

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

Mar 18, 2024 • 9min
The Great Debate: Could We Ever Travel through Time?
Editors Clara and Lee debate the feasibility of time travel, discussing time dilation, traveling into the future, and theories of traveling into the past using wormholes. They explore the challenges of stable wormholes, negative energy requirements, and debunking popular myths about time travel. The podcast dives into the complexities and paradoxes of time travel, including the grandmother paradox and the concept of multiverses.

Mar 15, 2024 • 8min
The Science behind Humpback Whales’ Eerie Songs
Explore the fascinating origins of Humpback whale songs and the recent scientific revelations behind their melodies. Discover the unique vocalization mechanism of these whales and the impact of noise pollution on their communication. Learn how human boating noise disrupts the vital communication of humpback whales and the importance of sound in their communication compared to human methods.

Mar 14, 2024 • 12min
Large Study of ME/CFS Patients Reveals Measurable Physical Changes
Exploring ME/CFS, a study reveals immune dysfunction & treatments lack. MRI scans, cognitive function, immune function abnormalities highlighted. Study examines brain function, metabolites, neurotransmitters, potential treatments implications.

Mar 11, 2024 • 11min
Hunger in Gaza Could Affect Survivors' Health for Decades
The podcast discusses how famines can lead to long-term health problems, impacting children, pregnant women, and future generations. It explores the harrowing effects of malnutrition in Gaza, highlighting a case of a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy. The episode delves into the Dutch Hunger Winter study to explain the irreversible effects of malnutrition on health. It also explores the intergenerational impacts of famine exposure through epigenetics, including the potential existence of a 'starvation gene'.

5 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 12min
These Invasive Ants Are Changing How Lions Hunt
Invasive big-headed ants disrupt the African savanna ecosystem, altering lion hunting behavior. Researchers uncover how ants affect tree cover and herbivore distribution, leading to changes in lion prey preference. Conservation efforts are highlighted to protect acacia trees and iconic savanna species from the impact of invasive ants.

Mar 4, 2024 • 11min
Should You Swab Your Throat Plus Your Nose for COVID?
Exploring the effectiveness of throat swabs alongside nasal swabs in COVID testing, research findings show throat swabs by healthcare workers were more accurate, benefits of using nasal and throat swabs in combination to enhance testing accuracy, and discussions on evolving CDC guidelines.

Mar 1, 2024 • 16min
Is This the Earliest Evidence of Human Cannibalism?
Exploring evidence of cannibalism in early human ancestors through a 1.45 million-year-old tibia bone with stone tool cut marks. Delving into the complexities of distinguishing between ritual practices and cannibalism, drawing parallels to known instances in Neanderthals. Emphasizing the use of stone knives by early humans for meat cutting and sparking interest in further research in the field.

Feb 28, 2024 • 14min
What Do You Mean, Bisexual People Are ‘Risk-Taking’? Why Genetic Studies about Sexuality Can Be Fraught
Genetic studies on bisexuality and risk-taking behavior raise questions about assumptions and data limitations. Challenges in categorizing behavior in genetic research. Historical biases and risks in genetic studies on sexuality highlighted, cautioning against misinterpretation and misuse of findings.

Feb 23, 2024 • 14min
Asexuality Research Has Reached New Heights. What Are We Learning?
Exploring the evolving language of asexuality, growth of online asexual community, diversity within asexuality spectrum, romantic attractions in ace community, demographics and identities within ace community

Feb 21, 2024 • 14min
How to Close the Orgasm Gap for Heterosexual Couples
Researchers explore the orgasm gap in heterosexual couples, facing challenges and initiatives to enhance female sexual pleasure. They discuss disparities in orgasm rates, the importance of communication and self-exploration in improving intimacy and understanding desires.