Science Quickly

This podcast explores the effects of a high-sugar diet on fruit flies, including weight gain and shorter lifespans.

A study reveals that an inert ingredient found in a common pesticide could be contributing to the decline in honeybee colonies. Honeybee larvae exposed to this chemical and common bee hive viruses together appeared to die in greater numbers compared to bees exposed to the viruses or the chemical alone.

Chemists synthesize complex molecular knot, leading to new materials. Podcast explores challenges and techniques of tying molecular knots and potential applications in materials science.

Researchers use machine learning algorithms to decode the meanings of bat vocalizations, analyzing tens of thousands of calls and video footage to determine if they have specific meanings and behaviors.

Jason G. Goldman, wildlife enthusiast, discusses the impact of bird feeders on nest survival and predator attraction. Some predators are attracted to the food in bird feeders, and end up targeting nestlings, too.

Female killer whales may experience menopause due to competition with their adult daughters for breeding. Older orcas prioritize caring for grandchildren due to higher calf mortality rates.

Scientists believe that climate cycles on Mars could have led to periods of warming and cooling, allowing for the presence of liquid water. They discuss the potential evidence that future Mars missions could uncover to support this theory.

Hair follicles hold the potential to reprogram cells and promote scar-free healing, according to a recent study on mice. The regenerative abilities of hair follicles and fat cells at wound sites are discussed, along with the potential use of growth factors to transform scar cells into fat cells.

Christopher Intagliata, a science journalist, discusses how optimizing the imperfections in concrete can make it tougher and stronger. By intentionally introducing defects, manufacturers can reduce the amount of concrete used and lower CO2 emissions in production.

Discussion of a study confirming the link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and the development of microcephaly, as well as other defects related to a damaged central nervous system.