A Moment of Science
Episodes
When I yawn, my dog yawns
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed if you yawn, your pet tends to copy you? Why does that happen?
How blind and sighted people understand color
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While blind people can learn that roses are red, how deep is this understanding of “redness”?
Ghosts and robots in the lab
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever experienced the sensation of someone touching you who wasn't really there? A lab experiment may shed light on why that happens.
The incredible scientific discovery found on Facebook
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Discoveries can come from some surprising sources, including over social media.
The bone wars of paleontology
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the infamous feud which helped launch the field of paleontology into the mainstream with today's A Moment of Science!
Tasteless penguins
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Penguins have a very fish-heavy diet, but do they actually like how it tastes? Learn more about their senses with today's A Moment of Science
The ruthless carnivore of the plant world
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn all about the ferocious butterwort plant with today's A Moment of Science!
What goes on at CERN?
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you know about CERN? Learn more about it with today's A Moment of Science.
A vaccine against Alzheimer's disease?
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer's disease has well-known effects with seemingly few methods of treatment. New research may shed some hope on this subject.
Frogs can't poison themselves
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frogs are known to have some deadly toxins at their disposal. But if they're so deadly, how do they keep from poisoning themselves?
Welcome to the Laughing Gas Ball
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is known today as a part of major surgery. But what did its discoverer have in mind?
The fish whose blood isn't red
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Blood is often associated with the color red, but that isn't true for all species. Learn about the special case of fish in the Antarctic.
You shouldn't pet that honey badger
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Honey badgers might look like friendly mammals, but they're among the fiercest animals on the planet.
Waking up and feeling tired
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wake up and feel groggy and slow? You're probably experiencing sleep inertia.
The millipede that really does have one thousand feet
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millipedes have many feet, but none until now have truly lived up to their name. Researchers in 2021 have found a true millipede in Western Australia.
How animals use chromatophores in coloration
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Color is everywhere in the animal kingdom and plays an important role in several behaviors. Learn about the details behind these beautiful displays wi...
Volcanoes warm, then cool, the Earth
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do volcanoes impact our planet? Find out more about this explosive science with today's A Moment of Science.
How can you tell the difference between horns and antlers?
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a difference between horns and antlers? Find out with A Moment of Science!
What is wax, anyway?
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wax is a common substance in our lives, but what is it exactly?
The connection between a cottonwood, a beaver, and a beetle
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of relationship exists between a tree, a beaver, and a beetle? Find out with today's A Moment of Science.
The heat death of the universe
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If the universe started with the Big Bang, what will it look like far into the future?
Evolution, batesian mimicry, and snakes
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday we looked closer at batesian mimicry, and today's A Moment of Science checks out another example of this phenomenon in snakes.
Evolving with batesian mimicry
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Monkey see, monkey do" might be a common phrase for humans, but there's some truth behind this for other species as well. Learn more about batesian m...
When pigs fly: Hope for heart patients in designed swine
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Organ transplants can be a complicated process on a number of levels, including finding a suitable organ match in the first place. New research may ha...
How did you get those big muscles?
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Countless sources will claim to have "the real secret" behind getting big muscles. What does science say about our bodies?
The science behind apple pie
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to learn more about this tasty treat? Read about food science with A Moment of Science!
In nature, sometimes size matters
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even animals can be bullies, and it turns out size plays an important role in how an animal behaves with others in its species.
Pets have their own obesity epidemic
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Obesity is a well-known issue in the United States, and humans aren't the only ones impacted.
Salmon that shape mountains
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Environments can shape a species, but what about the other way around?
Carbon isotopes and past life on Mars
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s Curiosity rover is exploring Gale crater on Mars. The crater contains rock formed from sediments deposited billions of years ago on the botto...
The light of spring
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many changes with the coming of spring, including sunlight. Learn more with today's A Moment of Science!
How to find a "super tree"
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers wondered what the best trees were for absorbing air pollution, and created a ranking scale as a result of their findings.
The problem with zero gravity
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Zero gravity is often confused for weightlessness. Learn more about why that comparison isn't really accurate with today's A Moment of Science.
An arsenic green wallpaper to dye for
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are very aware of the dangers of arsenic exposure, but that didn't stop some of our ancestors from using this poison in a number of objects t...
The tomato plant's surprising defense against caterpillars
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You might think a plant would be defenseless against predators, but that's not really the case. Learn more about the tomato plant's defense system wit...
Soap bubbles and butterfly wings
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do soap bubbles and butterfly wings have in common? Learn the answer with today's A Moment of Science!
The world's largest colony of fish nests
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many surprises still within the area of the Antarctic, including its unexpected abundance of life. Learn more about the discovery of fish ne...
Big mouth, even bigger bite
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creatures today like crocodiles have some impressive force behind their jaws, but did any animals of the past pack an even more powerful punch? Learn ...
Our sun stands apart amidst solar twins
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the universe, our sun might be considered "just another star". While it might be special to us, there are a few other characteristics that ...
The largest bird to ever live
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The appropriately named elephant bird was the largest bird to ever live. Learn more about this impressive creature with A Moment of Science!
Dementor wasps are strange and fascinating
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about this unique species with today's A Moment of Science!
Could we cure paralysis?
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about some groundbreaking research in paralysis with today's A Moment of Science.
The importance of white paint for airplanes
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why are most airplanes painted white? The reason goes beyond personal preference.
Dino eating dino? Not for T. rex and Stegosaurus
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The T. rex and Stegosaurus are among some of the most well-known dinosaurs, so it isn't uncommon to see them pictured together. But would the two have...
Amphipods have unwilling living backpacks
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many strange relationships between creatures of the animal kingdom, and not all of these are beneficial for both sides.
