Science Quickly

Swamp sparrow songs show evidence of a cultural tradition lasting hundreds, even thousands of years

Beluga whales in Alaska found to have excellent hearing and little hearing loss. Noise pollution in the ocean may impact their communication and navigation abilities.

Karen Hopkin, a reporter who highlights how food affects our brain’s reward circuits, delves into the irresistible allure of snacks combining fats and carbohydrates. She discusses a study that reveals how these combinations stimulate our cravings more than single-component snacks. The conversation also touches on how modern processed foods exploit these natural reward pathways, potentially leading to overeating. A fascinating look at the science behind what makes us reach for those indulgent treats!

Discover how Jupiter's lightning is more common and gathers near the poles, unlike Earth. Juno spacecraft data reveals intriguing differences in storm patterns between the two planets.

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting shorelines from storms and floods. A study estimates that their flood protection benefits save the global economy $4 billion dollars a year. This emphasizes the need to include ecosystem services in economic models.

Hippo poop in Tanzania's freshwater fisheries harms biodiversity and reduces fish availability and protein-rich food sources for locals due to human intervention.

Learn about a portable device that can detect trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide, a primary cause of bad breath, offering potential for halitosis diagnosis.

AMA president issues a call to arms for an evidence-based, science-driven analysis of gun violence and solutions

Scientists have developed a method to extract drinking water from dry desert air using metal organic frameworks. The current method is not efficient enough to sustain a community, but researchers are testing a cheaper and more efficient powder for future use.

Around 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, Y chromosome diversity dropped significantly. The podcast discusses a new analysis suggesting clan warfare as the cause. It also explores how societies evolved and Y chromosome diversity eventually recovered.