Science Quickly

Sustainability editor, Andrea Thompson, discusses the increasing intensity of heat waves and ways to stay cool during scorching summers. Topics include the impacts of rising temperatures, measures of comfort levels, safety tips during hot weather, and initiatives to address extreme heat, such as appointing heat officers and increasing subsidies for air conditioning.

Microplastics found in intimate tissues pose health risks. Seine River bacteria affecting Olympic dreams. Starliner spacecraft faces delays and technical issues. NASA plans astronaut return amidst challenges. Rhesus monkeys show behavior changes post-hurricane.

Researchers on the Nathaniel B. Palmer study Antarctic sea ice for climate change insights, interrupted by adorable Adélie penguins. Learn about challenges of fieldwork in Antarctica, ice core extraction, and impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.

Exploring the risks of a Russian nuclear weapon in space, contrasting effects with Earth detonations. Discussing historical high-altitude nuclear tests, like Starfish Prime, and concerns of space detonations on satellites and global tensions. Delving into recovery challenges and potential costs for the US DoD.

This week's podcast discusses 'flying' Joro spiders and their impact on the East Coast, the extreme heatwave in Greece, the decline of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons, concerns over satellite reentry releasing ozone-damaging aluminum oxide, and the preservation of access to medication abortion amidst state restrictions.

Journalist Sofia Moutinho joins a team of chemists in West Antarctica to study glacial melting's impact on ocean chemistry and global climate. They discuss the release of iron from melting glaciers, its role in phytoplankton growth and carbon absorption, and the potential cooling effect on the climate. The episode offers insights into the interplay between glacial melt, iron enrichment, and the Earth's climate system.

Chemistry professor John Swierk from Binghamton University discusses the unknown ingredients in tattoo inks. Explore the safety concerns, fading effects, and the importance of transparency in the tattoo industry. Learn about the risks of getting tattoos and recommendations for preserving tattoo quality.

This week's podcast covers the Hubble Space Telescope's struggles with a single gyroscope, China's Chang'e-6 mission retrieving moon rock samples, a 'morning-after pill' for STIs, AI discovering potential antibiotics, and the ongoing rise of STIs due to stigma.

Climate reporter Zoë Schlanger discusses plant intelligence in her book The Light Eaters. Topics include plant 'thinking,' communication, sound perception, regional dialects, and interconnectedness with humans.

Chef Joseph Yoon from Brooklyn Bugs discusses the benefits of eating cicadas during their 'double brood' emergence. He explains the nutritional value, sustainability, and delicious possibilities of incorporating insects in our diets, highlighting unique flavors and culinary potential. Discover the versatility and sustainability of edible insects for a more environmentally friendly food system.