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, <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/1082526815/regina-g-barber">Regina G. Barber</a> talks to archeologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marcela-Sepulveda-5">Marcela Sepulveda</a> 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 <a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org">shortwave@npr.org</a>.

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Why Chilean Mummies Are Decomposing After 7,000 Years

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