Short Wave

This Shortwave episode explores the rising threat of cybercrime, highlighting how AI empowers hackers to launch sophisticated attacks like deepfakes and phishing.

Hosts Regina Barber, Scott Detrow, and Ari Daniel discuss NASA’s recruitment for a year-long simulated Mars mission to study isolation and communication delays.

NPR’s Shortwave explores a groundbreaking conservation project in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, where leopard shark eggs from global aquariums are hatched and released to restore endangered populations.

NPR’s Shortwave explores Stanford immunologist Bali Pulendran’s research into a universal vaccine that activates the ancient innate immune system.

NPR’s Shortwave explores three scientific discoveries: ancient avocado genetics that could secure future guacamole supplies, mummified Egyptian…

NPR’s Shortwave examines the surge in synthetic peptide use among fitness influencers and the associated safety concerns.

NPR’s Shortwave investigates a massive cyclosporiasis outbreak across the U.

NPR’s Shortwave explores the rapid rise of small modular nuclear reactors, driven by AI’s surging energy demand and a Trump executive order.

NPR’s Shortwave explores the complex turfgrass science behind the 2026 World Cup pitches with University of Tennessee professor John Sorokin.

In this farewell episode, retiring NPR neuroscience reporter John Hamilton shares his favorite brain stories from 15 years of reporting.

NPR’s Shortwave explores the secret longevity of Heliconius butterflies, which live 25 times longer than other species by consuming pollen.

This Shortwave episode explores the scientific challenge of measuring consciousness, particularly in patients with severe brain injuries.

Hosts Regina Barber and Nate Rott, joined by Scott Detrow, discuss three science stories.

NPR’s Shortwave details NASA’s historic mission to save the Swift telescope, which is falling from orbit due to solar activity.

Ross Anderson discusses Loyal’s new pill designed to extend dogs' lives by restoring insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

Hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber explore the resurgence of air taxis, tracing their history from 1950s helicopters to modern electric vertical takeoff aircraft.

Host Emily Kwong interviews psychologist Ken Carter about the science behind sensation-seeking personalities.

This Shortwave episode explores waste-to-energy facilities, which burn trash to generate electricity.

This Shortwave episode explores the biology of Lyme disease, detailing how ticks acquire and transmit the bacteria and why cases are expanding beyond traditional hotspots.

NPR’s Shortwave explores a new study in *Science* linking remote work to increased social isolation and mental distress.

NPR’s Shortwave explores three scientific mysteries: salt clouds on the ambiguous exoplanet GJ504b, a potential female-only burial site of Homo…

NPR’s Short Wave examines the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, now the third largest on record.

Host Emily Kwong and reporter Pauline Bartoloni explore "catastrophe compassion," the psychological phenomenon where disasters foster unity and kindness.

NPR’s Shortwave features neuroscientist Janet Jones discussing her book, *A Horse’s World*, which explores equine cognition and behavior.

In this Shortwave episode, hosts Regina Barber and Scott Detrow discuss three space topics.

This Shortwave episode explores sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as alternatives to fossil-based jet fuel, sparked by recent geopolitical fuel price shocks.

Hosts Emily Kwong and Angela Zhang, joined by Mary Louise Kelly, discuss how air pollution harms semantic memory in Black Americans.

Hosts Regina Barber and Ari Daniel explore the Cacao of Excellence program, which standardizes cacao evaluation to help small-scale farmers.

NPR’s Shortwave discusses the FDA’s approval of Bemetrizanol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in the U.

NPR’s Shortwave explores the pursuit of a universal flu vaccine with immunologist Adolfo García Sastre.

Host Emily Kwong interviews science journalist Roxanne Comsey about the constant genetic mutations occurring in human cells.

Hosts Emily Kwong and Rachel Carlson explore the science of inner monologues with psychologist Charles Fernyhough.

NPR’s Shortwave explores the enduring mystery of European eel reproduction with fish physiologist Arjan Paulstra.

Hosts Regina Barber and Hannah Chin, joined by Sasha Pfeiffer, discuss nature’s adaptations in this science roundup.

NPR’s Shortwave explores microforests, small human-designed urban forests that boost biodiversity and combat climate change.

Host Emily Kwong and guest Mikeleene Ducleff explore how tech companies mimic gambling industry tactics to create addictive apps.

This Shortwave episode explores Neptune’s moon Nereid, revealing it likely formed in place despite its eccentric orbit.

NPR’s Short Wave interviews Ben Bradford about using CRISPR gene drives to eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Shortwave investigates whether Louisville is getting windier, prompted by listener Barry Zalph’s analysis of two decades of NOAA data.

Hosts Regina Barber and Ping Wong explore the brief, magical lives of fireflies, from their larval stages to adult mating rituals.

NPR’s Shortwave explores how mangrove restoration in Cambodia aids climate change mitigation.

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NPR’s Shortwave explores California’s groundwater crisis, where the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act forces farmers to drastically reduce…

NPR’s Shortwave explores the science of nightmares with sleep scientist Michelle Carr, author of *Nightmare Obscura*.

Hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong welcome Sasha Pfeiffer to discuss three science stories.

Host Emily Kwong explores the social media trend of "fiber maxing" with gastroenterologist Dr.

NPR’s Shortwave explores a study where researchers exposed salmon to cocaine and its metabolite to understand pharmaceutical pollution’s impact on wildlife.

This episode marks the 25th anniversary of Gleevec, a targeted therapy that revolutionized cancer care by turning chronic myeloid leukemia from fatal to survivable.

This episode examines a Hantavirus outbreak on a South Atlantic cruise ship, where the deadly Andes strain has caused three deaths and raised concerns about human-to-human transmission.