Science Quickly

Mason Heberling, Associate Curator of Botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, challenges the typical views on invasive plants. He argues that these species are often mischaracterized and deserve a nuanced understanding. The conversation highlights the human role in their spread and the importance of thoughtful communication about them. Heberling emphasizes empowering gardening practices, advocating for supporting native plants and ecosystems, and encourages listeners to rethink their relationship with these misunderstood flora.

NASA astronauts are finally back on Earth after an unexpected nine-month adventure in space. Discover how gray seals manage to hold their breath for over an hour thanks to an impressive built-in oxygen gauge. Meanwhile, learn about the surprising stress that penguin poop causes for krill in the Antarctic ecosystem. These quirky tales shine a light on the wonders of science and the interconnectedness of nature, making for a fascinating journey into the natural world.

In a fascinating conversation with Vijay Agarwal, Chief of the Skull-Base Tumor Center at Montefiore Einstein, the podcast explores the unsettling premise of brain implants in Severance. Agarwal discusses how real neuroscience influenced the show's depiction of identity separation. He explains Transmagnetic Stimulation and its potential risks, along with ethical dilemmas surrounding technological interventions in brain function. The dialogue also touches on the cultural impact of the show and how it prompts viewers and professionals alike to rethink work-life balance.

Colonoscopy gets a bad rap, but how much of what you’ve heard is actually true? In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re tackling the biggest myths that keep people from getting this potentially lifesaving screening. John Nathanson, a gastroenterologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, joins host Rachel Feltman to clear up what the misconceptions are, explain what to expect and share why this test is so important.Recommended reading:The Colon Cancer Conundrum Colon Cancer Linked to Mouth Bacteria Email us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check our show. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Environmental Protection Agency administrator plans to get rid of or weaken critical environmental rules and policies, such as regulations around greenhouse gases and clean water protections. The deregulation effort follows the recent cancellation of hundreds of grants. NASA launched two missions last week. The first, SPHEREx, will make a three-dimensional map of the sky. The second, PUNCH, is a collection of satellites meant to study solar wind. Plus, Saturn gains some moons, and whale urine balances ecosystems.Recommended reading:Trump EPA Unveils Aggressive Plans to Dismantle Climate Regulation New NASA Space Telescope Will See the Universe in 102 ColorsHeliophysics Is Set to Shine in 2025E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!Discover something new every day: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman. Our show is edited by Alex Sugiura with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dennis Hong, a professor at UCLA and director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory, shares his passion for robotics inspired by Star Wars. He discusses the fascinating creation of Cosmo, the robot from The Electric State, highlighting the blend of practical robotics and Hollywood imagination. Hong delves into innovative robot designs, including a unique helium balloon concept, and addresses the challenges of integrating AI with these robots. He also celebrates the life-enhancing potential of robotics while reflecting on its ethical implications.

Five years post-COVID, U.S. public health agencies are facing new challenges, highlighted by a tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas. The episode busts myths about TB's resurgence and emphasizes the critical need for clear communication and community trust during health crises. It discusses the urgent requirement for strengthening public health infrastructure amidst rising infectious diseases, as well as the alarming shift in public health legal powers that could hamper future pandemic response. Resilience and experienced leadership are deemed essential for recovery.

As measles cases spike, experts debunk the myth that vitamin A can replace vaccines. A recent Supreme Court ruling threatens the EPA’s water pollution regulations, raising alarms for environmental protection. Plus, scientists have genetically engineered woolly mice, paving the way for potential de-extinction efforts. The podcast highlights ozone layer recovery and innovative treatments for knee injuries, showcasing the exciting intersection of science and ethics in biotechnology.

John Green, an acclaimed author and Vlogbrother, dives into the world of tuberculosis and its profound effects on history and society. He shares his personal journey from young adult fiction to exploring this pressing health crisis. Green highlights the shocking inequities in access to treatment and discusses how tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death despite being curable. Through captivating stories, he emphasizes the cultural impact of the disease and encourages a humanized understanding of its ongoing challenges.

Megha Satyanarayana, Chief Opinion Editor at Scientific American, dives into alarming findings about microplastics in our brain and their broader implications. She discusses the environmental journey of plastics beyond factories and their hidden health risks. Satyanarayana also shares insights about her column, Cross Currents, which aims to clarify scientific narratives in public discourse. Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of effective science communication in tackling misinformation and fostering public engagement with critical health issues.