Science Quickly

Science Quickly

Author: Scientific American Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever feel like you want to stay on top of the latest science news but don't have hours to dig through journals? That's the space where Science Quickly lives. Each episode is a compact, engaging conversation designed to fit into your daily routine, whether you're commuting or just taking a break. Host Rachel Feltman brings her sharp curiosity and a journalist's eye to every topic, joined by other seasoned reporters from Scientific American who are out there talking to the researchers on the front lines. You'll hear more than just headlines; this podcast delves into the how and why behind fascinating discoveries, from quirky animal behaviors to groundbreaking climate tech and the inner workings of the human brain. The tone is conversational and often witty, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. It’s a variety show in the best sense, meaning you might explore a deep dive on neutrino detection one day and the science of a perfect cookie the next. Tuning in regularly feels like having a direct line to the most interesting developments, explained by people who are genuinely excited to share them. For anyone with a budding interest in how the world works or a long-time science enthusiast looking for a efficient update, this series from Scientific American consistently delivers substance and surprise in a manageable format.
Episodes
The Science of a Convincing Sorry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:16
What makes an apology sound sincere? Psychologist Shiri Lev-Ari joins host Rachel Feltman to explore how the effort we put into our words—especially through longer, easier-to-understand language—can signal genuine remors…
The Meteorite That Vanished: El Ali’s Strange Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:53
A massive iron meteorite sat undisturbed in the Somali desert for generations—until armed men stole it in 2020. The El Ali meteorite contains at least three minerals never before seen on Earth, making it scientifically p…
Why Is Lung Cancer Surging among Young Women? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:17
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women, surpassing breast and ovarian cancer combined. Thoracic surgeon Jonathan Villena explains why younger nonsmoking women are increasingly affected—and how…
Nobel Prizes, COVID Vaccine Updates and Malnutrition in Gaza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:40
This week on Science Quickly, we break down the 2025 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Physics and Chemistry. We also unpack the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s shifting COVID vaccine guidance, a contr…
The Doctor behind the Commander in Chief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:01
Presidential physicians operate at the intersection of medicine, politics and national security. Former White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman joins Scientific American associate editor Lauren Young to discuss the unique…
Chris Hadfield’s Fictional Universe Is Rooted in Real Space History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
What happens when a real-life astronaut turns to fiction? In this episode, Chris Hadfield shares how decades of spaceflight and global diplomacy inspired his latest novel, Final Orbit, a cold war thriller packed with his…
Enceladus’s Alien Ocean, Ancient Fungi and the Flavor of Influenza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:47
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 t…
Enter One of the World’s Quietest Rooms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:05
Inside one of the quietest rooms in the world, host Rachel Feltman meets artist-in-residence Seth Cluett at the historic anechoic chamber at Bell Labs to explore the science of silence and sound perception. From popping…
What’s Driving Experts Away from the CDC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:28
Several top public health experts have resigned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, citing a troubling shift away from science-based decision-making. Former director of the CDC's National Center for Immu…