Wildfire smoke is killing Americans. A new study quantifies how much More intense future wildfires, fueled by further climate change, could lead to 70,000 deaths from smoke exposure a year, according to a new study. Alejandra Borunda
Fat Bear Week is here early, and the bears are fat and playful The famous bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park are enjoying an abundance of salmon, and even some playtime, as they pack on pounds to prepare for the winter. Bill Chappell
This week in science: Mystery dots in space, optical illusions and octopus arms The regular Short Wave science roundup covers mysterious red dots in space, the neurons behind optical illusions and a study of octopus arms. Regina G. Barber
From heart to skin to hair, 'Replaceable You' dives into the science of transplant Science writer Mary Roach chronicles both the history and the latest science of body part replacement in her new book. She also answers the question: Is it kosher to receive an organ donation from a pig? Terry Gross
Movie star and visionary Robert Redford has died at age 89 A movie star to his core, Robert Redford has died after a visionary career in cinema, including founding the Sundance Institute that transformed the market for independent films. Neda Ulaby
On 9/16/25, celebrate a date of mathematical beauty Pythagorean Triple Square Day, as one man affectionately calls 9/16/25, is a day like no other this century. Ari Daniel
Is it the magnesium or the massage? The facts about magnesium lotion for sleep Social media influencers claim that using lotion with magnesium promotes sleep. But there's little evidence magnesium taken in this way is effective. Katia Riddle
Melting glaciers mean an uncertain future for Europe's rivers Europe is warming faster than any continent. That's speeding up glacial melt, which is already threatening Europe's largest rivers. Rob Schmitz
Australia approves vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia Chlamydia in koalas can cause blindness, infertility and even death. Chandelis Duster
What you should know about the poisonous death cap mushroom species NPR's Scott Simon speaks to Prof. Anne Pringle, a mycologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, about the latest research on death cap mushrooms, revealing new information about the enigmatic fungus. Scott Simon