Science, Quickly

Latest Episodes:

Alaska's Salmon Are Shrinking Aug 28, 2020

Show notes

Every year, Alaska’s big salmon runs feature smaller salmon. Climate change and competition with hatchery-raised salmon may be to blame. Julia Rosen reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

End of 'Green Sahara' May Have Spurred a Megadrought in Southeast Asia Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

That drought may have brought about societal shifts in the region 5,000 years ago. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White Rhinos Eavesdrop to Know Who's Who Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

The finding could potentially help wildlife managers keep better tabs on their herds. Jason G. Goldman reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prehistoric Marine Reptile Died after a Giant Meal Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

Researchers found extra bones within a 240-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil—which they determined to be the ichthyosaur’s last, possibly fatal meal. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cows with Eye Images Keep Predators in Arrears Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

Butterflies, fish and frogs sport rear-end eyespots that reduce predation. Painting eye markings on cows similarly seems to ward off predators.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warbler Species Fires Up Song Diversity Aug 18, 2020

Show notes

Hermit warblers in California have developed 35 different song dialects, apparently as a result of wildfires temporarily driving them out of certain areas.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Lava Worlds Shine Brightly (It's Not the Lava) Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

Scientists determined that “lava world” exoplanets do not derive their brightness from molten rock but possibly get it from reflective metallic clouds. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aardvarks Are Ailing amid Heat and Drought Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

Climate change is expected to bring more frequent droughts and heat waves to Africa’s Kalahari Desert. And aardvarks might not be able to cope. Jason G. Goldman reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World's Highest-Dwelling Mammal Lives atop a Volcano Aug 07, 2020

Show notes

Scientists spotted a mouse at the summit of Llullaillaco, a 22,000-foot-tall volcano on the border of Chile and Argentina. Julia Rosen reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dampening of the Senses Is Linked to Dementia Risk Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

A decline in smell was the sense loss most strongly associated with such risk in a recent study. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices