This week in science: the power of a nap, planet birth and how wildfires affect water

By Regina G. Barber,

Emily Kwong

Published June 27, 2025 at 6:09 PM EDT

NPR's science podcast Short Wave shares how taking a nap can deliver a eureka moment, a new picture of a planet right after it was born, and how wildfires can affect water quality – after the fires stop burning.

Regina G. Barber

Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.

Emily Kwong

Emily Kwong (she/her) is the reporter for NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. The podcast explores new discoveries, everyday mysteries and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, Monday through Friday.

See stories by Emily Kwong

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