Rachel Feltman

Rachel Feltman, host of Popular Science's "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week," dives into scorching topics like the Supreme Court's looming decision on FDA regulations for flavored vapes, which could reshape the landscape for youth nicotine addiction. She also sheds light on startling advancements in AI that predict lithium-ion battery explosions, addressing their potential dangers. Additionally, the conversation touches on impressive cervical cancer rate declines thanks to the HPV vaccine and surprising insights about Venus's ancient climate.

The podcast discusses the dangers of using tap water in neti pots, leading to fatal infections. It also explores the neuroscience behind mental health and the importance of a balanced brain in dealing with life's challenges.

Rachel Feltman hosts a discussion featuring Casey Crownhart, a senior climate reporter, who reveals surprising low bids in Maine's offshore wind auction amid rising renewable energy costs. They dive into pressing science news, discussing bird flu in pigs and AI’s electronic waste crisis. Artistic guest Sarah Rosalena, a Wixárika artist and professor, shares her unique fusion of Indigenous textile arts with modern tech, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with scientists, including those at NASA, to challenge the future of art and technology.

We have a new podcast! It’s called Universe Of Art, and it’s all about artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.   The Oceans Are Getting Hotter—And Greener It’s hot out there, and more so than normal July weather. It’s estimated that more than 100 million Americans are under heat watches, warnings, and advisories, spanning the west coast and southern states. Not only is the land hot, but the oceans are, too. The water temperature near the Florida Keys this week reached 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit, just shy of the record for global ocean temperature. A warmer climate is having some visual effects on our oceans, too. The color of the ocean surface near the equator has gotten greener. The culprit? Phytoplankton, which are full of the pigment chlorophyll. Joining Ira to talk about these stories and other science news of the week is Rachel Feltman, Editor at Large for Popular Science and host of the podcast “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week,” based in Jersey City, New Jersey.   Understanding The Reasons For The Mental Health Crisis In Youth You’ve probably read the headlines about a spike in youth suicide rates, or about how social media and screen time are exacerbating teen anxiety and depression. Or maybe you read about the shortage of services for kids who need mental health treatment, waiting in emergency rooms for inpatient beds to open up. And of course the pandemic accelerated all of these issues, leaving kids who might have been already struggling without the support of friends and teachers in their school communities. Ira takes a closer look at what’s driving these trends with Dr. Patricia Ibeziako, associate chief for clinical services in the department of psychiatry and behavioral services at the Boston Children’s Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Tami Benton, psychiatrist-in-chief in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.     Rewriting Sharks’ Big, Bad Reputation… For Kids It’s that time of year when sharks are on our minds. Summer is filled with Shark Week content, viral reports of attacks, and shrieks on the beach when someone spots a fin in the water… from a dolphin. But sharks don’t deserve this bad reputation. They are beautiful, fascinating, and—more than anything—the Earth needs them. A new children’s book called “Mother of Sharks,” by Melissa Cristina Márquez, aims to teach kids exactly that. Ira talks with Márquez, a shark scientist and wildlife educator, about the book, shark conservation, and why she loves sharks so much.   To stay updated on all-things-science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters. Transcripts for each segment will be available the week after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.   Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Meet Rachel Feltman, the new host of Science Quickly, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. She discusses the new format, promising diverse episode styles and audience engagement. Get ready for audio journeys, deep questions, and world-changing science stories!