Short Wave

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.

Meet the Third Ever (!!) Interstellar Comet

A rare visitor from another star system has been spotted: the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS! It was detected...

Evolution Went On Trial 100 Years Ago. Where Are We Now?

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes "Monkey Trial" — where a teacher was charged with...

Itchy? Air Pollution May Be Making It Worse

Short Wave producer Hannah Chinn has adult-onset eczema. They're not the only one. Up to ten percent...

Sea Camp: Why Are Ocean Currents Shifting?

A warming climate doesn't just affect dry land — it affects the ocean, too. For years, Earth's ocean...

Why Dew Point Is This Summer's 'It Girl'

Happy Independence Day, Short Wavers! Do you have plans outdoors this weekend and want to figure out...

Is The Milky Way On A Collision Course?

The Andromeda galaxy lies just beyond (...OK, about 2.5 million light-years beyond) our galaxy, the...

On July 4th, Are You A Thrill- Or Chill-Seeker?

Independence Day is approaching! Imagine in a few days, someone has procured illegal fireworks from...

RFK Jr.'s New Vaccine Advisors Signal Big Changes

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Policy, an influential CDC committee that shapes U.S. vaccine...

Aha! The Power Of A Short Rest

Since 2004, scientific research has shown that a full night of sleep may lend itself to a burst of insight...

When Eavesdropping Pays Off

Why did the ornithologist strap a taxidermy badger to a remote controlled car and drive it around the...

Does It Feel Like Mosquitoes Are Getting Worse?

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, and some of them may be on the rise. At least in...

The Power Grid Problem

The U.S.'s power grid — a nearly 100-year-old network of electrical circuits — is facing increased...

What Makes South Korea's 'Super Divers' Special?

For generations, the all-female Haenyeo divers have routinely dove into frigid waters off the coast...

Why Emotions Run High For Sports Fans

We are in the thick of multiple sports seasons: the NBA finals are happening, and baseball and soccer...

Trump Wants A Missile Defense System Like Israel's

Since last week, Israel has been attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, along with many other targets...

Why Weed's Signature Scent Has Changed Over Time

The skunky smell of cannabis may be going out of style. NPR's science correspondent Pien Huang visited...

Your Breathing Pattern Is Like A Fingerprint

Take a big inhale through your nose. Now, exhale. Breathing may seem simple, but it's controlled by...

Wanna Save Money? Climate-Proof Your Home

Homeowners' insurance isn't just getting more expensive ... it's also getting harder to secure in the...

Living With OCD

Roughly 163 million people experience obsessive-compulsive disorder and its associated cycles of obsessions...

Helping Dogs and Their Pawrents Live Healthier, Longer

The Dog Aging Project is a long-term nationwide survey on the health and lifestyles of U.S. dogs that...

Unveiling Olo — A Color Out of Oz!

"Olo" does not exist in nature, nor can it be found among paint cans. But for a very select few, olo...

Anglerfish Ancestors Once Roamed The Seafloor

There are over 200 species of deep-sea anglerfish; some are long and thin, some are squat and round,...

Can AI Crack The Biology Code?

As artificial intelligence seeps into some realms of society, it rushes into others. One area it's making...

Solving A Centuries Old Maritime Mystery

For hundreds of years sailors have told stories about miles of glowing ocean during moonless nights....

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