Short Wave

By: NPR
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  • Summary

  • 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
    Copyright 2019-2021 NPR - For Personal Use Only
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Astronomy Biological Sciences Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • How Does An Airplane Stay In The Air?

    How Does An Airplane Stay In The Air?
    Dec 23 2024
    There are many statistics out there that prove that flying on a commercial airplane is safe, that plane crashes are overall pretty unlikely. Still, up to an estimated 40% of Americans feel some fear at the thought of flying. So, amid the travel rush of the holiday season, we ask MIT aeronautical engineer Mark Drela: How does a plane lift off and stay up in the air?

    Interested in more stories on physics? Email us at shortwave@npr.org. We'd love to hear from you!

    Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at     plus.npr.org/shortwave.

    Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    15 mins
  • The First Woman To Get A New Kind Of Kidney Transplant

    The First Woman To Get A New Kind Of Kidney Transplant
    Dec 20 2024
    Towana Looney became the first living person in the world to get a kidney from a new kind of genetically modified pig last month. Health correspondent Rob Stein got exclusive access to be in the operating room.

    Towana is a 53-year-old grandmother from Gadsden, Ala. She's been on dialysis for four hours a day, three days a week since 2016. Her immune system would reject a human kidney. So the Food and Drug Administration made an exception to its usual clinical study requirements to allow Looney this new kind of pig kidney. But the procedure is controversial.

    Interested in more environmental stories? Email us at shortwave@npr.org. We'd love to hear from you!

    Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at     plus.npr.org/shortwave.

    Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    14 mins
  • This Huge Mining Pit Is About To Be A Lake

    This Huge Mining Pit Is About To Be A Lake
    Dec 18 2024
    Old mines leave behind a a pressing problem: Huge holes that make the landscape look like a chunk of swiss cheese. But in Germany, some scientists and city planners are turning these into lakes.

    The largest one will be the biggest artificial lake in Germany when it's done, with a shoreline of 26 kilometers or about 16 miles all around.

    But it's not as easy as simply filling the holes with water. It takes a LOT of research to get this science right.

    Interested in more environmental stories? Email us at shortwave@npr.org. We'd love to hear from you!

    Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at     plus.npr.org/shortwave.

    Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    NPR Privacy Policy
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    14 mins

Featured Article: Go Beyond the Lab with the Best Science Podcasts for Curious Listeners


Our picks for the best science podcasts run the gamut from general scientific trivia to earth science, outer space, food, plants, the human body, and much more. They're all accessible—any listener can learn about scientific history, breaking science news, and visions for the future from these shows, which often feature interviews with a variety of interesting experts who provide valuable insight, perspective, context, and clarity.

Featured Article Go Beyond the Lab with the Best Science Podcasts for Curious Listeners

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So Special

First time I am listening and definitely won’t be the last. This podcast is a gem not to be missed. Thanks for the creativity!

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