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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 5:32 PM EDT

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

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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.