17:I[66739,["/_next/static/chunks/0.3dg.jzl0xwf.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/03k6k0mhx6wk..js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0kllbnt_hzshd.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/053zyoym-_i67.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0u2ayibg4ahb..js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0i99rkyrer3ax.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6"],"default"] 19:I[38632,["/_next/static/chunks/0qqtp3r0h7kah.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0iukvycbd42rl.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6"],"IconMark"] 18:T520,Here on Short Wave, we're getting into the Halloween spirit a little early with a look at the world's oldest mummies. They're found in modern-day northern Chile. The mummies are well-preserved, so over the past 7,000 years, some have been exhumed for scientific study. But recently, something startling happened: Some of the mummies started to decompose.

Today on the show, Regina G. Barber talks to archeologist Marcela Sepulveda about the civilization that made these mummies: the Chinchorro people. We dig into the science behind their mummification techniques and how the changing planet is affecting archeologists' ability to study the past.

Fascinated by a science mystery? Send us your tales — we're at shortwave@npr.org.

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Why Chilean Mummies Are Decomposing After 7,000 Years

Short Wave

Why Chilean Mummies Are Decomposing After 7,000 Years