Short Wave
Episodes
How science is taking tripping mainstream
NPR’s Shortwave explores the scientific renaissance of psychedelic drugs, tracing their shift from counterculture icons to potential psychiatric treatments.
This medical condition stumped doctors for years
This episode explores functional neurological disorder (FND) through musician Kyla Madonna Kenny’s two-year struggle for a diagnosis.
The secret behind clownfish stripes and more fishy fascinations
NPR’s Shortwave explores three marine mysteries: why tomato clownfish lose stripes to fit social hierarchies, how shell ears climb Congo waterfalls…
Coffee is complex. Can science standardize it for the better?
NPR’s Shortwave features hosts Emily Kwong and Rachel Carlson with guest Sasha Pfeiffer, discussing three science stories.
NASA is practicing moonwalks. When are we going back?
Host Regina Barber and guests Nell Greenfield-Boys and Scott Detrow discuss NASA’s Artemis program, focusing on upcoming lunar lander tests and the 2028 landing goal.
Set up solar, or save a tree? It’s complicated
Hosts Hannah Chin and Emily Kwong explore whether homeowner Darcy should cut down a large cedar tree to install solar panels.
The mystery that led this family to get their stomachs removed
This episode explores how Māori families, led by nurse Maybel McLeod, helped identify the CDH1 gene mutation linked to diffuse gastric cancer.
Why a chimp 'civil war' shows how societies collapse
This episode explores a rare chimpanzee civil war in Uganda, where a large community split into warring factions.
Where did our moon come from?
Hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber explore the moon’s origin, focusing on the leading giant impact hypothesis involving a Mars-sized body named Thea.
Eating disorder recovery in a diet culture world
Host Emily Kwong explores the neurobiological impacts of eating disorders with pediatrician Dr.
These voicemails save lives
NPR’s Rebecca Hersher reports from a Cambodian village where simple voicemail alerts are saving lives from worsening climate-driven floods.
The psychology behind why you dread small talk
Hosts Regina Barber, Emily Kwong, and guest Elsa Chang explore three scientific topics.
A new approach to brain health, one neuron at a time
Stanford neuroscientist Paul Nijukian discusses his pivot from brain-machine interfaces for paralysis to studying stroke recovery.
Is there still a gender gap in medical research?
This Shortwave episode examines the complexities of sex differences in medical research, tracing the history from the exclusion of women in trials to current binary categorization issues.
Are you pooping all wrong?
NPR’s Shortwave features gastroenterologist Dr.