vaccine trial mean a future without HIV?

16 Feb 2026
11m
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Why do we kiss? It's an evolutionary conundrum

13 Feb 2026
14m
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AI is great at predicting text. Can it guide robots?

11 Feb 2026
12m
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The physics of the Winter Olympics

10 Feb 2026
13m
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These bacteria may be key to the fight against antibiotic resistance

09 Feb 2026
11m
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Babies got beat: Why rhythm might be innate

06 Feb 2026
8m
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