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Short Wave

Why Daylight Boosts Immunity

Fri, 30 May 2025

Description

Depending on what time it is, your body responds differently to an injury or infection. During the day, you're likely to heal faster and fight infection better than at night. And historically, scientists weren't entirely sure why. That picture is starting to clear up thanks to a new study published last week in the journal Science Immunology. The research finds a missing piece of the puzzle in neutrophils, powerful immune cells that — despite living less than 24 hours — know the difference between day and night.Got a question about how the body works? Let us know at [email protected]. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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Full Episode

0.529 - 10.133 Ira Glass

This is Ira Glass, the host of This American Life. So much is changing so rapidly right now with President Trump in office. It feels good to pause for a moment sometimes and look around at what's what.

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10.153 - 23.559 Ira Glass

To try and do that, we've been finding these incredible stories about right now that are funny and have feeling and you get to see people everywhere making sense of this new America that we find ourselves in. This American Life, wherever you get your podcasts.

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24.859 - 39.101 Regina Barber

You're listening to Shortwave from NPR. Hey Shore Wavers, Regina Barber here. And Burleigh McCoy. With our bi-weekly science news roundup featuring the hosts of All Things Considered. And today we have one of our favorites, Ari Shapiro.

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39.401 - 43.044 Ari Shapiro

Only one of your favorites? It's always an honor to be here.

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43.724 - 46.366 Regina Barber

One of our five favorites.

47.066 - 51.95 Ari Shapiro

Well, let's get to the stories. I hear today we've got one on the immune system telling time.

52.49 - 55.372 Berly McCoy

Contact lenses that allow you to see infrared light.

56.075 - 59.039 Regina Barber

And a hawk they may be using traffic to hunt for prey.

59.359 - 62.623 Berly McCoy

All that on this episode of Shortwave, the science podcast from NPR.

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