Host Rachel Feltman, alongside leading science and tech journalists, dives into the rich world of scientific discovery in this bite-size science variety show.
Scientific American in 1925: Solar Eclipses, Se...
We present a historical romp through Scientific American—100 years ago.
8 min
27
How to Become an Urban Naturalist
Finding Wondrous Wildlife Amid the Concrete Jungle
23 min
28
Our Fear and Fascination around Snakes
In a new book called Slither, Stephen S. Hall takes a deep dive into the biology and history of one of the most reviled animals.
15 min
29
Childhood Illnesses Surge, Magnetic Poles Wande...
This week’s news roundup covers measles and whooping cough cases, evidence of a carbon cycle on Mars and the first glimpse at a colossal squid in its natural habitat.
7 min
30
From the Internet’s Beginnings to Our Understa...
Hear takeaways from 35 years at Scientific American from Gary Stix, our recently retired mind and brain editor.
19 min
31
A Disinfectant That’s More Powerful Than Bleach...
Hypochlorous acid has a lot of buzz in the beauty industry, but this nontoxic disinfectant has many possible uses.
13 min
32
A Long Day on Uranus, a Better Method of Making...
A fluid study homes in on the best method to make a cup of coffee, scientists use the Hubble Telescope to reassess the length of a day on Uranus, and we discuss more of the latest in science in this news roundup.
7 min
33
How Are Prenatal Blood Tests Detecting Cancer?
Researchers are trying to understand how a common prenatal blood test called NIPT is detecting cancer in some pregnant patients.
19 min
34
Treating Bacterial Vaginosis as an STI Could Im...
Bacterial vaginosis is an irritating overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. A new study has found that some cases of the condition should be treated like a sexually transmitted infection.
18 min
35
How the Science of Safety Helps Tackle Global R...
In a busy world with increasing risks, what can be done to engineer a safer existence for humanity?
16 min
36
Yodeling Monkeys, Increasing Measles Cases and ...
States sue HHS for public health cuts, measles cases continue to rise, and a study finds Americans live shorter lives compared with their European counterparts.
7 min
37
Cutting USAID Threatens Public Health around th...
USAID is responsible for global health efforts that have saved the lives of millions of children. What happens when those programs are cut?
10 min
38
Understanding the Science of ‘Squirting’
A mysterious and often debated aspect of human sexuality colloquially known as “squirting” sparks controversy. This episode explores what research reveals.
16 min
39
Shark Sounds, Molecules on Mars and Continued F...
Cuts to federal health and science agencies continue. Plus, we discuss the sounds of sharks, the meaning of Martian molecules and one big dino claw.
7 min
40
Go Inside M.I.T.'s 50,000 Square Foot Clean Room
There’s Nothing Small about this Nanoscale Research
18 min
41
Are These Plants Out of Place? A New Look at In...
Botanist Mason Heberling challenges how we think about invasive species and our role in their spread.
15 min
42
NASA Astronauts Finally Return, Seals Hold The...
In this week’s news roundup, two NASA astronauts finally return to Earth after nine unexpected months in space, gray seals hold their breath for more than an hour, and penguin poop panics krill.
A neurosurgeon who has acted as a consultant for Severance explains the science behind the show’s brain-altering procedure—and whether it could ever become reality.
16 min
44
What Everyone Gets Wrong about Colonoscopies
A colonoscopy can save your life, but misinformation keeps many people from getting one. A gastroenterologist sets the record straight.
9 min
45
NASA Launches New Missions, Saturn Gains Some M...
The EPA rolls back regulations, NASA launches two exciting missions, and we discuss the surprising way whale urine moves nitrogen across the ocean.
7 min
46
Movie Magic Meets Practical Robotics for Netfli...
A robotics researcher takes on the Russo brothers’ vision from the new movie The Electric State.
16 min
47
A Tuberculosis Outbreak Exposes U.S. Postpandem...
On COVID’s fifth anniversary, the U.S. is facing an outbreak of tuberculosis in Kansas that makes strong public health systems as important as ever.
13 min
48
Measles Misinformation, Ozone Recovery and Wool...
In this week's news roundup, we dig into measles misinformation, ozone recovery and new findings on using nasal cartilage to treat knee injuries.
8 min
49
Author John Green on How Tuberculosis Shaped Ou...
Novelist John Green talks about his new nonfiction book, Everything is Tuberculosis, and the inequities in treatment for the highly infectious disease.
9 min
50
Must Be Microplastics on the Brain
Many people are concerned about microplastics reaching our brain—but few realize how this connects with petroleum production and the climate crisis.