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
29 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 17min
Exotic New Superconductors Delight and Confound
Exciting breakthroughs in superconductivity are taking center stage as three new types of superconductors have emerged. These discoveries showcase the complex ways electrons can unite, creating a frictionless quantum environment. The discussion dives into the unique characteristics of two-dimensional materials and the quest for superconductors that operate at higher temperatures. Discover how these advancements could revolutionize technology and deepen our theoretical understanding of physics.
30 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 20min
It Might Be Possible to Detect Gravitons After All
A groundbreaking experimental proposal suggests that detecting gravitons might be more feasible than previously thought. The discussion highlights the use of gravitational waves and innovative quantum technology in this pursuit. It also examines how a specially engineered bar could resonate with gravitons, drawing connections to Einstein's theories. The excitement in the physics community is palpable as researchers explore recent advances in detecting these elusive particles, paving the way for a deeper understanding of quantum gravity and the nature of light.
Mar 5, 2025 • 17min
How the Human Brain Contends With the Strangeness of Zero
Discover the intriguing history of zero, from its humble beginnings as a placeholder to its pivotal role in mathematics. Uncover the cognitive conundrums zero presents and how the brain grapples with the idea of nothingness. Recent neuroscience studies reveal how our minds uniquely process zero, highlighting similarities in understanding presence and absence. Engaging discussions ponder whether zero is just another number or something profoundly different, paving the way for future exploration of this fascinating concept.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 24min
The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology
Daniel Robert, a sensory ecologist at the University of Bristol, unravels the intriguing realm of electrostatic ecology. He discusses how insects like bees and spiders utilize static electricity for navigation and predator evasion. The conversation covers the impact of electrostatics on ecological relationships and how it shapes survival and adaptation. Notably, Robert examines predator-prey dynamics, where electric fields influence caterpillar defenses against wasps, shedding light on the evolutionary significance of these interactions. He also highlights the ecological risks posed by modern technology.
6 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 20min
The Cellular Secret to Resisting the Pressure of the Deep Sea
Delve into the mysteries of the deep sea, where comb jellies showcase unique cellular adaptations to survive extreme pressures. Discover how curvy lipids play a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity under stress. Learn about the significance of plasmologens in adapting to harsh environments and their impact on human neural health. Explore the incredible biochemical traits of extremophiles and their fascinating evolutionary paths. This journey highlights the interconnectedness of life beneath the ocean's depths.
10 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 13min
Computer Scientists Prove That Heat Destroys Quantum Entanglement
Discover how four researchers stumbled upon a groundbreaking limit to quantum entanglement while exploring a new algorithm. Dive into the fascinating link between temperature and the fragility of entanglement. This critical threshold reveals surprising implications for quantum information theory, challenging our understanding of the quantum world. Heat isn't just a nuisance; it plays a crucial role in the survival of entanglement!
Jan 15, 2025 • 15min
Physicists Pinpoint the Quantum Origin of the Greenhouse Effect
Discover how carbon dioxide's quantum structure uniquely contributes to the greenhouse effect. The discussion delves into molecular dynamics and the complex interactions of CO2 with photons, far surpassing simplified models. Also explored is the intriguing relationship between Fermi resonance and climate change, shedding light on vital research that helps clarify CO2's significant role in global warming amidst skepticism.
6 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 21min
What Happens in a Mind That Can't 'See' Mental Images
Neuroscience research into people with aphantasia, who don’t experience mental imagery, is revealing how imagination works and demonstrating the sweeping variety in our subjective experiences. The post What Happens in a Mind That Can’t ‘See’ Mental Images first appeared on Quanta Magazine
6 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 14min
What Could Explain the Gallium Anomaly?
Dive into the intriguing gallium anomaly that has physicists scratching their heads. This mysterious finding from a Soviet experiment may hint at the existence of a new fundamental particle. Discover how researchers have dismissed mundane explanations and what this could mean for sterile neutrinos and dark matter. The historical backdrop of the SAGE experiment adds depth to the ongoing exploration of particle physics.
Nov 13, 2024 • 20min
Cryptographers Discover a New Foundation for Quantum Secrecy
Discover groundbreaking advancements in quantum cryptography that promise secure encryption, even in scenarios with minimal computational challenges. Delve into the complexities of distinguishing quantum states and how these challenges impact cryptographic methods. The discussion highlights the crucial evolution of security measures from classical to quantum techniques, and the fascinating implications for quantum bit commitments. Prepare for a journey where quantum theory reshapes the future of data security!
