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	Podcast:		Short Wave
	Episode:		Why Chilean Mummies Are Decomposing After 7,000 Years
	Category:		Science & Medicine
	Duration:		00:12:19
	Publish Date:		2023-10-04 07:00:59
	Description:		Here on Short Wave, we're getting into the Halloween spirit a little early with a look at the world's oldest mummies. They're found in modern-day northern Chile. The mummies are well-preserved, so over the past 7,000 years, some have been exhumed for scientific study. But recently, something startling happened: Some of the mummies started to decompose. Today on the show, Regina G. Barber talks to archeologist Marcela Sepulveda about the civilization that made these mummies: the Chinchorro people. We dig into the science behind their mummification techniques and how the changing planet is affecting archeologists' ability to study the past. Fascinated by a science mystery? Send us your tales — we're at shortwave@npr.org.
	Total Play:		0

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