Science Quickly

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, dives into the power of global scientific collaboration. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing challenges like drug resistance and climate change. Farrar discusses the 'Together Science Can' campaign, highlighting its goal of uniting efforts and sharing knowledge worldwide. His insights stress that by working together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change for humanity.

Reporter Emily Schwing discusses how Canada geese are wintering in urban areas like Chicago to avoid hunters, leading to skinnier geese compared to those in agricultural fields.

An analysis of over 200 earthquakes finds no connection between moon phases and big earthquakes. It explores the belief that large earthquakes occur during significant tidal stress, like during a new or full moon. The podcast discusses conflicting research findings and compares the Alaska earthquake of 1964 to other full moon earthquakes.

Karen Hopkin, a researcher focused on the link between restaurant reviews and foodborne illness, dives into an innovative study. She reveals how Columbia University researchers used Yelp reviews to track foodborne illness outbreaks. By searching for keywords like 'vomit,' they uncovered unreported cases and informed the Department of Health. This unique approach not only highlights the power of customer feedback but also enhances public health responses to food safety issues in New York City.

Geneticists use a new algorithm to uncover the pathogen behind a 16th-century Mexican epidemic. They find evidence of Salmonella bacteria in victims' DNA, shedding light on the relationship between humans and microbes.

In this episode, Christopher Intagliata, a dedicated reporter on scientific discoveries, dives into intriguing evolutionary findings. He reveals how a remarkable fossil find indicates that the drinking mechanism of butterflies, known as the proboscis, predates the arrival of flowering plants. This groundbreaking revelation reshapes our understanding of ancient ecosystems and highlights the complex relationship between insects and their environments. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of nature's history!

Astronomers reveal fascinating differences between our solar system and others. Discover how most star systems host similarly sized exoplanets, contrasting sharply with our own unique arrangement. An astrophysicist discusses the rarity of giant planets and the surprising layouts found in research on 355 star systems. It's a cosmic exploration that challenges our understanding of planetary formation!

Researchers find that green glow sticks improve capture rates and tracking of amphibians, providing a cost-effective tool for monitoring and managing populations

General Jay Raymond, the Commander of Air Force Space Command, shares insights on the critical role of space and cyber operations. He discusses the increasing congestion in space and the emerging threats that come with it. The conversation highlights the competitive landscape that presents both challenges and commercial opportunities. Raymond emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to meet the evolving demands of space operations, showcasing the U.S. Air Force's proactive approach to safeguarding the final frontier.

Exploring Earth's orbit and rotation, varying speeds at perihelion and aphelion, and how seasons are determined by the tilt of the Earth's axis rather than its distance from the sun