

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

Jun 26, 2017 • 3min
Moths Inspire Better Smartphone Screens
Researchers have designed an antireflective coating for smartphone screens inspired by the bumpy eyes of moths. This coating reduces glare and improves screen readability, with potential for curved or bendable displays in the future.

Jun 23, 2017 • 4min
Better Memory Begets Boredom
Karen Hopkin, a savvy researcher known for her insights into memory and boredom, discusses a fascinating study revealing that improved memory performance can lead to faster boredom. She delves into how better short-term recall correlates with quicker satiation during activities like eating and listening to music. This connection sheds light on consumer behavior, suggesting that marketers may need to adapt their strategies based on how memory influences our engagement with products.

Jun 22, 2017 • 3min
DNA Points to Multiple Migrations into the Americas
DNA analysis of skeletons from Alaska Native and Canadian First Nations people suggests multiple migrations into the Americas. Genetic study shows a continuous gene pool over 10,000 years along the Northwest Coast, supported by traditional oral histories.

Jun 21, 2017 • 3min
Keep Rolling Luggage Upright with Physics
Physicists explain why rolling suitcases tip over and how to prevent it.

Jun 20, 2017 • 3min
Wolves Need More Room to Roam
Discover why ecologists advocate for wolves to have more roaming space beyond wilderness areas, how they can benefit ecosystems by scaring off smaller predators like coyotes and jackals, and the positive impacts of managing wolves effectively on the environment

Jun 19, 2017 • 3min
Engineers Build Bendy Batteries for Wearables
Researchers have developed bendy and stretchy batteries for wearables, allowing for elegant integration into future devices. These innovative batteries maintain performance even when flexed and stretched, opening up new possibilities for wearable technology.

Jun 15, 2017 • 4min
Rising Temps Lower Polar Bear Mercury Intake
Polar bears' diet changes due to climate change, leading to a decrease in mercury levels. Shift from seals to whale carcasses results in a 65% drop in bear's mercury levels.

Jun 14, 2017 • 3min
Some Hotel Bed Bug Sightings May Be Bogus
Christopher Intagliata, an insightful reporter, delves into the puzzling misconceptions surrounding bed bugs. He reveals that only a third of travelers can accurately identify these pests, leading to a wave of mistaken sightings in hotel reviews. Intagliata discusses how these misidentifications can harm hotel reputations and emphasizes the importance of clearer communication from hotels about bed bug issues. The conversation sheds light on the need for increased awareness among travelers to prevent false alarms and misunderstandings.

Jun 13, 2017 • 3min
Opioids Still Needed by Some Pain Patients
The podcast explores the challenges faced by pain patients who still need opioids but cannot access them due to the opioid epidemic and fear around its use.

Jun 8, 2017 • 3min
Bacterially Boosted Mosquitoes Could Vex Viruses
Discover how Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes could potentially stop the transmission of viral diseases like Zika and dengue.


