Science Quickly
Scientific American
Host Rachel Feltman, alongside leading science and tech journalists, dives into the rich world of scientific discovery in this bite-size science variety show.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 26, 2015 • 3min
Smart Cane Could Help Blind ID Faces
The podcast discusses the development of high-tech canes for the visually impaired, including a smart cane with obstacle detection and a cane with facial recognition capabilities.
May 21, 2015 • 4min
Dolphin Deaths Linked to 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico seen with adrenal and lung conditions, indicating the 2010 oil spill as the cause. Debates over the connection between oil spill and dolphin mortality.
May 20, 2015 • 3min
Octopus Skin Senses Light, No Eyes or Brain Needed
Discover how the skin of a California octopus species can sense light and change color to blend in with its surroundings without needing input from its eyes or brain, thanks to light-sensitive proteins called opsins. This reveals fascinating insights into octopuses' camouflage and communication abilities.
May 19, 2015 • 3min
First Woman MLBer Will Probably Pitch
Jennifer Ring, a prominent chronicler of women's baseball, highlights the increasing prominence of women pitchers. She reveals that the fastest women pitchers now reach speeds in the 80s mph and are continually improving. The conversation delves into the historical underrepresentation of women in baseball, emphasizing the significance of pitching in the journey towards Major League Baseball participation. Ring also shares inspiring insights from her daughter’s experiences on a team that competed in the Women's Baseball World Cup.
May 15, 2015 • 3min
Seashell Shapes Show Strength for Safety
Cynthia Graber, a reporter specializing in the engineering significance of natural structures, dives into the fascinating world of seashells. She discusses how clamshell and screw-shaped designs can endure much greater forces than typical shapes like spheres and cylinders. This exploration highlights how nature inspires innovative engineering solutions, demonstrating the practical applications of understanding these unique structures in modern construction. Graber's insights reveal the hidden strength found in the world of seashells.
May 14, 2015 • 3min
In the Future Robopets Won't Be Far-Fetched
Exploring the impact of technology on pet ownership, including the rise of artificial pets and virtual animals, and how these innovations could change the way people relate to animals and meet their emotional needs.
May 13, 2015 • 3min
Crop Rotation Works in the Sea, Too
Discover how crop rotation strategies used in agriculture can be applied to sea cucumber harvesting to promote recovery and increase yield in shallow marine regions.
May 12, 2015 • 3min
Food for Sale Everywhere Fuels Obesity Epidemic
The podcast discusses a study that claims the ubiquity of supercenters, warehouse clubs, and restaurants is responsible for 40% of the rise in obesity. It explores the impact of fast food establishments, big box stores, and restaurants on obesity rates.
May 11, 2015 • 4min
Netflix CEO Peers at Crystal Ball to See TV's Future
Reed Hastings, the innovative CEO of Netflix, shares his insightful vision on the future of television. He explores the shift from traditional linear TV to the interactive world of internet streaming. Hastings emphasizes how this evolution will enhance accessibility and personalization for viewers. He predicts that in the next two decades, our viewing experiences will be tailored like never before, reshaping how we consume content and connect with it.
May 8, 2015 • 4min
May 9 Is Big Day for the Birds
Ornithologist Chris Wood from Cornell Lab of Ornithology discusses the May 9 Global Big Day for birdwatching. Birders worldwide will spot birds and upload findings to the eBird database, promoting biodiversity awareness and monitoring bird populations.
