Science Quickly

Male Black Widow spiders use silk to discourage other suitors during courtship. The podcast explores their mating habits and debunks misconceptions about male survivability and female cannibalism.

Analysis of nearly 10,000 attempted suicides in the Army reveals higher rates among enlisted soldiers, particularly females and those entering at age 25 or older. Suicides are more common among non-deployed or recently deployed soldiers, especially within the first two years of service, and over half of those who attempted suicide had received a recent mental health diagnosis.

In this conversation, Christopher Intagliata, a researcher focused on agricultural science, dives into the role of irrigation in fostering bacteria growth in crops. He highlights the concerning correlation between rainfall and increased bacteria levels, especially after incidents like the 2011 listeria outbreak that impacted cantaloupe sales. Intagliata suggests that farmers might benefit from timing their harvests to coincide with drier conditions to minimize contamination risks, offering valuable insights into food safety practices.

Nematode worms hitch rides in slug guts, survive the journey unharmed, and benefit from bacteria for food

A study explores the use of fibrous rock structures similar to ancient Roman concrete to create durable and self-healing concrete.

A podcast discusses the recent discovery of over 800 ultradiffuse galaxies composed mostly of dark matter, which are virtually invisible. The episode explores the formation of these galaxies and suggests studying them to unveil the mysteries of dark matter.

Sabrina Imbler, a talented reporter, dives into the fascinating world of male nightingales and their parenting prowess. She reveals how these birds use their impressive singing to attract mates by showcasing their potential as nurturing fathers. The podcast explores the intriguing connection between musicality and fatherhood, illustrating how vocal abilities correlate with a strong commitment to raising their young. It's a captivating look at nature's way of blending art with parental instincts!

New model improves solar storm tracking, giving more time to prepare for tech disruptions caused by coronal mass ejections from the sun. We currently have about 60 minutes, but this advanced forecasting system could increase lead time by hours.

Marijuana and alcohol have a troubling synergy when consumed together, leading to bad decision-making. Chronic pot smokers still have faulty memories even after a month of not using. Studies reveal the negative impact on memory, behavior, and cognitive function.

Mexican Jays are shown to compare peanuts by shaking them to determine the amount of meat inside, showcasing their ability to make informed food choices based on mass and number of nuts inside.