Science Quickly

Wild NYC author Ryan Mandelbaum takes host Rachel Feltman through New York City’s Prospect Park to find urban wildlife. They explore the city’s many birds, surprising salamanders and unexpected urban oases. Plus, they discuss what the rules of engagement with wildlife are and how you can find wildlife in your own urban or suburban environment. Recommended reading:Read Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature in and around New York City, which is out now.Listen to our episode on protecting wildlife wherever you are. E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!Discover something new every day: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman.Our show is edited by Alex Sugiura with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Stephen S. Hall, a science writer and author of 'Slither,' revisits his childhood fascination with snakes. He reveals how cultural fears shape our perceptions, transforming reverence into aversion over time. Hall highlights the incredible adaptability of snakes in extreme environments, as well as their vital role in ecosystems and conservation efforts. He connects the cultural significance of snakes in ancient societies to modern misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of reshaping narratives around these often-misjudged creatures.

Measles cases are going up—and a federal scientist has warned that case counts have probably been underreported. Another vaccine-preventable illness, whooping cough, sees a troubling increase in cases. Ancient humans found sun-protection solutions when Earth’s magnetic poles wandered. A colossal squid has been captured on video in its natural habitat for the first time. Plus, we discuss evidence that Mars once had a carbon cycle and a planet that is orbiting a pair of brown dwarfs. Recommended reading:This Is the First Colossal Squid Filmed in the Deep Sea—And It’s a Baby! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f8leNRUXdo&t=1s RFK, Jr., Is Wrong about Cause of Rising Autism Rates, Scientists Say https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-reason-autism-rates-are-rising/ How to Talk about Vaccines in an Era of Scientific Mistrust https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-vaccine-hesitancy-occur-and-how-can-people-combat-it/ E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!Discover something new every day: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman. Our show is edited by Alex Sugiura with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Stix, the recently retired senior mind and brain editor at Scientific American, shares his remarkable journey through 35 years of science journalism. He discusses the transformative rise of the Internet and the evolution of neuroscience, focusing on brain mapping and cognitive enhancement. Stix highlights groundbreaking innovations like mini-brains in research and the ethical dilemmas they pose. He also dives into brain-machine interfaces for ALS patients and the potential of psychedelics in treating mental health, providing an insightful look at the past and future of science.

Join Jen Schwartz, Senior Features Editor at Scientific American, as she shares insights on hypochlorous acid, a disinfectant that's safer than bleach and even gentle on the skin. They dive into its medical and cosmetic uses, uncovering its potential in skincare and as an antiviral solution during health crises. Despite its effectiveness, the challenges of commercialization and stability complicate its broader adoption. Discover the exciting future of this powerful yet nontoxic cleaner!

Researchers reveal that the secret to a perfect cup of coffee might be all in the pour height. In a shocking twist, less than 10% of plastics produced recently were made from recycled materials. Data from the Hubble Telescope uncovers that a day on Uranus is longer than we thought. Additionally, intriguing new insights hint that dinosaurs may have been in decline even before their mass extinction, challenging previous beliefs. Tune in for surprising revelations that blend coffee, cosmic dynamics, and paleontology!

Laura Herscher, a genetic counselor and director of student research at Sarah Lawrence College, dives into the groundbreaking use of non-invasive prenatal blood tests. These tests, while primarily aimed at detecting fetal chromosomal disorders, can also inadvertently reveal cancers in pregnant individuals. Herscher discusses the IDENTIFY study, which examines these unexpected findings. She also highlights the complexities faced by healthcare providers when treating pregnant patients with cancer, emphasizing the need for coordinated care amid evolving treatment challenges.

Catriona Bradshaw, a sexual health medicine professor at Monash University, and Lenka Vodstrcil, a senior research fellow at Melbourne Sexual Health Center, dive into the complexities of bacterial vaginosis (BV). They discuss how BV may act like a sexually transmitted infection, especially after new sexual partners. Their research reveals that treating both partners increases success rates, challenging traditional treatment methods. They also address the stigma surrounding BV and the necessity for improved communication and resources for affected individuals.

Chris Cramer, Chief Research Officer and Interim President for UL Research Institutes, dives into the pressing safety challenges of our time. He discusses the impact of climate change on public health and the rise of wildfires, emphasizing innovative solutions like fire-resistant construction and indoor air filters. Cramer also explores the complexities of digital safety, particularly in AI, and the need for equitable safety approaches. He advocates for open science as a means to foster collaboration and tackle global risks effectively.

Delve into the clash over public health funding as states challenge cuts that threaten essential services. Discover alarming insights into the rising measles cases and the mixed responses to vaccine messaging. Uncover exciting news about an asteroid's non-threat to Earth, yet potential risks to the moon. Plus, learn about yodeling monkeys and their unique vocal capabilities, linking their sounds to evolutionary history. This episode blends pressing health issues with fascinating scientific discoveries.