Science Quickly

Biodiversity loss in grasslands causes flowers to bloom a day earlier, as impactful as rising global temperatures.

Learn how exposure to specific microbes in early life can protect against asthma development in children. Microbiologist Brett Finley discusses research with Canadian and Ecuadorian children, highlighting the hygiene hypothesis and its impact on modern diseases.

Astrophysicists dive into the enigma of fast radio bursts, exploring their potential link to advanced extraterrestrial technology. Could these mysterious signals be generated by an antenna twice the size of Earth? The discussion bridges thrilling speculation with the cautious nature of scientific inquiry, leaving listeners intrigued by the possibilities of the universe.

NASA's mission to search for signs of extraterrestrial life on Jupiter's moon Europa is discussed, highlighting the significance of this dedicated mission and its goal of reaching the moon's ice-covered surface to sample material for signs of life.

Scientists sequenced DNA in Neandertal dental plaque to learn about their diets and their relationship with modern humans. The study revealed differences in diet between northern and southern Neanderthals, their use of natural painkillers, and their mouth microbiome similarity to chimps.

Exploring doubts and issues with forensic evidence in courtrooms, the podcast questions the credibility of accepted science in the legal system.

Discover the potential for finding monster gravitational waves through Pulsar Timing Arrays, which could surpass the waves detected by LIGO and LISA.

This podcast discusses atmospheric rivers and their impact on extreme weather events. Atmospheric rivers can carry the same amount of water vapor as 15 to 20 Mississippi Rivers and deliver punishing winds. Research predicts a rise in frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers due to global temperature increase.

The last holdout of woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island had harmful mutations, resulting in satiny coats and a weakened sense of smell. The survival of this small population raises questions about genetic mutations in rare animals today.

Learn how climate change and overfishing are harming African penguins, pushing them into food-poor habitats. Researchers are discussing solutions like translocating chicks and implementing sustainable fisheries regulations to save their declining populations.