Tanya Lewis, Senior health and medicine editor at Scientific American, dives into the alarming plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She highlights the critical impact of USAID on global health, especially how funding cuts could jeopardize immunization and life-saving programs for children. Lewis discusses the risks of increased disease prevalence, including drug-resistant strains, and underlines the vital role of sustained support for vulnerable populations. The conversation reveals the far-reaching consequences of shifting public health priorities.

Wendy Zukerman, host of Science Vs, dives into the scientifically fascinating yet often misunderstood phenomenon of squirting. She explores what happens biologically during this occurrence and the controversy surrounding it. Wendy discusses key research, including studies on bladder behavior and fluid composition, shedding light on common misconceptions. She emphasizes the importance of removing societal stigma and fostering understanding about female ejaculation, presenting insights that blend science with personal experience.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has found long-chain alkanes on Mars, hinting at possible past microbial life. A newly identified dinosaur claw suggests a foraging function rather than combat. Researchers have recorded the first known sounds of sharks, unveiling their communication methods, while cuttlefish demonstrate fascinating visual tricks. Meanwhile, significant federal funding cuts threaten scientific research and public health initiatives, raising concerns about the future of science and health agencies.

Vladimir Bulović, the director of MIT.nano, takes listeners on an exciting tour of the pristine clean room where cutting-edge nanotechnology comes to life. He explains how the strict cleanliness standards enhance research, especially for those with allergies. The conversation dives into revolutionary tools like scanning tunneling microscopes that allow scientists to manipulate atoms. Additionally, Bulović discusses promising nanoscale innovations, from molecular clocks to ultra-thin solar cells, shaping the future of technology and everyday devices.

Mason Heberling, Associate Curator of Botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, challenges the typical views on invasive plants. He argues that these species are often mischaracterized and deserve a nuanced understanding. The conversation highlights the human role in their spread and the importance of thoughtful communication about them. Heberling emphasizes empowering gardening practices, advocating for supporting native plants and ecosystems, and encourages listeners to rethink their relationship with these misunderstood flora.

NASA astronauts are finally back on Earth after an unexpected nine-month adventure in space. Discover how gray seals manage to hold their breath for over an hour thanks to an impressive built-in oxygen gauge. Meanwhile, learn about the surprising stress that penguin poop causes for krill in the Antarctic ecosystem. These quirky tales shine a light on the wonders of science and the interconnectedness of nature, making for a fascinating journey into the natural world.

In a fascinating conversation with Vijay Agarwal, Chief of the Skull-Base Tumor Center at Montefiore Einstein, the podcast explores the unsettling premise of brain implants in Severance. Agarwal discusses how real neuroscience influenced the show's depiction of identity separation. He explains Transmagnetic Stimulation and its potential risks, along with ethical dilemmas surrounding technological interventions in brain function. The dialogue also touches on the cultural impact of the show and how it prompts viewers and professionals alike to rethink work-life balance.

Colonoscopy gets a bad rap, but how much of what you’ve heard is actually true? In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re tackling the biggest myths that keep people from getting this potentially lifesaving screening. John Nathanson, a gastroenterologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, joins host Rachel Feltman to clear up what the misconceptions are, explain what to expect and share why this test is so important.Recommended reading:The Colon Cancer Conundrum Colon Cancer Linked to Mouth Bacteria Email us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check our show. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Environmental Protection Agency administrator plans to get rid of or weaken critical environmental rules and policies, such as regulations around greenhouse gases and clean water protections. The deregulation effort follows the recent cancellation of hundreds of grants. NASA launched two missions last week. The first, SPHEREx, will make a three-dimensional map of the sky. The second, PUNCH, is a collection of satellites meant to study solar wind. Plus, Saturn gains some moons, and whale urine balances ecosystems.Recommended reading:Trump EPA Unveils Aggressive Plans to Dismantle Climate Regulation New NASA Space Telescope Will See the Universe in 102 ColorsHeliophysics Is Set to Shine in 2025E-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

Dennis Hong, a professor at UCLA and director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory, shares his passion for robotics inspired by Star Wars. He discusses the fascinating creation of Cosmo, the robot from The Electric State, highlighting the blend of practical robotics and Hollywood imagination. Hong delves into innovative robot designs, including a unique helium balloon concept, and addresses the challenges of integrating AI with these robots. He also celebrates the life-enhancing potential of robotics while reflecting on its ethical implications.