

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

Aug 23, 2023 • 13min
Here's How You Go Birding in the Middle of the Night
Discover the challenges of identifying nocturnal bird sounds and how computer software and spectrograms aid in identification. Learn about a social media group that assists in bird identification. Reflect on the journey of learning and discovering bird calls. Explore the excitement and challenges of nighttime bird surveillance and the importance of a large sample size for understanding bird populations.

Aug 21, 2023 • 17min
Using Human-Sized Microphones and Hay Bales, They Unlocked the Mysteries of Bird Migration
Exploring the challenges and significance of recording bird migration. The early days of recording bird migration using parabolic dishes and tape recorders. The speaker's obsession with recording bird migration sounds. Identifying bird calls during migration and the progress made with experts.

Aug 18, 2023 • 10min
They Tap Into the Magical, Hidden Pulse of the Planet, but What is the Nighttime Bird Surveillance Network?
Discover the fascinating world of bird migration and the nighttime bird surveillance network. Explore the mysterious phenomenon of migratory birds' nocturnal flight calls and the ongoing efforts to decipher them.

Aug 16, 2023 • 14min
Hearing Aids Stave Off Cognitive Decline
Hearing aids may help maintain better brain functions in older people, as discussed in a study. The podcast explores the barriers and stigma surrounding the use of hearing aids, highlighting the importance of overcoming them. It also discusses the implications of untreated hearing loss on cognitive decline, balance, isolation, and loneliness. The range of over-the-counter hearing aids and the connection between hearing aids and brain health are also explored.

5 snips
Aug 14, 2023 • 10min
In This Ancient Garden, Plants Can Cure or Kill You
Learn about the Chelsea Physic Garden, its collection of poisonous and medicinal plants. Explore the original purpose of the garden in teaching apothecary apprentices. Discover the story of Christie, an author influenced by her knowledge of poisons. Delve into the healing power of plants and gardens.

Aug 9, 2023 • 14min
The Fungi Economy, Part 3: Can Climate Modeling from Space Save Our Forests?
Here’s how scientists are planning on getting underground fungi data from space using satellites.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2023 • 17min
The Fungi Economy, Part 2: Here's How Plants and Fungi Trade beneath Our Feet
Exploring the crucial role of fungi in nutrient exchange with trees and carbon storage in forests. Use of satellites and machine learning to map underground fungi. Discussion on mapping data and climate change impact on fungi and plants. Examining the potential of different fungi groups in acquiring nitrogen and the importance of accurate ecosystem monitoring.

Aug 4, 2023 • 15min
The Fungi Economy, Part 1: Just like Us, Trees Are Experiencing Inflation
Like us, plants and fungi have complex economies. By burning fossil fuels, we’ve been devaluing their currency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 2, 2023 • 10min
Could Weight-Loss Drugs Curb Addiction? Your Health, Quickly, Episode 12
Drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic might help people tackle substance abuse as well as shed pounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2023 • 10min
How to Roll a Joint Perfectly, according to Science
Scientists use a smoking machine to measure the amount of cannabinoids per puff. They explore the mechanics of cannabis joints, the impact of strain and particle size on joint potency, and the effects of particle size on burning rate and cannabinoid release.


