Humans are the only species that has chins. How this unique trait evolved has always been somewhat of a mystery. In this episode of Science Quickly, host Kendra Pierre-Louis talks to paleoanthropologist Lauren Schroeder, who co-authored a recent study that sheds light on the evolutionary riddle of the chin and the ways that evolution can sometimes occur unex ... Show More
Mar 30
NASA’s nuclear spacecraft, Iran war climate fallout and a promising new Lyme shot
In this episode of Science Quickly, we dig into NASA’s bold push toward a nuclear‑powered mission to Mars and plans for a long‑term lunar base, examine how the Iran war has triggered massive carbon emissions and a looming climate cost from the needed reconstruction and break down ... Show More
10m 58s
Mar 25
Can AI do math, or does it just act like a calculator?
In this episode of Science Quickly, Kendra Pierre-Louis and SciAm reporter Joe Howlett explore a new math challenge designed to test whether today’s AI models can truly tackle cutting‑edge proofs. They break down how the experiment works, what early results say about AI’s mathema ... Show More
16m 24s
Jan 2021
Why do cornstarch and water do that thing?
<p><strong>#078</strong></p>
<p>It's one of life's most head-scratchy questions, and one of the most popular chemistry mysteries for youtubers. So let's get to the bottom of this crazy, shape-shifting substance, and finally find out why cornstarch and water do that thing!</p>
<p> ... Show More
32m 44s
Feb 2025
Getting malaria on purpose
Dylan got malaria on purpose. And he thinks you should, too.
Guest: Dylan Matthews, senior correspondent at Vox’s Future Perfect
This episode was made in partnership with Vox’s Future Perfect team.
For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts
For more, go to vox.com/unexpla ... Show More
26m 24s
<p><strong>#011 Rebroadcast</strong></p>
<p>Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that <em>stick</em> and things that just <em>feel</em> sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces t ... Show More
