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Ariela Zebede

Ariela Zebede

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Is The Sperm Race A Fairy Tale?

Human egg cell, computer illustration. Kateryna Kon/Getty Images/Science Photo Libra hide caption

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Kateryna Kon/Getty Images/Science Photo Libra

Short Wave

Is The Sperm Race A Fairy Tale?

A lot of us were taught that conception happens with a survivor-style sperm race — the fastest and strongest sperm fight to make it to the egg first. In this Back To School episode, we revisit this misleading narrative and learn just how active the egg and reproductive tract are in this process.

Is The Sperm Race A Fairy Tale?

Listen · 12:51
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The Legacy of Trauma: Can Experiences Leave A Biological Imprint?

Can the epigenetic effects of experiences be inherited? Eternity in an Instant/Getty Images hide caption

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Eternity in an Instant/Getty Images

Short Wave

The Legacy of Trauma: Can Experiences Leave A Biological Imprint?

Descendants of trauma victims seem to have worse health outcomes. Could epigenetics help explain why? Bianca Jones Marlin and Brian Dias walk us through the field of epigenetics and its potential implications in trauma inheritance.

The Legacy of Trauma: Can Experiences Leave A Biological Imprint?

Listen · 11:02
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Micro Wave: What Makes Curly Hair Curl?
diane555/Getty Images

Short Wave

Micro Wave: What Makes Curly Hair Curl?

Hair scientist Crystal Porter explains the science behind curly hair. (Hint: It involves mushy cells in teeny-tiny tunnels.) Plus, a bit of listener mail from you! Which you can always send by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

Micro Wave: What Makes Curly Hair Curl?

Listen · 9:51
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