Science Magazine Podcast

A new kind of magnetism, and how smelly pollution harms pollinators

Feb 8, 2024

Researchers discuss a new kind of magnetism in nature that could lead to advancements in electronics. They also explore how air pollution affects pollinators and their activities, potentially disrupting nocturnal plant-pollinator interactions. The episode highlights the impact of smelly pollution on wildlife and the degradation of floral scents by pollutants.

31:21

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Episode guests

Zack Savitsky

Jeremy Chan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Ultra-magnetism is a new type of magnetism that combines characteristics of both ferro and anti-ferromagnets, potentially leading to faster information processing and denser electronic devices.

Air pollution, specifically nitrates and ozone, can degrade floral scents and reduce the attraction of pollinators to flowers, highlighting the importance of reducing pollution for plant-pollinator interactions.

Deep dives

A New Kind of Magnetism: Ultra-Magnetism

A freelance science writer discusses a new type of magnetism called ultra-magnetism. Unlike the traditional types of magnets, ferro and anti-ferromagnets, ultra-magnetic materials exhibit characteristics of both types. One such material, ruthenium dioxide, was found to have properties of both ferro and anti-ferromagnets, leading to the discovery of ultra-magnetism. The researchers suggest that there may be around 200 to 300 materials that exhibit this phenomenon. While the applications of ultra-magnetism are still being explored, it has the potential for faster information processing and denser electronic devices.

Introduction

2min

Ultra-Magnetism: A New Kind of Magnetism

11min

Exploring Different Types of Magnetism and the Impact of Pollution on Scent

2min

Formation of Ground Level Ozone and Degradation of Floral Scent

2min

Effects of Pollution on Floral Scent and Pollinators

11min

The Impact of Smelly Pollution on Pollinators and Potential Effects on Wildlife

2min

More than 200 materials could be “altermagnets,” and the impact of odiferous pollutants on nocturnal plant-pollinator interactions

First up on the show this week, researchers investigate a new kind of magnetism. Freelance science journalist Zack Savitsky joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about recent evidence for “altermagnetism” in nature, which could enable new types of electronics.

Next on the show, producer Meagan Cantwell talks with Jeremy Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Naples Federico II, about how air pollution can interfere with pollinator activities—is the modern world too smelly for moths to do their work?

This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.

About the Science Podcast

Authors: Sarah Crespi; Meagan Cantwell; Zack Savitsky

Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.zz09cbu