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This week in science: Mystery dots in space, optical illusions and octopus arms

By Regina G. Barber,
Rachel Carlson
Published September 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM CDT

The regular Short Wave science roundup covers mysterious red dots in space, the neurons behind optical illusions and a study of octopus arms.

Copyright 2025 NPR
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Science
Regina G. Barber
Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.
Rachel Carlson
Rachel Carlson (she/her) is a production assistant at Short Wave, NPR's science podcast. She gets to do a bit of everything: researching, sourcing, writing, fact-checking and cutting episodes.
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