NPR’s Short Wave podcast released a weekly science news roundup episode Thursday, June 25, 2026, featuring a survey of three recent studies covering astronomy, archaeology, and evolutionary biology. The episode was hosted by NPR science correspondent Regina G. Barber.
The first segment covered the exoplanet GJ504b, a planetary-mass object discovered in 2013 that researchers have nicknamed “Pink Planet” due to its reddish hue. Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope analyzed the object’s atmosphere and found evidence of salt clouds — clouds composed of mineral compounds similar to table salt. The pink coloration is believed to result from these salty particles suspended in the upper atmosphere.
GJ504b is technically classified as a planetary-mass companion rather than a planet, as it orbits its host star at a distance that blurs the line between planet and failed star. The Webb telescope’s infrared sensitivity allowed researchers to probe the chemical composition of the object’s cloud layers in greater detail than previous instruments permitted. MSI previously covered James Webb findings on other solar system bodies, including Neptune’s moon Nereid and exoplanetary weather patterns, in a May 25 episode of NPR’s “Spacing Out” space nerd club segment.
The second segment highlighted archaeological findings from burial sites in Europe. Researchers analyzed ancient graves and found evidence that multiple generations of early human families were buried in the same locations, suggesting long-term social organization and ritual continuity. The findings offer insight into how early human groups structured their communities and passed down cultural practices over extended periods.
The third story examined the evolutionary origins of laughter. Scientists traced the behavior to the play vocalizations of great apes and other social mammals, according to the episode. The study suggested that laughter evolved as a social bonding mechanism tied to safe, playful interaction — a signal that rough-and-tumble play was not a threat — and that its roots extend deep into the mammalian lineage.
The episode was produced by NPR’s science desk and is part of Short Wave’s regular weekly roundup format covering new discoveries across multiple scientific disciplines.