Short Wave Plus
Episodes
How much of Earth's life is still undiscovered?
Hosts Nate and Regina explore the surprising frequency of new species discoveries, citing recent finds like a new cat and penguin.
Should race affect BMI guidelines? Doctors are split
Host Regina Barber explores the history and limitations of BMI with Katie Wu, a staff writer at The Atlantic.
How scientists discovered that animals are doctors, too
This episode explores the growing scientific evidence that animals, from chimpanzees to monarch butterflies, use plants and other substances to treat themselves and each other.
Lindsay Clancy and postpartum psychosis
Host Nate Rott and guest Angela Zong explore postpartum psychosis, a rare condition affecting roughly one in 1,000 births, through the lens of the recent Lindsay Clancy trial.
How hurricanes triggered lizard evolution
Hosts Nate Rott and Gina Bar talk with guest Elsa Chang about three science stories.
When is your brain actually 'adult'?
Neuroscientist Duncan Astle discusses a new study analyzing 4,000 MRI scans that identifies four distinct stages of brain development, revealing that adolescence actually lasts until age 32.
A new investigation shows heat is even deadlier than we thought
NPR’s Alejandra Barunda reveals that the US undercounts heat-related deaths by five times, with approximately 9,000 fatalities annually rather than the official 1,700.
The science of emotional regulation — and how to do it better
NPR’s Shortwave features emotion scientist Mark Brackett, who explains that emotions are useful signals rather than good or bad traits.
What can seashells teach us about the health of our oceans?
Host Emily Kwong interviews author Cynthia Barnett about her book on seashells, exploring their role in human history, from ancient burial sites to the origins of Shell Oil.
Football is here – and so is a new study on CTE
NPR’s Shortwave examines a new study revealing that at least 25% of deceased former NFL players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
NASA's newest telescope has a top secret past
Host Regina Barber and guest Joe Palka discuss the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, originally designed as a spy satellite.