Intro

In this episode of Science Quickly, we cover the record release of global emergency oil reserves amid escalating conflict, a breakdown of why nuclear experts say Iran was not close to building a nuclear weapon, new research that shows how climate change is increasing both the likelihood and size of severe hail and a study that reveals how aging gut microbiomes may impair cognitive function through the gut-brain connection.

Recommended Reading:

War in Iran triggers an unprecedented disruption in global oil

Iran was nowhere close to a nuclear bomb, experts say

The reason the Middle East has so much oil is the same reason it’s all stuck there now

The gut microbiome may influence brain aging, mouse study suggests

E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!

Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices