Short Wave

A Life Sciences podcast by NPR

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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 Emily Kwong 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

Recent Episodes

The neuroscience of cracking under pressure
Published: February 18, 2026
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Tea time... with an ape?
Published: February 17, 2026
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Could this vaccine trial mean a future without HIV?
Published: February 16, 2026
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Why do we kiss? It's an evolutionary conundrum
Published: February 13, 2026
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AI is great at predicting text. Can it guide robots?
Published: February 11, 2026
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The physics of the Winter Olympics
Published: February 10, 2026
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These bacteria may be key to the fight against antibiotic resistance
Published: February 9, 2026
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Babies got beat: Why rhythm might be innate
Published: February 6, 2026
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How do extreme G-forces affect Olympic bobsledders?
Published: February 4, 2026
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Autism: debunking Trump claims, and what scientists still don't know
Published: February 3, 2026
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