Short Wave
Short Wave
NPR
What can seashells teach us about the health of our oceans?
13 minutes Posted Sep 1, 2026 at 7:00 am.
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Show notes
Seashells: They're beautiful remnants to carry home from the beach—and so much more! According to environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett, seashells record history more accurately than the humans who first wrote it down. In this episode, we talk about the science of seashells, their impact on humankind and the scientist behind a very famous tongue twister.

Check out Cynthia’s book The Sound of the Sea and check out Emily’s reporting on sandcastles.

Interested in more marine biology stories? Email us your question at [email protected].

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