New Scientist Podcasts
Escape Pod: #4 Mass: from lightest creates on earth, to the heaviest things in the cosmos
Feb 6, 2024
From lightest creatures on earth to the heaviest things in the cosmos, this podcast explores the fascinating world of mass. Topics include fairy wasps, dark matter, and the evolving definition of a kilogram.
20:57
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Fairy wasps, the lightest creatures on Earth, have an estimated mass of 140,000th of a gram and play a crucial role in biodiversity.
- Mass is not just a measure of weight, but also a fundamental factor in energy generation, gravitational forces, and the composition of the universe, including the mysterious dark matter.
Deep dives
Exploring the World of Fairy Wasps
In this episode, the hosts discuss the fascinating world of fairy wasps, which are tiny insects with the smallest mass in the world. With wings resembling rods with bristles, these tiny creatures stir the air as they fly. Although their exact mass is difficult to measure, it is estimated to be around 140,000th of a gram. Despite their small size, fairy wasps play an essential role in biodiversity, with thousands of species found all over the world.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
