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Did life start on the ocean floor — and what does that mean for alien life? - 2025-08-11T03:00:00-04:00
How did life start on Earth? The answer is a big scientific mystery scientists are actively investigating. After talking with many scientists, host Regina G. Barber found that an abundance of water on Earth is most likely key, in some way, to the origin of life — specifically, in either deep sea hydrothermal vents or in tide pools. It's for this reason some scientists are also exploring the potential for life in so-called "water worlds" elsewhere in the solar system, like some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. This episode, Regina digs into two water-related hypotheses for the origin on life on Earth — and what that might mean for possible alien life.

Have another scientific mystery you want us to cover on a future episode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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Will Jubilee host the next Presidential debate? - 2025-08-11T03:00:00-04:00
Jubilee has become one of the go-to open forums for debate in the digital age. Videos like: "Flat Earthers vs Scientists," "1 Conservative vs. 20 Feminists," and, "What Makes a Real Man?" are just some of the few topics they cover.

It's what caused The Atlantic staff writer Spencer Kornhaber to write his article, "Jubilee is Like Gen-Z's 'Jerry Springer Show'".

But their most recent video, "1 Progressive vs 20 Far-Right Conservatives," has gone viral for what some feel is a dangerous platforming of fascist ideals. Brittany is joined by The Atlantic staff writer Spencer Kornhaber to get into the state of public discourse, and how traditional media may led us to this moment.

UK police say more than 500 people arrested in pro-Palestinian events over weekend - 2025-08-11T01:54:48-04:00
Most of those detained were arrested for carrying signs supporting a pro-Palestinian group recently banned as a terrorist organization in the UK.

Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Albanese says - 2025-08-11T01:31:57-04:00
The decision comes as France, Canada and the UK have signaled similar steps in recent weeks.

Federal agents spread out across D.C. streets amid Trump vow to crackdown on crime - 2025-08-11T00:01:05-04:00
President Trump promised a weekend crackdown of Washington, D.C.'s homeless population and criminals. Trump activated federal agents to also be a show of force across the district.

Colorado wildfires burn more than 120,000 acres as firefighters await better weather - 2025-08-10T20:24:13-04:00
In western Colorado, firefighters are up against windy, hot weather as they try to protect homes and infrastructure from a pair of lightning-caused wildfires.

Netanyahu defends Israel's plan to seize Gaza City, despite global condemnation - 2025-08-10T18:06:52-04:00
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on his plan for Israel to seize control of Gaza City and the remaining sliver of Gaza not already under Israeli control.

European leaders urge for Ukraine to be included in Trump-Putin Alaska peace talks - 2025-08-10T15:15:39-04:00
Some European leaders say that Ukraine must be included in any talks with Russia over ending the war.

A new NPR series looks at the forces changing the world order - 2025-08-10T14:22:53-04:00
As the postwar international order continues to evolve, NPR explores its past and the present and asks what the future may look like.

D.C. mayor defends capital's crime rates after Trump threatens to take over police - 2025-08-10T13:37:56-04:00
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said President Trump has the power to deploy the National Guard, but "none of the conditions exist" for the president to take over the city's police.