Science Quickly

We're surrounded by risks of all sizes, every day. Some people might be risk-takers, while others do whatever they can to avoid them. But how can we tackle the risks that impact society on a global scale, like those linked to sustainable energy, societal health and digital technology? Science journalist Izzie Clarke explores this question in the latest podcast from Scientific American Custom Media. She sat down with Chris Cramer, chief research officer and interim president for the leading safety science organization UL Research Institutes.This podcast was produced for UL Research Institutes by Scientific American Custom Media, a division separate from the magazine’s board of editors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration continues to make cuts to U.S. science and health agencies. Now some states are fighting back, suing the Department of Health and Human Services for slashing $11 billion in public health funds. A study finds that Americans live shorter lives than Europeans with the same income—stress and other systemic issues could be to blame. While much-hyped asteroid 2024 YR4 is no longer a risk to Earth, it could still hit the moon—a possibility that has some scientists excited. Plus, we give an update on the U.S.’s measles outbreak and the troubling hesitancy that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is showing toward communicating with the public. Recommended reading:As Measles Continues to Rise, CDC Muffles Vaccine Messaging JWST Delivers Best-Yet Look at That Worrisome AsteroidAmericans Are Lonelier Than Europeans in Middle AgeE-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

The U.S. Department of State recently announced plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. While some of USAID’s functions will continue under the Department of State, there is real concern that the cuts will jeopardize public health efforts across the world, including immunization programs and other efforts that have saved the lives of millions of children. Senior health and medicine editor Tanya Lewis joins host Rachel Feltman to explore the agency’s lifesaving programs and to discuss the devastating effects that will occur when the U.S. divests from global public health efforts. Recommended reading:USAID Funding Saved Millions of Children’s Lives. Recent Cuts Put It in Jeopardy Watch now:John Green on How Tuberculosis Shaped Our Modern WorldE-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 with guest Tanya Lewis. 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

The human body is capable of some truly incredible things. One of the most mysterious and debated phenomena is a release of fluid during sex that is often referred to as “squirting.” What’s actually happening, and why does it stir so much speculation? Wendy Zukerman, host of the hit podcast Science Vs, breaks down the science behind this fascinating topic, exploring what we know, what we don’t and what the controversy surrounding it is.Recommended reading:What a Survey On Anal Sex and Masturbation Reveals About Prostates and PleasureE-mail 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

NASA's Curiosity rover suggests Mars once hosted life with findings of carbon-based molecules. Paleontologists unveil a gigantic dinosaur claw meant for foraging. Exciting marine studies reveal that sharks communicate through unique sounds, while cuttlefish display clever hunting techniques. Meanwhile, federal funding cuts threaten science and health programs, impacting COVID research and more. Amidst these discoveries, the natural world continues to surprise.

Join Vladimir Bulović, director of MIT.nano, as he takes you through MIT's impressive clean room dedicated to nanoscale research. Discover how rigorous cleanliness impacts microelectronics and medical nanotechnology. Learn about the advanced tools like scanning tunneling microscopes revealing the secrets of atomic structures. Bulović also discusses groundbreaking fabrication techniques shaping the future of quantum circuits and the transformative potential of nanoscale advancements in everyday technology, including smartphones and solar cells.

Mason Heberling, Associate Curator of Botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, dives deep into the nuanced realm of invasive species. He challenges conventional views, urging listeners to reconsider how we label and manage these plants. Discover the critical role of human activity in their spread and the importance of responsible communication. Heberling also advocates for native plants in gardening, highlighting their potential to restore ecosystems. This conversation redefines our approach to environmental stewardship, encouraging a more informed perspective.

Two NASA astronauts are back on Earth after an unexpected nine-month space adventure! Dive into how gray seals master their breath-holding skills with an oxygen gauge. Discover the surprising impact of penguin poop on krill in Antarctica, revealing stress levels and ecological consequences. This week’s news is packed with fascinating science that showcases the wonders of nature and space!

Vijay Agarwal, the Chief of the Skull-Base Tumor Center at Montefiore Einstein, lends his neurosurgical expertise to discuss the fascinating premise of separating work and personal life through a brain implant in Severance. He details how real neuroscience influences the show's narrative and delves into the techniques behind memory and emotional control. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas surrounding neurological interventions, as well as the community's excitement and theories surrounding the show.

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