An exoplanet, how ant colonies deal with disease and a volcanoes-Black Death link

By Emily Kwong,

Regina G. Barber

Published December 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM EST

Regina Barber and Emily Kwong of NPR's Short Wave discuss an Earth-sized exoplanet, how ant colonies deal with disease and a possible link between volcanoes and the Black Death.

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

Regina G. Barber

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

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