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Did Scientists Find Alien Life Or Just Controversy?
Episode 1267
Recently, a group of scientists claimed they found possible signs of life on a planet called K2-18b. The news made headlines. Researchers said they'd detected sulphur-based gases that, on Earth, are …
Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago
What Can Minecraft Teach Us About Learning?
Episode 1266
Minecraft is a movie and a very popular video game with iconic block graphics that characters can "mine" for building material and gems. It's also what cognitive scientist Charley Wu and his team uti…
Published on 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Are DOGE Cuts Making America Healthy?
Episode 1265
In its first 100 days, the Trump administration — specifically, the Department of Government Efficiency — shuttered agencies and slashed budgets pertaining to foreign aid, scientific research, food s…
Published on 8 months ago
Should Kids Be Taking Melatonin?
Episode 1264
A good night's sleep makes a big difference to our mental and physical health. Without quality sleep, we're less productive. Grumpy. It can even affect our hearts. Meanwhile, more and more people are…
Published on 8 months ago
Harnessing Spineless Sea Creatures' Superpowers
Episode 1263
From starfish and sea slugs to jellyfish and sponges, the ocean's invertebrates are some of the most ancient and diverse critters on Earth. And so are their superpowers, as marine biologist Drew Harv…
Published on 8 months ago
This Telescope Could Find "Planet 9"
Episode 1262
Some scientists are convinced that beyond Neptune, there's a planet they've yet to see. This so-called "Planet 9" is so far away, it would be a faint object. The stretch of sky researchers would have…
Published on 8 months ago
Why These Salmon Are On Anxiety Meds
Episode 1261
A fish walks into a pharmacy ... well, not exactly. Fish aren't being prescribed anti-anxiety drugs. But they are experiencing the effects. Researchers have found more than 900 different pharmaceutic…
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago
Nature Quest: Are Flowers Blooming Early?
Episode 1260
Welcome!! This is the first episode of Nature Quest, a monthly Short Wave segment that answers listener questions about your local environment. This month, we hear from a listener in California who's…
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago
Should Humans Live On Mars?
Episode 1259
As global warming continues and space technology improves, there is more and more talk about the growing possibility of a sci-fi future in which humans become a multiplanetary species. Specifically, …
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago
Good Vibrations: How Fiddler Crabs Mate
Episode 1258
The male European fiddler crab attracts his mate by performing a courtship dance. New research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology says that dance isn't just notable for its visuals — it…
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago