

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 21, 2016 • 4min
Mongooses Pile on Warthogs--to Groom Them
Mongooses and warthogs have a unique mutual relationship where mongooses groom warthogs to remove parasites. This is the first known example of this type of relationship between two non-primate mammal species.

Jun 20, 2016 • 4min
Lizard Stripes May Mess Up Predators' Timing
Lizard stripes create an optical illusion that makes them look slower, confusing predators and helping them avoid capture.

Jun 19, 2016 • 3min
Air Pollution Gives Storm Clouds a Stronger, Longer Life
Discover how particulate matter in the air can create stronger and longer-lasting thunderstorms, leading to more extreme storms. Explore the impact of aerosols on cloud formation and learn how longer lasting clouds could potentially have a cooling effect on the planet.

Jun 16, 2016 • 4min
Microbes May Contribute to Wine's "Character"
Microbes found in crushed grapes may contribute to wine's 'character' and terroir. The study shows a correlation between microbial species on grapes and chemical profiles in finished wine, suggesting that microbes play a role in defining a wine's terroir and assisting winemakers in distinguishing their wines and identifying potential problems.

Jun 15, 2016 • 3min
Fat Gets Gut Bacteria Working against the Waistline
Discover how gut bacteria in mice respond to high-fat diets by producing acetate, triggering the release of a hunger hormone that may lead to increased eating. Scientists are investigating if similar mechanisms occur in humans and how balancing gut bacteria could impact weight control.

Jun 13, 2016 • 4min
Arctic Researcher Bears Up for Science
Joel Berger, wildlife researcher, dresses up as a polar bear to study musk oxen reactions in the Arctic. They discuss group size, presence of males, snow depth, and the impact of melting sea ice on polar bears' hunting habits.

Jun 11, 2016 • 4min
Submerged Lost City Really Bacterially Built
Scientists debunk the theory of a lost city off the Greek island of Zakinto, revealing that the formations discovered by tourists were actually the result of bacterial reactions dating back millions of years.

Jun 10, 2016 • 3min
Go to the (White) Light
Discover a revolutionary advancement in LED technology that enhances directional light emission. The podcast delves into a groundbreaking technique merging lasers with synthetic materials. This innovation promises energy-efficient white light beams, perfect for applications ranging from microscopes to spotlights. Tune in to learn how these developments could change our lighting landscape!

Jun 9, 2016 • 4min
Bleached Coral Busts Fish Learning
Fish learning abilities are impaired by damaged coral. Importance of reducing CO2 emissions and preventing water pollution for healthy reefs.

Jun 8, 2016 • 4min
Bigger Glasses Rack Up More Wine Sales
Serving wine in larger glasses increased sales by 10% in an English bar, potentially because customers think they're drinking less per glass. Researchers discuss the implications for public health.


