NPR · Science

Short Wave

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. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Short Wave.

Episodes

The podcast explores the fraternal birth order effect, the observed phenomenon where gay men are more likely to have older brothers. It examines the statistical evidence, noting that each older brother increases the likelihood of male same-sex attraction by approximately 33%, though this is not the only influence on a ...

What crocodile bones teach us about dinosaurs

09 Mar 2026

11m

Teen sleep is getting wrecked by more than just phones

06 Mar 2026

AI processed

High school students in the United States are facing a growing sleep deprivation crisis, with over three-quarters receiving less than seven hours of nightly rest. Data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates this trend persists across all demographics and correlates with increased risks of depression, motor...