Did a whale swallow a kayaker? The truth behind the viral video A humpback whale briefly engulfed a kayaker off the coast of Chile in an incident caught on camera. Experts say it couldn't have swallowed him even if it wanted to. Rachel Treisman
Sweeping cuts hit recent federal hires as Trump administration slashes workforce Employees across several agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Education and Department of Energy, have all been affected, with many being given notice Thursday. Cory Turner Geoff Brumfiel Shannon Bond Andrea Hsu
'Moss Appreciation Week': a lot of celebration for a very little plant Moss Appreciation Week is packed with events both scientific... and also silly. Moss walks, moss talks, moss movies, crafting moss-themed Valentines, and a "gastropod derby" with snails and slugs (for whom moss is a nice moist microclimate). Deena Prichep Play AudioListen 4 mins
Possible cuts to NIH funding could affect research in Alabama Possible cuts to NIH funding could significantly impact research institutions in Alabama, a state that has voted overwhelmingly for President Trump. Stephan Bisaha Play AudioListen 4 mins
How a uniquely human genetic tweak changed the voices of mice A new study shows that giving mice the human version of a gene changes their squeak, suggesting some of the genetic underpinnings of language. Nell Greenfieldboyce Play AudioListen 4 mins
Why did the baby seal cross the road? It's not a riddle for this Connecticut city A baby seal was rescued from the streets of downtown New Haven, lethargic and underweight. He is now recovering at a nearby aquarium, which hopes to eventually release him back into the ocean. Rachel Treisman
Pro-science influencers take on wellness influencers As wellness influencers sharing dubious claims have taken off on TikTok and Instagram, some pro-science voices are trying to promote facts. Jude Joffe-Block Play AudioListen 5 mins
Elephant seals, fog harvesting and the brain science behind sugar cravings This week's Short Wave news roundup covers harvesting drinking water from fog, what elephant seals reveal about fish populations in the deep ocean, and why there's always room for dessert. Regina G. Barber Emily Kwong Play AudioListen 8 mins
How a uniquely human genetic tweak changed the voices of mice A new study shows that giving mice the human version of a gene changes their squeak, suggesting some of the genetic underpinnings of language. Nell Greenfieldboyce Play AudioListen 4 mins
50 years after a seminal conference, big questions about biotechnology remain In 1975, researchers met to discuss the emerging field of biotechnology. The issues surrounding the field today are familiar. Nell Greenfieldboyce
