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For decades, Coho salmon were turning up dead in urban streams the Pacific Northwest. The salmon would stop swimming straight, and then die before they had a chance to spawn. Researchers worried that unless they figured out the cause, the species would eventually go extinct. Enter a formidable crew of biologists, modelers, community scientists, environmental chemists. After eventually ruling out the obvious suspects — things like temperature, oxygen levels and known toxins — researchers eventually zeroed in on a prime suspect: chemicals in tires. But the question remained: Which one? If you liked this episode, check out our other episodes on satellites monitoring emissions and how air pollution could create superbugs. Want to hear more environmental stories or science mysteries? Tell us by emailing 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.

Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says "a lack of any government experience is an issue" when leading the largest institution in the world.

Fewer Californians turned out to vote in the 2024 General Election than in 2020, despite increasing numbers of eligible and registered voters.

Mustafa Taher Kasubhai was confirmed 51 to 44, to lifetime appointment as a U.S. District Court Judge in Oregon.

Case counts for Oropouche virus are still low but rising dramatically. What's going on? And then there's a study that raises the possibility that insect bites aren't the only way the virus can spread.

The pharmaceutical companies behind Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight-loss meds push to prevent compounding pharmacies from making cheaper copies. They argue they can keep up with demand on their own.

A 2022 survey found growing numbers of Republicans and Democrats think the other side is immoral and dishonest. Psychology and neuroscience research offers tools to help bridge that divide.

Russia promised a response to President Joe Biden's decision to let Ukraine strike targets on Russian soil with U.S.-made missiles.

The agency is requiring Tom's to submit several documents, including assessments and remediation plans for its operations, contamination hazards, testing methods and more.

Steel pedal guitarist Paul Franklin set a CMA record as a 32-time nominee for Musician of the Year. Will this year be different?