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

The podcast explores the science and potential of new weight loss medications, specifically focusing on GLP-1 drugs and the development of oral alternatives to injections like Ozempic and Wigovi. Sydney Lupkin interviews Andrea Trena from Novo Nordisk, who explains how GLP-1 hormones work and how semaglutide was engine...

The Indicator: Take A Penny, Leave A Penny, Get Rid Of The Penny

18 Dec 2025

10m

"A Very, Very Big Deal." Countries Take On Fossil Fuels

17 Dec 2025

14m

Could Architecture In Space Make A Greener Earth?

16 Dec 2025

14m

Is The Quantum Future Here?

15 Dec 2025

13m

AI processed

In this episode of NPR's Short Wave, hosts Emily Kwong and Katia Riddle discuss quantum science and computing, focusing on its progress and potential real-world applications. They explain quantum physics, quantum computing, and the concept of quantum supremacy, using metaphors to simplify complex ideas. The discussion ...