Science Quickly

A 1970s Soviet spacecraft is on a collision course with Earth, leaving everyone guessing about its landing spot. Meanwhile, all 28 major U.S. cities are gradually sinking, raising concerns over urban flooding. The podcast also tackles the startling role of the wealthiest 10% in climate change, accounting for two-thirds of warming. On a lighter note, researchers delve into cuttlefish communication, unveiling their complex arm gestures and social interactions in the ocean.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Jentsch, a staff scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, takes us inside the fascinating realm of particle physics. He explains the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and its role in unlocking atomic mysteries, including quarks and gluons. The conversation flows to the intriguing quark-gluon plasma and the advancements leading to the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider, which promises to deepen our understanding of matter. Jentsch shares experiences from the control room and highlights humanity's insatiable curiosity about the universe.

Casey Johnston, a writer and advocate for healthy fitness practices, shares her journey of finding joy in strength training. She discusses how it reshaped her views on body image and nutrition, rejecting the toxic fitness culture. Johnston emphasizes the importance of balance and recovery, challenging the 'no pain, no gain' mindset. She also explores the connection between the body and mind, suggesting that weightlifting can improve emotional awareness. Finally, she offers practical tips for beginners looking to start their strength training journey.

Discover the stalling of the National Climate Assessment and the implications of Amazon's Internet satellite launch. Learn about the European Space Agency's initiative to measure Earth's tree biomass. Dive into NASA's latest findings on Jupiter's cyclones and the volcanic activity of its moon Io. Finally, unravel the truth behind the sensational claims of lab-grown T. rex leather, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding fossilized collagen.

Conservationists are sounding the alarm about fungi facing extinction, with over 400 species highlighted on the IUCN Red List. Experts discuss fungi's crucial ecological roles, their symbiotic relationships with plants, and their economic contributions to food and medicine. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and conservation efforts to protect these vital organisms. Listeners will gain insights into lesser-known fungal species and the unique marvels of mycology, sparking a deeper appreciation for these essential life forms.

Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska, a research fellow at the Leverholm Center for the Future of Intelligence, dives into the intriguing world of griefbots—AI chatbots that imitate deceased loved ones. She discusses their growing popularity and the ethical dilemmas they present, such as consent and privacy concerns. Katarzyna explores how different cultures perceive digital immortality and the technological advancements that make these griefbots possible. She sheds light on the potential risks and emotional impacts for those engaging with this technology.

We’re taking a break from our usual weekly news roundup to do a little time travel. In 1925 Scientific American covered a total solar eclipse that featured some surprising solar shadow play and a prediction about today’s eclipses. Plus, we review some long-gone sections of the magazine that tried to verify mediums and show off zany inventions!Recommended reading:You can read more from our archives here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/archive/issues/ 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

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