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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
  • Americans Are Not Going To The Dentist Enough

    Americans Are Not Going To The Dentist Enough
    Dec 5 2025
    An estimated 5-10% of the U.S. population experiences a disorder with their TMJ, the joint that connects their jaw to their skull. The good news? Relief is possible. The secret? Go see your dentist. Today on the show, Emily talks with Justin Richer, an oral surgeon, about the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders.

    Got a question about your teeth or dentistry? Email us 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.

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    13 mins
  • What Are AI Data Centers Doing To Your Electric Bill?

    What Are AI Data Centers Doing To Your Electric Bill?
    Dec 3 2025
    Electricity bills are on track to rise an average of 8 percent nationwide by 2030 according to a June analysis from Carnegie Mellon University and North Carolina State University. The culprits? Data centers and cryptocurrency mining. Bills could rise as much as 25 percent in places like Virginia. Science writer Dan Charles explains why electric utilities are adding the cost of data center buildings to their customers’ bills while the data companies pay nothing upfront.

    Read the full June analysis here.

    To listen to more on the environmental impact of data centers, check out our two-part reported series:

    - Why the true water footprint of AI is so elusive

    - How tech companies could shrink AI's climate footprint

    Interested in how technology affects everyday life? 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.

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

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    14 mins
  • Why Experts Are Racing To Learn About This Interstellar Comet

    Why Experts Are Racing To Learn About This Interstellar Comet
    Dec 2 2025
    The comet 3I/ATLAS is taking a long holiday journey this year. It’s visiting from another solar system altogether. Those interstellar origins have the Internet rumor mill questioning whether 3I/ATLAS came from aliens. Co-hosts Emily Kwong and Regina G. Barber dive into that, plus what it and other interstellar comets can tell us about planets beyond our solar system.


    Read more of NPR’s coverage of 3I/ATLAS. Also, if you liked this episode, check out our episodes on:

    - the physics in the film Interstellar

    - why Pluto is still helpful for learning how our solar system formed


    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.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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