Science writer Sam Kean joins Science Quickly to explore the hands-on world of experimental archaeology—where researchers don’t just study the past; they rebuild it. From launching medieval catapults to performing ancient brain surgery with stone tools, Kean shares his firsthand experiences with re-creating the techniques and technologies of long-lost civili ... Show More
Yesterday
A stunning solar eclipse, a vaccine shake-up and coffee’s big win
In this episode of Science Quickly, we explore the awe of a rare total solar eclipse, examine renewed controversy around childhood vaccines, look at the aftermath of Colombia’s major earthquake and unpack the latest evidence on coffee’s health benefits. Recommended Reading: The 2 ... Show More
12m 14s
Aug 14
How AI helped a nonspeaking opera star find his voice
In this episode of Science Quickly, we meet Jakob Jordan, an autistic performer with apraxia, who stars in the groundbreaking opera Sensorium Ex. Host Rachel Feltman talks with Jordan, composer Paola Prestini and New York University researcher Luke DuBois about the custom artific ... Show More
24m 38s
Jul 2025
What Did Ancient Egyptian Bread Taste Like? with Sam Kean
Experimental archaeology is the science (and art!) of discovering what ancient worlds smelled, tasted, sounded, and felt like… a process that often involves going to some truly incredible lengths. Author Sam Kean stops by to recount his adventures researching his new book, Dinner ... Show More
48m 22s
Feb 2025
Brian Cox: "Something Enormous Existed Before the Big Bang"
Welcome to Science Documentaries, your ultimate destination for discovery, knowledge, and scientific exploration. At Science Documentaries, we create a unique auditory experience that helps you delve into the mysteries of the universe. Our carefully curated episodes feature in-de ... Show More
28m 55s
Feb 2021
Oliver asks: What if scientists bring back dinosaurs? (w/ Kennen Hutchison)
Kennen from The King of Random joins us on another time-bending excursion full of sciency magic, magicy science, and, of course, mishap. Can he, Whendiana, Learninator, and Abacus bring dinosaurs back to What If World’s future?
Lessons include: Good science takes lots of time, c ... Show More
19m 21s
Jul 2018
Sam Kean, “The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code” (Back Bay, 2013)
In The Disappearing Spoon, bestselling author Sam Kean unlocked the mysteries of the periodic table. In The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code (Bay Back Books, 2013), he explores the wonders of the magical building blo ... Show More
50m 13s
Feb 2025
Flushing History: How Sewers and Toilets Shaped Civilization
Welcome to Science Documentaries, your ultimate destination for discovery, knowledge, and scientific exploration. At Science Documentaries, we create a unique auditory experience that helps you delve into the mysteries of the universe. Our carefully curated episodes feature in-de ... Show More
50m 5s