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Short Wave

Short Wave

By: NPR
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 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/shortwaveCopyright 2019-2025 NPR - For Personal Use Only Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Biological Sciences Politics & Government Science
Episodes
  • Quantum physics is for everybody

    Quantum physics is for everybody
    Apr 8 2026
    Subatomic particles, gravity wells and the beginning of the universe – these are difficult and mysterious concepts that are better understood with storytelling and metaphor. That’s exactly theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’s tack in the new book The Edge of Space-Time: use metaphor and wonder to bridge the gap between people’s confusion and excitement with quantum physics.

    In this episode we talk about Star Trek, how first year physics students are taught and how theoretical physics affects your everyday life.

    Interested in more space science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.

    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.

    Listen to Short Wave on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley.

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    14 mins
  • Why are bees special? We get inside a hive to find out

    Why are bees special? We get inside a hive to find out
    Apr 7 2026
    In a new National Geographic docuseries, viewers get a look inside a bee hive. The series is called Secrets of the Bees — and since there’s nobody we know who loves bees more than entomologist Sammy Ramsey, we brought him on the show to share some of these secrets. We cover how bees play together (yes, play!), their ability to fend off predators four-times their size and a mite wreaking havoc on honeybees everywhere.

    If you liked this episode check out past episodes on liquid gold (a.k.a honey), and honeybees.

    Email us your questions about insects, critters – or anything else to do with science at shortwave@npr.org. We may turn it into an episode in the future!

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    13 mins
  • The world is running out of helium — again

    The world is running out of helium — again
    Apr 6 2026
    Lots of people count on helium. From MRI machines and semiconductor manufacturing to pressurizing rockets and detecting leaks, helium is used globally for much more than party balloons. So when there’s a shortage, like right now, the effect is far-reaching. But before the current shortage started, there was already a finite supply on Earth. So, today on Short Wave, we revisit our episode on the history of helium and how the world uses it today.

    If you liked this episode, check out our episode on aluminum's strange journey from precious metal to beer can.

    Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.

    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.

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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    13 mins
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