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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.
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- Today13 min
Prepare to be baffled by what we don't know about eels
More than a century ago, all that people knew about European eels was that they lived in the rivers and streams for decades — until they swam out to the ocean and never returned. Eventually, tiny eels would show up and the cycle would start again. Where did the adult eels go? Where did the baby eels come from? Did they even reproduce at all or just spontaneously emerge into being? Science now has some — but not all — of the answers to these questions. Today on the show, Regina G. Barber talks to fish physiologist Arjan Palstra about this mystery and how close scientists are to solving it. If you liked this episode, check out our episode on the Pacific lamprey.Interested in more science mysteries? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
- 2 days agoroundtable9 min3-min read
This common garden plant summons wasps as bodyguards
Plants like beans have evolved sophisticated chemical defenses, such as releasing signals to attract wasp bodyguards when attacked by caterpillars. In neuroscience, mice learn faster with larger, less frequent rewards—likely due to sustained dopamine bursts—offering clues about brain engagement. Meanwhile, mosquitoes may be capable of learning to associate the smell of DEET with food, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of this widely used repellent, though real-world risk remains low for now.
- 3 days agonarrative12 min4-min read
Why are scientists planting tiny forests in big cities?
Microforests are human-designed, dense urban forests that mimic natural ecosystems on a small scale, and they’re emerging as a powerful tool to combat climate change by cooling cities, boosting biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. This episode of Shortwave explores how a quarter-acre microforest in Los Angeles is delivering outsized ecological benefits in just two years.
- 4 days agonarrative12 min4-min read
Why you can't stop scrolling: the science of 'dark flow'
Social media apps are designed with psychological features that mimic addictive gambling machines, creating a 'dark flow' state that traps users in endless scrolling. Understanding this 'super glue recipe' reveals how tech companies exploit human cognition to maximize engagement.
- 1 weeks agoconversational9 min4-min read
This distant planet has wild weather and gemstone clouds
In this episode of NPR's Shortwave, science correspondent Katia Riddle and host Regina Barber (joined by All Things Considered’s Scott Detrow) explore recent space science discoveries, from Neptune’s moon Naiad and its clues about the solar system’s origins to weather patterns on a distant hot Jupiter exoplanet, and wrap up with a look at Earth’s northern lights and solar storm activity. The James Webb Space Telescope plays a central role in advancing our understanding of both nearby and distant celestial bodies.
- 1 weeks agonarrative11 min4-min read
Should we reengineer the world's deadliest animal?
The episode explores the potential and peril of using CRISPR-based gene drives to eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes, highlighting the tension between saving millions of lives and risking irreversible ecological consequences. The technology exists, but the ethical, ecological, and governance challenges are immense.
- 1 weeks ago11 min
Is it getting windier?
Is it getting windier? Long-time listener Barry Zalph thinks it is, at least in Louisville. And he’s not the only one. Redditors and local reporters have noticed a recent uptick in the region’s windstorms, too. But does that point to any larger trends in windiness? And if so, what could be causing it? We talked to meteorologist and extreme weather specialist Scott Gunter to find out. Plus, we dig into whether Tornado Alley is shifting into Kentucky as the climate warms. This episode is part of Nature Quest, our monthly listener-driven segment about climate and the environment. Have a question for us? Send a voice memo to shortwave@npr.org with your name, location and what you’re noticing in the environment around you… it could be our next Nature Quest!Interested in more weather and wind science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
- 1 weeks ago13 min
The magic — and science — of synchronous fireflies
Every year for two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to a fairy-tale-like display of flashing lights. These rhythmic performances happen all because of thousands of fireflies, flashing their belly lanterns at exactly the same time. According to the National Park Service, there are just three species of these synchronous fireflies in North America, making the experience all the more magical for the lucky visitors who get the chance to see them. (encore)This story was originally reported for NPR by science correspondent Pien Huang. Read Pien's full story here.Want more of the science behind wildlife wonders? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Today's episode was produced by Rachel Carlson. It was edited by Berly McCoy. Pien checked the facts. Kwesi Lee was the audio engineer.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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About 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.
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