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Short WaveAuthor: NPR
New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines in just under 15 minutes. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber for science on a different wavelength.If you're hooked, try Short Wave Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/shortwave Language: en-us Genres: Astronomy, Life Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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When is your brain actually an "adult"?
Episode 1413
Wednesday, 14 January, 2026
There’s this idea that something happens in the human brain when we turn 25. Suddenly, we can rent a car without fees. Make rational decisions. We may even regret some of our past… indiscretions. All because we’re developed…right? Well, a recent paper in the journal Nature suggests that may not be the case. Neuroscientists found four distinct turning points in brain development across the human lifespan – and that the brain may be in its “adolescent” phase until about the age of 32. Interested in more of the science inside your brain? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Kwesi Lee.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
