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
Jun 11, 2024 • 25min
Extra-Long Blasts Challenge Our Theories of Cosmic Cataclysms
Astronomers are puzzled by recent gamma-ray bursts that challenge existing theories. They explore mysteries of neutron star collisions, creation of heavy elements, enduring gamma-ray bursts, and the origin of elements in the universe through astrophysical events.
May 29, 2024 • 21min
Meet Strange Metals: Where Electricity May Flow Without Electrons
Exploring the unconventional behavior of strange metals where electricity may flow without electrons. Researchers uncover surprising findings in current flow, challenging traditional theories. Understanding linear resistance and shot noise analysis provide insights into electron behavior. Crafting flawless nanowires reveals unique electrical properties, while theoretical perspectives debate the mysteries of strange metals.
May 15, 2024 • 17min
In the Gut's 'Second Brain,' Key Agents of Health Emerge
Delve into the world of glial cells in the gut's 'second brain' and their crucial roles in digestion and disease. Explore the intricate processes of nutrient absorption, discover new insights into gut health, and unravel the fascinating research surrounding enteric glial cells. Witness the transformative impact of technologies like chemogenetics and optogenetics on understanding the functions of these key agents of health, and uncover their implications for gastrointestinal disorders and neural inflammation.
7 snips
May 1, 2024 • 10min
During Pregnancy, a Fake 'Infection' Protects the Fetus
Placental cells mimic viral infection to activate immune defenses for protecting the fetus, using a fake virus to keep defenses on. Todori Jane's breakthrough uncovers placenta's unique immune response involving ancient viral elements in human genomes.
Apr 17, 2024 • 21min
Why the Human Brain Perceives Small Numbers Better
Exploring how the human brain perceives small and large numbers, uncovering distinct number neurons that represent preferred numbers with a boundary around number four. Implications on memory, attention, and mathematics, sparking debates in cognitive neuroscience and potential applications in AI, education, dyscalculia, and dementia.
Apr 3, 2024 • 22min
Inside Scientists' Life-Saving Prediction of the Iceland Eruption
Scientists are monitoring seismic activity to predict volcanic eruptions in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. Efforts to map and monitor magma movements are crucial for saving lives. The podcast explores the geological mysteries and volcanic systems of Iceland, highlighting the complexities of measuring magma flow and predicting future eruptions.
5 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 21min
Echoes of Electromagnetism Found in Number Theory
The podcast explores the hidden mathematical link between electricity and magnetism, discussing breakthrough research on translating periods and L functions in geometric spaces. It delves into the Langlands program, dualities between automorphic forms and Galois groups, and the connection between L functions and periods in number theory.
Mar 6, 2024 • 21min
Tiny Language Models Come of Age
Researchers explore using synthetic children's stories to train neural networks in simulating writing. Challenges in predicting language and GPT 3.5 scale discussed. Difficulties in generating cohesive children's stories with language models reviewed. Performance of small language models in story generation compared. Effectiveness of tiny language models on small datasets and differences in speaking goals highlighted.
Feb 21, 2024 • 22min
Rogue Worlds Throw Planetary Ideas Out of Orbit
Scientists explore the challenges of categorizing free-floating worlds, sparking debates on star and planet formation. Rogue worlds, mysterious wanderers in space, shed light on their dark nature and role in dark matter. James Webb Space Telescope promises new insights into these elusive celestial bodies. Unexpected discovery of Jupiter-mass objects in the Orion Nebula challenges existing theories. Researchers use Webb telescope to study atmospheres of free-floating worlds and confirm their existence.
Feb 7, 2024 • 24min
What Makes Life Tick? Mitochondria May Keep Time for Cells
Exploring how cells use metabolic processes as internal clocks to govern developmental timing. Mitochondria revealed as cellular timekeepers impacting growth rates and biochemical reactions. Insights on mitochondrial stability and role in neuronal development. Role of mitochondria in evolutionary diversity and genetic regulation in cellular processes.
