Hantavirus update, PCOS name change, ‘cheeky’ fish behavior

Hantavirus update, PCOS name change, ‘cheeky’ fish behavior

Author: Scientific American May 18, 2026 Duration: 11:43
 In this episode of Science Quickly, we get the latest on the hantavirus outbreak with Tanya Lewis, Scientific American’s senior desk editor for health and medicine. We also unpack why the common health condition previously named polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. Then SciAm’s chief newsletter editor Andrea Gawrylewski shares an interesting story about subatomic particles from this month’s issue of the magazine. And finally, we dive into the phenomenon known as “cloacal diving”—wherein one fish hides in another animal’s “butthole.” Recommended Reading: Can hantavirus spread through the air? What we do and don’t know Why hantavirus takes so long to show symptoms and what that means for containment Doubts grow over theory that bird-watchers’ trip to Argentine landfill sparked hantavirus outbreak ‘PCOS is inaccurate’—why scientists renamed polycystic ovary syndrome Mining companies are using cosmic rays to find critical minerals Sucker fish are hiding in manta rays’ ‘butthole,’ new study reveals E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Sushmita Pathak and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura, with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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