logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
37m 4s

How realistic are crime shows about fore...

Melissa and Jam, Bleav
About this episode
CSI makes forensic science look fast, easy, and almost magical. But how much of that is actually true?This week we’re joined by forensic chemist and graduate student Nicki Stewart to answer your questions about forensic science. We talk about crime shows, fingerprints, toxicology, illicit drugs, and what really happens inside a forensic laboratory. Plus, Nic ... Show More
Up next
Jun 8
What is BCCE and why are people so excited about it?
What happens when the world’s largest gathering of chemistry educators decides to try something new? This summer we’re partnering with the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) for a special series of Monday episodes. In this kickoff conversation, Melissa sits down wit ... Show More
1h 10m
Jun 4
How does a pencil eraser remove graphite?
How can the same element make both pencil lead and diamonds? This week we wrap up our pencil chemistry mini-series by answering a surprisingly tricky question: how do erasers actually erase? Then we dive into one of chemistry’s coolest ideas. Graphite and diamond are both made en ... Show More
35m 2s
May 28
How do gemstones get their color?
#158 Rebroadcast Gemstones come in all sorts of colors, but how do they get them? Are different stones super different at the molecular level? How do these different colors happen naturally? And how can those colors be replicated in lab-made gemstones? Let's get into it. Referenc ... Show More
44m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
The Role Our Microbiome Plays In Our ‘Gut Feelings’
Scientists are tuning in to a surprising conversation happening inside us—between our gut and our brain. Host Rachel Feltman chats with Maya Kaelberer, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona’s department of physiology, to explore how intestinal cells and microbiomes ... Show More
13m 26s
Nov 2025
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 2017
Sweat
Simon Morton and Alison Ballance present a three-part series exploring the science of sweat, virtual reality and Vitamin C. This week, the function of a much-maligned bodily fluid that plays a vital role in keeping us humans healthy and alive. Human sweat - 99 percent water with ... Show More
27m 13s
Apr 2025
Explosive Science with Kate the Chemist
<p>What are chemical reactions like in space? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice team up with Kate the Chemist to explore how cesium helps us tell time, the elusive quest for the periodic table’s “island of stability,” how AI is revolutionizing chemistry, and more!</p><p>NOTE: St ... Show More
54m 29s
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
Oct 2025
Things You Thought You Knew – Quantum Cat
<p>What happens when you fall into a black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice give us the step-by-step on spaghettification, explain Schrodinger's cat, and explore quantum tunnelling… Or do they? </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-fr ... Show More
46m 35s
Apr 2025
Changing the World (Literally)
<p>Could we create an atmospheric sun shield to halt the effects of global warming? Should we? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly are joined by climate scientist Daniele Visioni and sociologist Holly Jean Buck to explore the science and ethics of deliberately alte ... Show More
58m 27s
Oct 2025
The Science of Godzilla, Zombies & Other Monsters, with Charles Liu
<p>Would Godzilla be structurally sound or too big for its own weight? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist Charles Liu, takes a look at monsters that have terrified us, like zombies in <i>The Last of Us</i> or Godzilla, and the scary speculative science behind t ... Show More
52m 52s
Aug 2021
WYS - Viva Los Virgos
Va-va-Virgo! We relish all that is MUTABLE EARTH. On this week's ep we dive into Virgo energy, mushrooms + seaweed, climate change, control, Naked & Afraid fan Daniel Day Lewis, science + nature <3 VIVA LOS VIRGOS!Follow your WYS hosts! Julia Loken @julialoken, Stevie Anderson @s ... Show More
58m 25s
Sep 2025
Voice
<p>Over the course of millions of years, human voices have evolved to hold startling power. These clouds of vibrating air carry crucial information about who we are–and we rely on them to push ourselves up and out into the physical world.</p><p>This week, we’re on a journey to un ... Show More
1h 6m
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami