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
Dec 3, 2014 • 3min
Poorer Kids May Be Too Respectful at School
The podcast explores differences in behavior between working class and middle-class kids in classrooms. These differences can result in inequalities in teacher attention and hinder the success of working class kids.
Dec 2, 2014 • 3min
Big Apple's Insects Eat Streets Clean
Allie Wilkinson, a reporter specializing in urban ecology, shares fascinating insights on how urban insects in New York City play a pivotal role in keeping the streets clean. Discover how these hungry arthropods consume tons of food waste, acting as nature's very own trash collectors. The discussion highlights the surprising ecological importance of these critters and their impact on urban environments, revealing a unique perspective on recycling and waste reduction in bustling cities.
Nov 26, 2014 • 4min
<i>Scientific American</i>'s 1930 Football Study Found Little Actual Action
Scientific American found that an NFL game has just 11 minutes of actual action, similar to a study by The Wall Street Journal. The podcast also explores the cost and potential stress of watching football games in person.
Nov 25, 2014 • 4min
Looking Back on 40 Years of Lucy
Paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson discusses the milestone discovery of Lucy, an Australopithecus afarensis fossil in Ethiopia in 1974, revolutionizing the study of human origins.
Nov 21, 2014 • 3min
Better Barley Let People Settle Tibetan Plateau
Cynthia Graber, a reporter renowned for her insights into agricultural innovations, explores a fascinating historical narrative. She discusses how the introduction of frost-resistant barley from the Fertile Crescent transformed life on the Tibetan Plateau. This crucial crop not only supported higher-altitude settlements but also marked a significant shift in human habitation patterns. Delving into the ancient connections between agriculture and settlement, Graber highlights the pivotal role of food innovation in shaping societies.
Nov 20, 2014 • 4min
Worse Than the Bite
Bed bugs may transmit Chagas disease to mice, but unlikely to happen in humans. Study emphasizes addressing bed bugs as public health concern.
Nov 14, 2014 • 3min
Semen Protects HIV from Microbicide Attack
The podcast discusses why vaginal microbicides have failed in clinical trials against AIDS and explores the role of semen in their ineffectiveness. It also introduces a drug called Marivirach that blocks HIV attachment to cells and provides protection.
Nov 14, 2014 • 3min
Select Few Can Truly Drink to Their Health
Alcohol's supposed benefit to the heart may only be available to people with the right genes, according to a study exploring the relationship between alcohol consumption and heart disease risk.
Nov 12, 2014 • 3min
"We Are on the Comet!"
The podcast discusses the recent landing of the Phililander lander on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. It includes updates on the relocation of the landing gear and features comments from the president of the Italian Space Agency.
Nov 11, 2014 • 3min
Microbiome Studies Contaminated by Sequencing Supplies
Christopher Intagliata, a science reporter known for his insightful coverage of scientific implications, dives into the surprising contamination risks in microbiome research. He reveals how nonsterile lab reagents and DNA extraction kits can introduce foreign DNA into samples, skewing results. Intagliata emphasizes the need for rigorous standards to ensure valid findings in microbiome studies. His exploration highlights the often-overlooked impact of these contaminants on understanding microbial profiles.
