As global warming continues and space technology improves, there is more and more talk about the growing possibility of a sci-fi future in which humans become a multiplanetary species. Specifically, that we could live on Mars. Biologist Kelly Weinersmith and cartoonist Zach Weinersmith have spent the last four years researching what this would look like if we did this anytime soon. In their new book A City On Mars, they get into all sorts of questions: How would we have babies in space? How would we have enough food? They join host Regina G. Barber and explain why it might be best to stay on Earth.

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith's book A City On Mars is out now.

Have another space story you want us to cover on a future episode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!

The Biden administration issued a new fee on climate-warming methane pollution, but the EPA regulation faces an uncertain future under President-elect Trump

One in four U.S. households experiences a power outage each year. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working on technology they hope will help fix electric grids: drones. They're betting that 2-ft. large drones connected to "smart" electric grids are a cost-effective step to a more electrified future.

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.

Have an idea for a future episode? We'd love to know — email us at shortwave@npr.org!

Wetlands managers have spent years using fire and chemicals to fight phragmites, an invasive reed that chokes everything else out. But coaxing native plants to move back in is difficult.

President-elect Donald Trump said the New York Republican would help push deregulation and support American businesses. Environmental groups decried the nomination.

Wetlands managers have spent years using fire and chemicals to fight phragmites, an invasive reed that chokes everything else out. But coaxing beneficial native plants to move back in is difficult.

A research facility in Yemassee, S.C., has recovered 25 of the 43 monkeys that escaped from the laboratory last week after a caretaker accidentally left the door to their enclosure unsecured.

The North and South Taurids occur every year in September, October, and November. They may have originated from a comet that broke up about 10,000 years ago.

Trump's return to the White House raises questions about whether the country will continue working on global climate initiatives.

A pivotal week in Corey Gray's life began with a powwow in Alberta and culminated with a piece of history: The first-ever detection of gravitational waves from the collision of two neutron stars. Corey was on the graveyard shift at LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in Hanford, Washington, when the historic signal came. This episode, Corey talks about the discovery, the "Gravitational Wave Grass Dance Special" that preceded it and how he got his Blackfoot name. (encore)

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 — we might feature your idea on a future episode!

China declared a “complete success” after it launched a new three-person crew to its space station early Wednesday as the country seeks to expand its exploration of outer space.

Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut splashed down off the Florida coast early Friday, capping a nearly eight-month science and research mission to the International Space Station.

NASA has just launched a mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa. A NASA scientist answers kid's questions about the mission and its goals.

NASA's Europa Clipper mission launched Monday, beginning its years-long journey to the distant icy moon it's named after. This mission is designed to tell scientists more about the structure, the interior and the habitability of Europa, one of the four large moons of Jupiter. Host Regina G. Barber talks with astrobiologist and friend of the show Mike Wong about why their mutual love for this fascinating moon and what it means for the search for life outside of Earth. Plus, they talk about other icy moons that may also have the trifecta of ingredients needed to sustain life: liquid water, specific elements and an energy source.

Want to hear more space science? Let your voice be heard by emailing shortwave@npr.org!

Also, if you liked this episode, check out our episodes on NASA's future missions to Uranus and our episode on whether Dune could really exist!

NASA has just launched a mission to investigate a far-off world that’s full of water. It’s going to Europa, a moon of Jupiter that's made of lots of ice that covers a huge ocean.

NPR's A Martinez speaks with Brian Murray, of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, about President-elect Trump's promise to increase fossil fuel production.

Every year, millions of pounds of garbage pollute freshwater lakes across the U.S. In Minnesota, scuba divers took a deeper look at where all the underwater trash is coming from and how to prevent it.

A new podcast from KALW, explores the history of wilderness and its future.

The former president's pending return to the White House could alter the very nature of Medicare, the nearly 60-year-old federal health care program.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with U.S. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf about the agency's process for regulating artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as kids, who have legal status as DACA recipients, can buy subsidized health plans through Obamacare starting Nov. 1. But 18 states are suing to stop it.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Dr. Nicole Cheek, a dentist in Washington, D.C., about the risks of getting dental veneers by a non-dentist.

There's something strange going on in hospitals. Cheap, common drugs that nurses use every day seem to be constantly hit by shortages. These are often generic drugs that don't seem super complicated to make, things like dextrose and saline (aka sugar water and salt water).

So what's going on? The answer, as with anything in healthcare, is complicated.

On today's show: why hospitals keep running out of generic drugs. The story behind these shortages tells us a lot about how these drugs are made, bought and sold–and, it shows us how these markets can falter without the proper care.

This episode was hosted by Sally Helm and Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi. It was produced by Willa Rubin, with help from James Sneed and Sam Yellowhorse Kesler. It was edited by Martina Castro. Fact-checking by Dania Suleman. Planet Money's executive producer is Alex Goldmark.

Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

Doctors and clinics in Minnesota are building up capacity to care for out-of-state trans patients who are traveling for care. Some clinics have added testifying at the state house to their job duties.

Medicaid can now pay for medical and mental health care delivered on the sidewalk. This will transform how care for unhoused people can be given in the states that take advantage of the policy change.

The Biden Administration has proposed a rule to require private health insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control pills, spermicide, condoms and plan B.

A survey of employers finds that only about a fifth of large companies cover drugs like Wegovy for weight loss. A majority of companies that do cover the medicines have requirements.

He tried to find a therapist who would take his insurance. He did not succeed.

Art installation marks Berlin Wall's 35th anniversary

Juliette Binoche launches Paris Christmas window display

Kyiv battles fires and damage after multiple drone blitzes

Kazo City unveils 100-metre carp streamer for annual airing

No Comment: Medication delivered by drone in Kenya

No Comment. Massive anti-government protests in Israel

Violent protests erupt in Serbia after deadly train station canopy collapse