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

By Regina G. Barber,

Rachel Carlson

Published September 18, 2025 at 5:32 PM EDT

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

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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