Jan 21

What is consciousness, really?

In this episode, we explore what consciousness is, how the brain creates it and what current science says about dreams, anesthesia, animals and even artificial intelligence. Scientific American’s associate editor Allison Parshall breaks down what the leading theories are and why ... Show More

16m 16s

Jan 19

EPA weakens air pollution rules, cancer survival soars, and NASA evacuates astronauts

In this episode of Science Quickly, we unpack the Environmental Protection Agency’s controversial decision to change how it calculates health benefits from regulating certain air pollutants, a move that experts warn could lead to dirtier air and worse health outcomes. And we’ve a ... Show More

11m 13s

Jan 16

How Venezuela’s Heavy Crude Shapes Climate Risks

In this episode, we dive into the climate stakes behind Venezuela’s vast but troubled oil reserves and the country’s mounting tensions with neighboring Guyana. Climate reporter Amy Westervelt breaks down why the region’s heavy crude oil, aging infrastructure and escalating border ... Show More

18m 34s

Jun 2025

What ‘Immortal’ Jellyfish and Famously Old Tortoises Tell Us about Aging

Animals’ lifespans can be far shorter or much longer than those of humans. Scientists are researching creatures such as “immortal” jellyfish and long-lived tortoises and digging deep into genetic codes to figure out why animals age—and what we can do to improve longevity in human ... Show More

14m 27s

Aug 2025

Science’s Greatest 180s

Science doesn’t always get it right the first time—and that’s part of the journey. In this anniversary episode, we explore how ideas about nerve damage, sustainable materials and alien life have done a full 180. Recommended Reading Celebrating 180 Years of Scientific American 180 ... Show More

8m 4s

Sep 2025

Kissing Bugs, Koalas and Clues to Life on Mars

A paper published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention argues that Chagas disease is now endemic in the U.S. Koalas may finally be spared from a deadly epidemic. Meanwhile NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has uncovered tantalizing clues about potential ancient microbia ... Show More

9m 37s

Oct 6

Enceladus’s Alien Ocean, Ancient Fungi and the Flavor of Influenza

Saturn’s moon Enceladus reveals complex organic molecules that could hint at extraterrestrial life. Researchers also uncover fungi’s ancient reign over Earth and warn that second COVID infections may pose greater risks to young people. Plus, ants ferment yogurt, and flu detection ... Show More

9m 47s

May 2025

Do Mitochondria Talk to Each Other? A New Look at the Cell’s Powerhouse

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell—but new research suggests they might be far more complex. Columbia University’s Martin Picard joins Scientific American’s Rachel Feltman to explore how these tiny organelles could be communicating and what that might mean for e ... Show More

27m 4s

Aug 2025

The Deep Sea’s Mysterious Oxygen Source

Trillions of potato-sized rocks scattered across the deep ocean floor are rich in metals such as cobalt and copper—making them a target for mining companies eager to fuel the clean-energy transition. But recent research suggests these rocks may also be supporting marine life in w ... Show More

18m 3s

Jun 2025

Cosmic Coin Toss, Record Heat in the North Atlantic and Living Worm Towers

New simulations suggest the Milky Way’s long-predicted collision with Andromeda might be less of a cosmic certainty than we thought. A massive marine heat wave in 2023 sent North Atlantic temperatures soaring—equal to two decades’ worth of typical warming—with weak winds and clim ... Show More

8m 51s

Nov 12

Can AI Ease the Pain of Loss?

Griefbots—artificial-intelligence-powered chat tools that simulate conversations with the deceased—are helping some people navigate loss in unexpected ways. Science writer David Berreby shares his firsthand experience with these digital companions and explores what they reveal ab ... Show More

13m 10s

Aug 2025

Could Peanut Allergies Be Cured?

Peanut allergies have surged dramatically in recent decades, and scientists are still working to understand why. In this episode, journalist Maryn Mckenna, who recently authored an article on the subject, and host Rachel Feltman explore the latest research on causes, treatments a ... Show More

20m 29s

Aug 2025

Animals in the year 20202025

What do scientists think animals might be like millions of years from now? (First published in 2021) Guests: Benji Jones, senior correspondent at Vox; David Willard, ornithologist at Chicago's Field Museum; Liz Alter, marine biologist at San José State University; Jingmai O'Conno ... Show More

27m 19s

What ‘Immortal’ Jellyfish and Famously O...