Influencers are obsessed with peptides. What does the science say?

Influencers are obsessed with peptides. What does the science say?

Author: Scientific American May 8, 2026 Duration: 20:26
Peptides are everywhere right now—from weight-loss drugs to TikTok wellness hacks—but the science hasn’t caught up with the hype. Journalist Victoria Song joins Science Quickly host Rachel Feltman to break down what peptides actually are, why influencers are promoting “research-only” versions you can buy and inject yourself, and what risks are posed by this growing gray-market trend. From misleading marketing to real safety concerns, we unpack the Internet’s latest wellness obsession.  Recommended Reading: “Influencers are pushing suspicious peptides. How much are you willing to risk?” by Victoria Song in the Verge. Published online January 23, 2026 “I don’t think Gwyneth Paltrow knows what a peptide is,” by Victoria Song in the Verge. Published online April 24, 2026 Peptides promise longevity and healing. Does the science back them up? Where do you stand on the use of peptides for health and wellness? 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

Science Quickly
Podcast Episodes
Thanksgiving’s Iconic Bird Is Thriving Again in the Wild [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:57
Wild turkeys were once on the brink of disappearing from the U.S.’s forests, with populations dropping to just tens of thousands by the 1930s. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have soared to more than six mi…
Tamer Raccoons, COP30 Recap, New Fluoride Research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
Zoya Teirstein, a senior staff writer at Grist, joins host Kendra Pierre-Louis to talk about this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP30, which wrapped up in Brazil last week. Plus, new studies debunk…
The Hidden Worlds of ‘Nanocosmos’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
In his new book, Nanocosmos: Journeys in Electron Space, artist and writer Michael Benson transforms scientific imaging into art, capturing intricate natural designs that inspire awe and wonder. Join host Kendra Pierre-L…
Gut Health Tips for the Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
Holiday meals can delight our taste buds while the food puts real strain on our digestion. Host Kendra Pierre-Louis talks with Northwestern University gastroenterology expert Kathryn Tomasino about why digestion is influ…
The Digital Time Capsule That Survived Two Decades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:05
Our editor in chief David M. Ewalt revisits a remarkable 20-year experiment: an e-mail time capsule designed to deliver digital messages from the past into the future. What began as a tech project at Forbes evolved into…
Can Vaccines Help Defeat Cancer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:04
Host Kendra Pierre-Louis speaks with reporter Rowan Moore Gerety about how mRNA vaccines, first successfully developed to protect against COVID, are now being tested to treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Together,…
Can AI Ease the Pain of Loss? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:10
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 wi…
Why Some Foods Gross Us Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:43
In this episode of Science Quickly, Rachel Feltman introduces interim host Kendra Pierre-Louis, a climate journalist with a strong aversion to mayonnaise—and a knack for turning that disgust into fascinating science repo…
The Science of Headaches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:06
Headaches are among the most common human experiences—yet science still struggles to explain them. Journalist Tom Zeller, Jr., joins host Rachel Feltman to explore the cultural, gender-related and scientific blind spots…
Why Defiance Can Be a Virtue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:41
Many of us are taught from a young age that being “good” means being obedient—but that conditioning can make it hard to speak up when it counts. In this episode, Cornell University professor Sunita Sah explains how defia…