

Science Quickly
Scientific American
Host Rachel Feltman, alongside leading science and tech journalists, dives into the rich world of scientific discovery in this bite-size science variety show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 16, 2017 • 4min
Feathers Help This Bird Sound the Alarm
The podcast discusses the crested pigeon, an Australian bird that uses its modified wing feather to sound an alarm to other birds. Researchers have discovered that specific feathers in the bird's wing play a crucial role in producing different notes and communicating with other birds in the flock.

Nov 15, 2017 • 4min
Put Space Cat on a Pedestal
Discover the heartwarming campaign to fund a bronze statue in honor of Phyllisette, the pioneering feline astronaut who paved the way for human space travel.

Nov 13, 2017 • 4min
Polluted Water Whale Invents New Feeding Strategy
Whales in the Gulf of Thailand have developed 'treadwater feeding' as an energy-efficient way to survive in polluted waters. This innovative behavior may be socially learned among the whale population.

Nov 10, 2017 • 3min
Insect Brain System Knows What You Want
Computer scientists use insights from fruit fly brain to improve search algorithm, exploring similarity search and its applications in tech companies.

Nov 8, 2017 • 3min
Sheep's Face-Reading Skills Stand Out from the Flock
Sheep can surprisingly recognize human faces, including celebrities, with 80% accuracy. This intriguing study opens doors to understanding animal cognition and its implications for human health. Imagine a flock of sheep potentially becoming your next paparazzi! Discover how these woolly creatures could reshape our views on intelligence in the animal kingdom.

Nov 7, 2017 • 4min
Nearby Exoplanets Invigorate the Search for E.T.
SETI pioneer Jill Tarter and Berkeley researcher Dan Werthimer talk about nearby exoplanets and how they are inspiring new efforts in gaining info about our galactic neighbors.

Nov 4, 2017 • 3min
Bison Comeback Story Has a Bronx Accent
On National Bison Day, the spotlight shines on the Bronx's pivotal role in restoring bison populations. The conservation legacy of the Bronx Zoo is explored, highlighting its historic efforts from the early 1900s. The podcast discusses the ecological significance and cultural ties of the American bison while addressing current initiatives to preserve genetically pure herds. Listen in to discover how New York’s wildlife history intertwines with the American plains.

Nov 3, 2017 • 3min
Mammoth Remains Seem Mostly Male
Researchers found that 70% of woolly mammoth remains were male, suggesting males were more likely to die accidentally. The chapter discusses the risk-taking behavior of male mammoths and the limitations of drawing conclusions from the fossil record.

Nov 2, 2017 • 3min
Physics Phenomenon Reveals a Pyramid's Mystery
Scientists use muons to explore the Great Pyramid and uncover a 100-foot-long void above the grand gallery, sparking architectural speculations and deepening the enigma surrounding the pyramid.

Nov 1, 2017 • 4min
A Moth with a Potent Cocktail of Poison
The podcast explores the unique chemical defenses of the wood tiger moth, including its bright colors as a warning, and multiple fluid secretions that target different predators


