Science Quickly

Forensic entomologists use chemical analysis of fly eggs to determine time of death in a corpse, speeding up detective work.

Century-old records found in Puerto Rico helped reconstruct the damage caused by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake. Scientists analyze old documents to gain insights on the earthquake and its impact on residents, aiding in preparedness for future seismic events.

A podcast discusses an experimental cell phone that requires no battery and operates by absorbing and reflecting radio waves. The phone can make calls using harvested power from light and radio signals, bypassing digital to analog conversion and generating wireless signals by converting incoming radio waves into vibrations.

Certain types of bacteria might worsen eczema flares in patients with severe eczema, specifically Staphylococcus aureus strains dominated the skin microbe population. The podcast explores the relationship between the skin microbiome and eczema, as well as the potential of shotgun metagenomics to study other skin conditions.

The podcast discusses the political implications of Franklin's lightning rod invention in the formation of the United States, including King George III's disapproval.

Economists predict that with each degree of warming, the U.S. economy will suffer a 1.2% blow and widen the gap between rich and poor. This could have detrimental effects on the Southern states and exacerbate economic inequality and growth challenges.

Photon qubits and their potential to contain more information than regular qubits in quantum computing. Exploring the accessibility of quantum computing in the future.

Researchers have designed an antireflective coating for smartphone screens inspired by the bumpy eyes of moths. This coating reduces glare and improves screen readability, with potential for curved or bendable displays in the future.

Karen Hopkin, a savvy researcher known for her insights into memory and boredom, discusses a fascinating study revealing that improved memory performance can lead to faster boredom. She delves into how better short-term recall correlates with quicker satiation during activities like eating and listening to music. This connection sheds light on consumer behavior, suggesting that marketers may need to adapt their strategies based on how memory influences our engagement with products.

DNA analysis of skeletons from Alaska Native and Canadian First Nations people suggests multiple migrations into the Americas. Genetic study shows a continuous gene pool over 10,000 years along the Northwest Coast, supported by traditional oral histories.