Science, Quickly

Latest Episodes:

Turn Xmas Tree into Food and Medicine Dec 29, 2018

Show notes

Pine needles can easily be broken down into sugars as well as the building blocks of paint, adhesives and medicines. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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Simple Sugars Wipe Out Beneficial Gut Bugs Dec 27, 2018

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Fructose and sucrose can make it all the way to the colon, where they spell a sugary death sentence for beneficial bacteria. Karen Hopkin reports.

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Smarter Pricing Could Ease Parking Frustration Dec 26, 2018

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A new algorithm raises parking rates in busy neighborhoods and lowers them elsewhere, guaranteeing free parking spots regardless of location. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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"Hunger Hormone" Ghrelin Aids Overindulgence Dec 25, 2018

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Ghrelin, the hormone that makes you hungry, also makes food, and food smells, irresistibly appealing. Karen Hopkin reports.

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Colorful Peacocks Impress Females with Good Vibes Dec 24, 2018

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Peafowls' head crests are specifically tuned to the vibrations produced by feather-rattling male peacocks, thus acting as a sort of antenna. Jason G. Goldman reports.

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"Relaxation Music" Works—but So Does Chopin Dec 22, 2018

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So-called "relaxation music" is only about as effective as a soothing Chopin piece at lulling listeners into a relaxed state. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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You Gotta Scratch That Itch Dec 19, 2018

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A particular set of brain neurons may be behind registering itch and inducing us to scratch.

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Big-Boned Chickens May Be Humans' Geologic Legacy Dec 13, 2018

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Millions of years from now, the geologic record of the "Anthropocene" will be littered with plastics, yes, but also chicken bones. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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Ancient Marine Reptiles Had Familiar Gear Dec 12, 2018

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Ichthyosaurs had traits in common with turtles and modern marine mammals, like blubber and countershading camouflage. Christopher Intagliata reports.

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Little Aphids Ride Big Ones to Safety Dec 11, 2018

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When trouble lurks, juvenile aphids drop off of the plants they're eating and hitch a ride on bigger aphid escapees.

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