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.
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
- Update frequency
- every 2 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 1345
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Telehealth Abortions Are Changing The Culture Of Medicine
Recent rule changes have increased access to abortion pills through the mail, using telehealth services. As many U.S. states gear up to restrict abortion access in anticipation of the Supreme Court p…
00:13:47 |
Tue 31 May 2022
James Kagambi: The 62 Year Old Who Just Summited Everest
The first all-black team of climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest last week, including the first Kenyan ever to do so. Today on the show Short Wave Host Aaron Scott talks with Science Reporter…
00:11:06 |
Fri 27 May 2022
Dog Breeds Are A Behavioral Myth... Sorry!
Is your border collie a lethargic couch potato? Is your golden retriever bad with kids? Is your German shepherd too timid to guard your home?
Turns out, there may be good reason why your pooch doesn't…
Turns out, there may be good reason why your pooch doesn't…
00:12:55 |
Thu 26 May 2022
How Changes in Abortion Law Could Impact Community Health
Depending how the Supreme Court votes on a pending case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, many pregnant people may lose the right to seek an abortion in their state. Host Emily Kwong tal…
00:12:21 |
Wed 25 May 2022
Why Abortion Access Is Important For A Healthy Community
Abortion access has been leading political news in recent weeks. But what happens when we look at abortion as a health care tool that betters public health? Today, Emily talks to Liza Fuentes, a Seni…
00:11:42 |
Tue 24 May 2022
The Queen of Nuclear Physics (Part Two): Forming Chien-Shiung Wu's Story
Growing up, Jada Yuan didn't realize how famous her grandmother was in the world of physics. In this episode, Jada talks to Emily about the life of physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, whom Jada got to know mu…
00:14:31 |
Mon 23 May 2022
The Queen of Nuclear Physics (Part One): Chien-Shiung Wu's Discovery
In the 1950's, a particle physicist made a landmark discovery that changed what was known about how the universe operates. Chien-Shiung Wu did it while raising a family and an ocean away from her rel…
00:13:01 |
Fri 20 May 2022
TASTE BUDDIES: Why Bitter Tastes Better For Some
Love the bitter bite of dark chocolate, leafy greens or black licorice? Your genetics may be the reason why. Today on the show, host Aaron Scott talks to scientist Masha Niv about how our bitter tast…
00:12:40 |
Thu 19 May 2022
Who Else Can See Your Period Tracker Data?
Apps can be a great way to stay on top of your health. They let users keep track of things like exercise, mental health, the quality of their skin, and even menstrual cycles.
But health researchers Gi…
But health researchers Gi…
00:14:59 |
Wed 18 May 2022
How Vaccine Misinformation Spread Through The Parenting World
Any hour now, the U.S. is expected to officially mark one million lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares how this misinformation first entered the parenting …
00:08:55 |
Tue 17 May 2022
The Importance Of The Vaginal Microbiome
Today on Short Wave, researcher Fatima Aysha Hussain talks to host Emily Kwong about how microbes in the vagina can impact health and how transplanting vaginal microbiomes from one vagina to another …
00:14:21 |
Mon 16 May 2022
Who Would Be Most Affected By Roe Reversal
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules in line with the draft decision leaked in early May, the decision to reverse Roe v. Wade affect a much broader group than people who get pregnant. But research shows a…
00:11:33 |
Fri 13 May 2022
A Climate Time Capsule, Part 2: The Start of the International Climate Change Fight
In 1992, diplomats and scientists at the United Nations negotiated the first-ever treaty intended to tackle the climate change. This brought the issue to the forefront and led to a series of conferen…
00:12:40 |
Thu 12 May 2022
A Climate Time Capsule (Part 1): The Start of the International Climate Change Fight
In 1992, diplomats and scientists at the United Nations negotiated the first-ever treaty intended to tackle the scientific phenomenon now known as climate change. This brought the issue to the forefr…
00:14:09 |
Wed 11 May 2022
Stephanie's Story: How COVID Misinformation Affected One Family
Stephanie was usually careful about her health and regular vaccinations. But then she got into sharing conspiracy-filled videos and fringe ideas. When COVID hit, misinformation put her and her husban…
00:14:28 |
Tue 10 May 2022
The Turnaway Study: What The Research Says About Abortion
A leaked draft opinion in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization has placed uncertainty on the future of abortion rights in the United States. As written, the opinion wou…
00:14:42 |
Mon 09 May 2022
Lessons From HIV On Ending The COVID Pandemic
The world has come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic began. There are now vaccines, at-home tests, masks and treatments. With all of these tools available, why is COVID still here?
Health policy …
Health policy …
00:11:52 |
Fri 06 May 2022
When Our Star Erupts - The 1859 Solar Storm And More
In 1859, astronomer Richard Carrington was studying the Sun when he witnessed the most intense geomagnetic storm recorded in history. The storm, triggered by a giant solar flare, sent brilliant auror…
00:12:12 |
Thu 05 May 2022
Emotions — They're Not Just For Humans
Scientists have discovered the underpinnings of animal emotions. As NPR brain correspondent Jon Hamilton reports, the building blocks of emotions and of emotional disorders can be found across lots o…
00:11:35 |
Wed 04 May 2022
Why You Should Give A Dam About Beavers!
Beavers have long been considered pests by landowners and government agencies. But now, many are starting to embrace them. Today on the show, Host Aaron Scott tells Host Emily Kwong how these furry…
00:13:22 |
Tue 03 May 2022
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