The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Meanwhile | Sound of Science: Banana Water
Jan 11, 2026
Dive into the quirkiest science news with a twist of humor! Stephen Colbert hilariously explains banana water's viscous marketing while discussing a new hybrid phase of matter that resembles Aunt Edna’s casserole. Learn about the alarming quakes beneath the Doomsday Glacier and why galaxy frogs in India are losing their chill. Plus, a wild tale of a stolen walrus penis bone and a man bravely bitten for antivenom research! Ending on a sweet note, dark chocolate might just be the secret to aging gracefully.
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Banana Water Trend Explained
- Stephen Colbert highlights a novel beverage trend called "banana water" that separates water from pulp using enzymes.
- He notes it's marketed as viscous but not pulpy, appealing to those who "want water thicker."
Light Drinking Research Is Contentious
- Colbert reports the American Heart Association revived the idea that light drinking may be beneficial.
- He also points out critics note industry funding can bias such findings.
Doomsday Glacier's Growing Instability
- Colbert covers instability at a heavily glaciated site dubbed the Doomsday Glacier, noting hundreds of earthquakes make it less stable.
- He frames the discovery with dark humor about its ominous name.