Science Quickly

Host Rachel Feltman, alongside leading science and tech journalists, dives into the rich world of scientific discovery in this bite-size science variety show.

Science
76
America’s Children Face a New Era of Health Risk
A look at how evolving national health policies could reshape the future of kids’ care, from vaccines to essential treatments.
13 min
77
How to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick
Behavioral economist Katy Milkman explains why most New Year’s resolutions fail and shares how science-backed strategies can build habits that last.
15 min
78
ENCORE: Algorithmic Social Media Is Driving New...
Linguist Adam Aleksic explains how viral slang and algorithm-driven speech aren’t destroying language––they’re accelerating its natural evolution.
25 min
79
ENCORE: 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
80
ENCORE: Science’s Greatest 180s
In honor of SciAm’s 180th birthday, we’re spotlighting the biggest “wait, what?” moments in science history.
5 min
81
The Quest for Climate-Ready Christmas Trees
As Christmas trees face mounting challenges from climate change, researchers explore solutions to help ensure that a beloved holiday tradition endures in a warming world.
12 min
82
2025: The Year Science Was Shaken
A look back at 2025’s biggest science stories—from federal upheaval and public health setbacks to climate policy reversals and groundbreaking discoveries in space.
17 min
83
The Hidden Voices of Monk Seals
Researchers uncover 20 new underwater calls from Hawaii’s endangered monk seals.
19 min
84
Inside the Struggle to Save an Orca Community
A scientist, a journalist and a remarkable scent‑detecting dog race to learn what’s endangering the last southern resident orcas.
10 min
85
Hobbit Disappearance Explained, Second-Hottest ...
This week’s science roundup covers 2025’s near-record heat, a new mpox strain and fresh clues about why hobbits vanished 50,000 years ago.
8 min
86
Karen Hao on Why AI Is Reshaping Society
Journalist Karen Hao unpacks the rise of AI “empires,” their ideological roots, and the hidden environmental and societal costs of OpenAI’s quest for artificial general intelligence.
26 min
87
Can NASA Deliver on Perseverance’s Promise to R...
NASA’s Perseverance rover has gathered groundbreaking Mars samples, but the mission to bring them home is facing serious challenges.
15 min
88
CDC Vaccine Panel, Satellite Light Pollution, P...
Vaccines coming under fire, satellites crowding the skies, and dogs boosting teen mental health.
8 min
89
New Hope for Treating Postpartum Depression?
This Two-Week Treatment May Reset the Brain
13 min
90
Scientific American Picks the Best Reads of the...
Scientific American unveils its first-ever best fiction and nonfiction books of the year, spotlighting stories that blend science, imagination and unforgettable voices.
10 min
91
Thanksgiving’s Iconic Bird Is Thriving Again in...
Wild turkeys once nearly disappeared, but today they’re thriving.
14 min
92
Tamer Raccoons, COP30 Recap, New Fluoride Research
A new study finds that fluoride is safe for kids’ brain—and linked to slightly better test scores.
8 min
93
The Hidden Worlds of ‘Nanocosmos’
Witness the Hidden Beauty of Snowflakes, Radiolarians and Lunar Rocks
23 min
94
Gut Health Tips for the Holidays
As holiday feasts and stress approach, an expert explains how to keep your gut healthy without skipping the stuffing.
15 min
95
The Digital Time Capsule That Survived Two Decades
Scientific American’s editor in chief David M. Ewalt reflects on a 20-year experiment in e-mailing the future.
12 min
96
Can Vaccines Help Defeat Cancer?
From COVID shots to cancer therapy, mRNA is changing medicine.
20 min
97
Can AI Ease the Pain of Loss?
Science writer David Berreby shares his personal journey with griefbots and discusses how they can offer unexpected comfort, insight and connection in the wake of loss.
11 min
98
Why Some Foods Gross Us Out
Kendra Pierre-Louis steps in as interim host and dives into the science behind why some foods—especially mayonnaise—can gross us out.
11 min
99
The Science of Headaches
Migraine and cluster headaches affect millions—yet research remains surprisingly thin.
13 min
100
Why Defiance Can Be a Virtue
Why saying no is harder than it should be.
15 min