The Quanta Podcast
Quanta Magazine
Exploring the distant universe, the insides of cells, the abstractions of math, the complexity of information itself, and much more, The Quanta Podcast is a tour of the frontier between the known and the unknown. In each episode, Quanta Magazine Editor-in-Chief Samir Patel speaks with the minds behind the award-winning publication to navigate through some of the most important and mind-expanding questions in science and math. Quanta specifically covers fundamental research — driven by curiosity, discovery and the overwhelming desire to know why and how. Join us every Tuesday for a stimulating conversation about the biggest ideas and the tiniest details.(If you've been a fan of the Quanta Science Podcast, it will continue here. You'll see those episodes marked as audio edition episodes every two weeks.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 27min
The Shape That Can’t Pass Through Itself
Erica Klarich, a science and math writer and longtime Quanta contributor, dives into the intriguing world of geometry. She discusses the Noperthedron, a groundbreaking discovery that challenges the Rupert tunnel conjecture, revealing a shape that cannot pass through itself. Klarich explains the historical context behind the puzzle, the complex characteristics of the Noperthedron, and the creative use of computer searches in its discovery. She also touches on the implications for geometry and recommends Jane Austen's Emma as a literary delight.
27 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 12min
Audio Edition: How Much Energy Does It Take To Think?
Explore the fascinating balance of energy in our brains, which consume about 20% of our body's energy even at rest. Insightful research reveals that effortful thinking only slightly boosts energy use. Background processes dominate, keeping our neural systems running efficiently. The discussion connects evolutionary energy constraints to cognitive fatigue, illustrating how our brains prioritize prediction over reaction. Dive into the evolutionary trade-offs that shaped our brain's complexity and functionality.
11 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 26min
AI Filters Will Always Have Holes
Michael Moyer, executive editor of Quanta Magazine and a seasoned science editor, dives into the intriguing world of AI filters and their vulnerabilities. He explains how cryptographers have found ways to exploit the very defenses meant to protect language models. The discussion covers common jailbreak techniques, including time-lock puzzles that mask forbidden prompts. Moyer highlights the inherent risks of filter weaknesses, emphasizing the paradox of maintaining safety while still enabling powerful AI. It’s a captivating blend of cryptography and AI ethics!
31 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 20min
ICYMI: Birds' Migratory Mitochondria
Join Hannah Waters, Quanta's biology editor and a dedicated birdwatcher, as she dives into the fascinating world of migratory birds and their cellular adaptations. She highlights how changes in mitochondria provide the energy needed for incredible journeys, detailing extreme examples like ruby-throated hummingbirds and bar-tailed godwits. The discussion also explores how these birds prepare for migration, the physiological challenges they face, and intriguing parallels with human exercise. Plus, she shares insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive these extraordinary feats!
64 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 29min
ICYMI: Is Gravity Just Rising Entropy?
In this enlightening discussion, science journalist George Musser dives into the intriguing realm of entropic gravity, a theory suggesting gravity emerges from the universe's tendency toward disorder. He explores how this idea connects to Newton and Einstein's gravity, and tackles black holes' mysteries. Musser clarifies how quantum mechanics might explain gravitational attraction through qubits, and discusses the implications of entropic gravity for dark matter alternatives and the very nature of spacetime itself. This conversation unpacks profound questions about the fabric of our universe.
16 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
Audio Edition: The Core of Fermat’s Last Theorem Just Got Superpowered
Four mathematicians have taken a groundbreaking step in unifying mathematics by extending Fermat’s Last Theorem's core insights. They explore the links between elliptic curves and modular forms, setting the stage for broader mathematical conjectures. The quest involves tackling a known hard problem with abelian surfaces, utilizing creative strategies like modulo matching. A pivotal breakthrough at the Hausdorff Institute culminates in a substantial proof that could reshape future research directions. This exploration promises to deepen our understanding of mathematical connections.
22 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 25min
Taking the Temperature of Quantum Entanglement
Philip Ball, a science writer specializing in physics and chemistry, dives into the intriguing world of quantum thermodynamics. He discusses how quantum mechanics can enable heat to flow in seemingly impossible ways, challenging classical thermodynamics. Ball elaborates on Maxwell's demon and its implications for reversing heat flow. The conversation explores the potential applications of entanglement in quantum engines and refrigeration, highlighting the experimental prospects of verifying quantum behavior and its relevance to quantum computing.
15 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 26min
How Hard Is It to Untie a Knot?
Layla Sloman, a science and mathematics writer, dives into the fascinating world of knot theory. They discuss the importance of classifying knots and the complexities involved in this mathematical pursuit. Layla highlights a groundbreaking discovery that undermines previous theories about knot differentiation and introduces the concept of the unknotting number. Examples like the trefoil knot showcase these ideas, leading to counterintuitive results. Intriguingly, new research opens doors for fresh explorations in knot theory and its real-world applications.
22 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 9min
Audio Edition: How a Problem About Pigeons Powers Complexity Theory
Explore the fascinating pigeonhole principle and its surprising implications in math and computer science. Discover the distinction between constructive and nonconstructive proofs, and how the principle leads to new complexities. Learn about APEP, a novel complexity class linked to empty pigeonholes, and how Claude Shannon’s ideas weave into this narrative. The discussion also reveals challenges in verifying missing solutions and the groundbreaking research connecting randomness and complexity.
Dec 2, 2025 • 30min
What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing
Rachel Nuwer, a science journalist and Quanta contributing writer, shares her field experiences at Crater Lake, revealing the lake's striking clarity and its ecological importance. They discuss how climate change is affecting lake mixing and the potential consequences, such as oxygen loss and toxic blooms. Nuwer contrasts Crater Lake with Northern Italian lakes facing severe mixing issues and highlights the need for local interventions. The conversation dives into the challenges of monitoring these vital ecosystems and reflects on the relationship between humans and nature.
