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
Jan 9, 2015 • 3min
Active Sun at Birth Cut Historical Life Spans
High UV radiation during solar maxima may have degraded expectant mothers' stores of folate, affecting lifespan and fertility. Study shows reduced lifespan of five years for children born during high solar activity, emphasizing the importance of sun exposure moderation during pregnancy.
Jan 8, 2015 • 3min
Making Evolution Make Microbes Make Products
Researchers use genetic engineering to improve microbial production, eliminating unproductive bacteria and increasing output and production rates, transforming commercial chemical manufacturing.
Jan 6, 2015 • 3min
Human Eye Sometimes Sees the Unseeable
People can catch a glimpse of usually invisible infrared light. The podcast explores the mechanism behind this phenomenon and its potential application in diagnosing retinal diseases.
Jan 5, 2015 • 3min
E.T. May Reveal Itself with Vibration
Scientists discuss a new method for detecting extraterrestrial life by studying cell movements and the potential use of an atomic force microscope to analyze Mars for signs of life.
Jan 2, 2015 • 3min
Large Carnivores Getting Comfy in Europe
Populations of big carnivores like brown bears and grey wolves are increasing in Europe, coexisting with humans in greater densities.
Dec 31, 2014 • 3min
Lyme Helps Spread Other Tick Infections
Discover how Lyme disease can enhance the spread of Babesiosis in ticks, potentially increasing the transmission of the parasite. Research shows a synergistic effect when ticks feed on hosts with multiple pathogens.
Dec 30, 2014 • 3min
Lightning May Sink Mountain Summits
Discover the potential role of lightning in mountain erosion as revealed by magnetic anomalies in rocks. Susan Webb's study on rocks in Lesotho indicates the need for further research on lightning-induced weathering.
Dec 23, 2014 • 3min
Budget Bill Stealthily Affects Environment and Energy
Discover how Congress slipped changes to environmental and energy rules into a budget bill, impacting greenhouse gas emissions and GMOs. Learn about the stealthy amendments that will be in effect until September 2015.
Dec 22, 2014 • 3min
Plankton Pee May Alter Ocean's Chemistry
Christopher Intagliata, an investigator focused on marine life and ocean chemistry, dives into the surprising effects of tiny creatures' urine on the ocean's nitrogen cycle. He reveals how mass migrations of fish, jellies, and shrimp significantly impact this cycle. As these creatures surface at night to eat, they release ammonia, which supports vital bacterial life. Intagliata emphasizes the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and how this seemingly trivial pee influences both sea life and terrestrial environments.
Dec 19, 2014 • 3min
Penicillins Reveal Additional Antibacterial Power
Penicillins and its relatives have a new way of thwarting bacteria by disrupting bacterial cell wall assembly, depleting bacterial resources and speeding up destruction. This has implications for the development of new antibiotics.
