Science Quickly

Discover how road signs can impact bicycle rider safety. Learn why 'Bicycles May Use Full Lane' signs are more effective than 'Share the Road' signs in promoting cyclist rights and safety on the streets.

A breakthrough self-healing material for spacecraft protection can repair itself in seconds after being punctured, potentially keeping astronauts safe from debris collisions in space.

Christopher Intagliata, a researcher focusing on the effects of environmental noise on wildlife, discusses alarming findings about traffic sounds and migratory birds. Using a 'phantom road' with speakers, researchers revealed a drop in bird diversity and fitness due to noise pollution. The conversation covers how these auditory disturbances impact bird fat reserves, vital for migration, and explores potential strategies to mitigate noise in natural habitats. It's an eye-opening look at how our everyday sounds can have a profound effect on wildlife.

Scientific papers with shorter titles receive more citations, according to a study discussed in this podcast episode.

Discover how ants instinctively self-medicate when faced with fungal infections. While healthy ants steer clear of unhealthy foods rich in free radicals, their infected counterparts actively seek out these dietary choices to boost their chances of survival. This fascinating behavior showcases the remarkable adaptability and survival strategies found in nature.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Intagliata, a seasoned science reporter, dives into the fascinating relationship between seaweed and coral reefs. He sheds light on the threatening Crown-of-thorns sea stars, likening them to an "underwater swarm of locusts" that devastate coral. Surprisingly, seaweeds emerge as unexpected protectors, driving home the importance of marine conservation. Intagliata also shares research insights and local strategies to combat coral degradation, emphasizing the crucial role these ecosystems play in our oceans.

An analysis of some 300 cosmetics ads in magazines found the vast majority of their science claims to be either false or too vague to judge. The podcast explores the truth behind science-sounding claims in cosmetic ads and the lack of regulation in the industry.

Two studies reveal that a deeper voice gives politicians an edge over higher-pitched opponents. Lower voices are generally favored by voters, but this changes when facing female opponents. Deep voices are seen as assets due to associations with age, strength, and competency. Unconscious biases regarding physical attributes like voice impact election outcomes.

Scientists use a vomiting device to show how norovirus particles can spread through the air, highlighting the importance of preventing airborne virus transmission

Discover how sunlight reactivates smog-causing chemicals on city buildings, contributing to urban air pollution. Experiments in Toronto and Leipzig challenge assumptions about pollutants absorbed by city surfaces.