60-Second Science
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
Jul 9, 2015 • 3min
Roman Builders May Have Copied Volcanic "Concrete"
The rock of the Campi Flegrei Caldera, west of Naples, Italy, has an intricate network of mineral fibers—just like the famed Roman concrete. Christopher Intagliata reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 8, 2015 • 3min
Dark Matter Dominates Just-Discovered Galaxies
Astronomers have discovered more than 800 so-called "ultradiffuse galaxies" that are virtually invisible because they have relatively few stars and are mostly dark matter. Clara Moskowitz reports
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Jul 6, 2015 • 3min
Best Male Nightingale Vocalists Make Best Fathers
Male nightingales use singing virtuosity to signal prospective mates that they will be the most doting dads. Sabrina Imbler reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 2, 2015 • 3min
Improved Solar Storm Tracking Lengthens Prep Time for Tech Disruption
We currently have a maximum of about 60 minutes to prepare for tech disruptions on Earth due to coronal mass ejections from the sun, but an improved forecasting system could lengthen that lead time by hours. Maria Temming reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 1, 2015 • 3min
Marijuana Muddies Memory and Mixes with Alcohol to Make Trouble
People who smoke pot and drink are twice as likely to do both at the same time than to do just one, with the combo associated with bad decision-making; and chronic pot smokers who had not indulged in a month were still more likely to have faulty memories than were nonsmokers. Erika Beras reports
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Jun 30, 2015 • 3min
Bird Literally Weighs Its Food Options
Mexican Jays compare peanuts to determine which one has the most meat inside before choosing one for a meal. Karen Hopkin reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2015 • 4min
Noses Agree When Genes See Eye to Eye
We all perceive smells differently—and two people’s preferences may give clues to their degree of genetic similarity. Christopher Intagliata reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 2015 • 3min
Smartphone Battery Drains a Lot Even with Dark Screen
Background app updates, cell tower pings and other hidden activity accounts for almost half the battery drain on Android phones. Christopher Intagliata reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 24, 2015 • 4min
Alaska Surface Glacier Melting Means More Glug Glug Glug
The vast majority of ice loss in Alaska glaciers comes from those that sit completely on land—which contributes meltwater to sea level rise. Julia Rosen reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 23, 2015 • 4min
Programmed Bacteria Can Detect Tumors
Sangeeta Bhatia of M.I.T. talks about efforts to get bacteria to home in on tumors and let us know they're there. Cynthia Graber reports
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