Art/Culture

Emerald Fennell's extravagant adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic cares little for subtlety. Ultimately, this love affair is more photogenic than it is deeply moving.

The evolutionary purpose of kissing has long eluded scientists. Smooching is risky, given things like pointy teeth, and inherently gross, given an estimated 80 million bacteria are transferred in a 10 second kiss. And yet, from polar bears to humans, albatrosses and prairie dogs, many animals kiss. So, what gives? Evolutionary biologist Matilda Brindle tells us the sordid details driving this behavior, what distinguishes different kinds of kissing and whether culture has anything to do with why people kiss. Interested in more of the science behind love and connection? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Chock and Bates, four-time Olympians, were heavily favored for gold. But they lost by less than two points to a French duo who has been clouded by controversy involving their former partners.

Every week, more than 100,000 people ride bikes, skates and rollerblades past some of the best-known parts of Mexico's capital. And sometimes their dogs join them too.

The shortest month of the year is packed with highly anticipated new releases, including books from Michael Pollan, Tayari Jones and the late Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa.

U.S. figure skating phenom Ilia Malinin did a backflip in his Olympic debut, and another the next day. The controversial move was banned from competition for decades until 2024.

Giancarlo Guerrero is the first classical musician to be featured in the big game's halftime concert since Gustavo Dudamel and the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles performed with rock band Coldplay in 2016.

WSMR explores history and the events in music, culture, the arts and more that shaped our world.

Schools across the country are offering courses and retreats for people 50+ who want to reinvent themselves and embrace lifelong learning and discovery.

"& Juliet" is packed with Max Martin's hit songs and makes a stop in Tampa starting Feb. 10.