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Short Wave

By: NPR
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  • Summary

  • 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
    Copyright 2019-2021 NPR - For Personal Use Only
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Episodes
  • Dancing Yeti Crabs, Morphing Cuttlefish, Other Stories From The Deep Sea

    Dancing Yeti Crabs, Morphing Cuttlefish, Other Stories From The Deep Sea
    Jul 24 2024
    As a kid, Sabrina Imbler loved the ocean. They'd swim and snorkel, following around parrotfish in the water. Later, they tried to learn everything they could about the brightly-colored tropical fish – how some create a mucus cocoon at night to protect it from parasites, or how they help keep coral reefs healthy.

    As they got older, their fascination with sea creatures only grew. Imbler released a collection of essays in 2022 called How Far The Light Reaches: A Life In Ten Sea Creatures. Each chapter focuses on a different marine species – from yeti crabs near hydrothermal vents in the deep sea to the morphing abilities of cuttlefish. Often, these creatures act as a mirror for Imbler to explore parts of their own identity.

    Want more on the wonders of the deep sea? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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    13 mins
  • Outer Space Changes You, Literally. Here's What It Does To The Human Body

    Outer Space Changes You, Literally. Here's What It Does To The Human Body
    Jul 23 2024
    Lower gravity. Higher radiation. No ER access. These are just a few of the challenges that humans face in outer space. Emily and Regina talk to a NASA astronaut (and astronaut scientist) about the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Plus, we learn about telomeres (hint: They change in space)!

    Check out more of our series on space: https://www.npr.org/spacecamp

    Interested in more space science? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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    14 mins
  • The Brain Makes A Lot Of Waste. Here's How It Cleans Itself Up

    The Brain Makes A Lot Of Waste. Here's How It Cleans Itself Up
    Jul 22 2024
    Scientists have long studied the relationship between sleep and the brain, and why poor sleep is linked to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton talks to host Regina G. Barber about the brain's washing system and the particular sound researchers have found that seems to turn it on in mice.

    Read Jon's full piece here.

    Interested in more science about the brain? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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    13 mins
Politics & Government Astronomy Biological Sciences
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Featured Article: Go Beyond the Lab with the Best Science Podcasts for Curious Listeners


Our picks for the best science podcasts run the gamut from general scientific trivia to earth science, outer space, food, plants, the human body, and much more. They're all accessible—any listener can learn about scientific history, breaking science news, and visions for the future from these shows, which often feature interviews with a variety of interesting experts who provide valuable insight, perspective, context, and clarity.

Featured Article Go Beyond the Lab with the Best Science Podcasts for Curious Listeners

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So Special

First time I am listening and definitely won’t be the last. This podcast is a gem not to be missed. Thanks for the creativity!

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