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Short Wave - Like Being Scared? Here’s Why

Like haunted houses? Scientists do! That’s because they’re an excellent place to study how humans respond to – and even actively seek out – fear. In an immersive threat setting, as opposed to a carefully controlled lab, researchers can learn a lot about what scares people, why and how additional factors (like the presence of friends) might affect our experiences.

So what have they learned? What determines a good scare versus a bad one? And what’s the evolutionary reason for all of this, anyway? In today’s episode, producer Hannah Chinn heads to the haunted house in search of answers.


Have a seasonal science question you want us to investigate on the next Nature Quest? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.


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What Next | Daily News and Analysis - The Volunteers Taking on ICE

Having successfully gotten their photo ops, the National Guard receded from the streets of Los Angeles, but an aggressive border patrol, with an eye on raising arrest numbers, has taken their place. In the South Bay, an activist group has formed to monitor where raids are happening, who’s conducting them, and try to help residents keep themselves safe.

Guest:  Alexander Sammon, politics writer for Slate. 

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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther.

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Global News Podcast - Israel strikes Gaza after accusing Hamas of ceasefire breach

Israeli strikes ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kill at least 33 Palestinians in Gaza. It comes after Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by shooting at IDF soldiers and not handing back hostage bodies. The US President Donald Trump said Israel “should hit back” at Hamas if Israeli soldiers were killed, but added “nothing’s going to jeopardise” the truce. Also: President Trump arrives in South Korea; Hurricane Melissa pummels Jamaica; scores of people killed and 81 arrested in a massive drugs raid in Brazil; rapper Flavor Flav becomes official hype man and sponsor of the US Bobsleigh and Skeleton team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

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Amarica's Constitution - 250 Episodes, 250 Years – and a surprise guest!

Our 250th episode has us looking back 250 years, and looking ahead to the next year of commemoration of those 250 year anniversaries.  Sure enough, there is much gold to mine in those momentous events; much to inform us on matters of current import.  We recall and examine a Declaration that is 250 years old - no, not that one.  To top it off, we have a special guest that joins us to tie it all together as only he can.  Tune in and join the celebration!  CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.

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Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova - Lessons From A Marathoner (with Nicholas Thompson)

Nate and Maria sit down with the elite amateur runner Nicholas Thompson (who also happens to be the CEO of The Atlantic) to talk about his new book The Running Ground. They discuss what running can teach about productivity and fulfillment, his favorite brand of gels, and…his late-father’s brothel in Bali.

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It Could Happen Here - What’s Real in the Politics of Population with Andrew

Andrew talks with Mia about the history of the human population and how different groups have sought to leverage it for their own fears and advantage.

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CBS News Roundup - 10/28/2025 | World News Roundup Late Edition

Hurricane Melissa slams into Jamaica with 185 mile an hour winds. Senate vote fails to reopen the government; SNAP food assistance in jeopardy. Another series of strikes on suspected drug vessels off South America. CBS News Correspondent Stacy Lyn with tonight's World News Roundup.

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