How wildfires are impacting the ozone
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With wildfire rates rapidly increasing, it's important to know how these events impact the rest of the world.
Why the mountain beaver's brain didn't grow
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When we think of brainpower, often the assumption is "bigger is better." In the case of the mountain beaver however, this isn't necessarily true.
Traces of past life in the world's oldest rubies
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ancient rubies revealed some surprising information about past life on Earth.
"Hair" of the caterpillar
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fuzzy caterpillars are a common sight throughout most of the United States, but this fuzz isn't actually hair. Learn more about these prickly creature...
Shining light on our understanding of the sun
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about past theories on the nature of our closest star with today's A Moment of Science!
Technology and the rise of the mid-Atlantic accent
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While no longer in use today, most people are still familiar with the mid-Atlantic accent of the past. What led to this particular form of pronunciati...
What makes human brains different?
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Last week we examined the differences between humans and our closest genetic relatives. But what else separates us from chimpanzees?
Bats can block out the competition's sonar signals
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is commonly known that bats use echolocation to navigate the world. But did you know they can also block these sonar signals from their rivals?
The worst day on Earth: The day of the Chicxulub impact
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What happened on the day that an asteroid caused a mass extinction event millions of years ago?
Fast-forwarding evolution in fish
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Evolution happens over such a long period of time, it can be difficult to study. One rare exception to this rule comes from steelhead trout.
Where does candle wax go?
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you burn a candle, where does the melted wax end up? Today's A Moment of Science has the answer
The routine case of exploding manhole covers
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As alarming as it might sound to experience, flying manhole covers can be a routine part of life. Why does this phenomenon happen?
Pecking order at the bird feeder
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many animals experience living in a pecking order, especially birds. How does this come up at the bird feeder?
How similar are humans to the rest of our family tree?
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Humans share a large percentage of DNA with monkeys and apes. What really separates us from our closest living genetic relatives?
Aphantasiacs and hyperphantasiacs
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How well does your mind's eye see? Learn about the spectrum of visual imagery with today's A Moment of Science.
The mathematical perfection of an egg's shape
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eggs have often been described as the most perfect shape, for several reasons. Now researchers believe they have the formula behind this shape.
Why your arm hurts after getting a shot
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is your arm always sore after getting a shot? A Moment of Science has the answer
Why tail weaponry has gone the way of the dinosaurs
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There aren't many animals these days that have some sort of self-defense on their tail, unlike the dinosaurs millions of years ago. So what changed al...
Birdsong apps can be confusing for real birds
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Birders will often use apps to learn how to mimic calls of the birds they're searching for. But how can this impact the wildlife they're trying to obs...
Why do you like that toy?
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all probably have a favorite chair or other object that we like the best for no real reason. Why is that? And what do preferences in babies tell us...
The truth behind a snake's warning pattern
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Several snakes have bright patterns, either to warn off predators or to be used as camouflage. But are these patterns a sign of real danger or just a ...
The electrifying science behind Frankenstein
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been one of the most iconic science fiction stories for over 200 years. What science of her time inspired this tale?
The fiery sting of the fire ant
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the sting the fire ant gets its name from.
Why did human brains decrease in size?
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our brains are three times as large as our closest evolutionary relative. But the size of the human brain hasn't just continually grown during our evo...
The science of sponges is stranger than fiction
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you know about sponges? Learn all about these unique members of the animal kingdom with today's A Moment of Science.
The difference between simple and complex carbs
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our bodies prefer to get their energy from carbs. But does it matter what kind of carbohydrates you put into your body?
Why crocs might want to eat rocks
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Crocodilians appear to eat rocks on purpose, but why exactly would they want to do that?
The science behind "fat-free" foods
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just because a label says a product is fat free or low fat, that doesn't mean the food is good for you. A Moment of Science looks closer at the pros a...
Do birds hear tsunamis and hurricanes?
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There's plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that birds and other animals can sense incoming weather threats, but is there any scientific backing t...
The simple elastic ruler
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Try this simple at home demonstration to learn more about light rays and water.
Bright colors mean less harassment for hummingbirds
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even hummingbirds can experience unwanted attention. But scientists noted that those with certain plumage tend to face less harassment.
The difficulty in describing smells
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You might be good at identifying a smell, but how well can you describe it? Research looks closer at the linguistic difficulties some cultures have.
The Moon has ancient lunar lava
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you know about the Moon's history? Evidence shows billions of years ago, our moon was a much different place.
What caused the Appalachian Mountain bend?
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Appalachian Mountains run in almost a straight line, except for a 150 mile-long bend. What caused this formation to occur?
Mammals in cities are larger and longer
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bigger is usually better in the animal kingdom, but what role does environment play in determining a mammal's size? Research suggests urbanization may...
Does a shape of a glass impact how you drink?
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are tons of options when it comes to glassware specifically for alcohol. Does the glass you choose make much of a difference?
Evidence of the oldest dinosaur herds
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2021, researchers looked at early fossil evidence and determined herbivores lived together in cohesive herds. Today's A Moment of Science has more ...
George Washington comes out on top
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A simple experiment with quarters teaches us more about rotations.
Science says your cat really is a freeloader
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers conducted experiments to determine cats' likelihood to be a freeloader or a "contrafreeloader," and the results probably won't surprise ca...
The long-lasting damage of a hurricane
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hurricanes can be devastating weather events. Once they pass, their impact is often felt long after the crisis ends.
Is climate change making the Earth dimmer?
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change is leading to a number of unexpected consequences. New research published last year shows our planet getting dimmer might be one of the...
How do power indicators work?
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Power indicators can be handy when trying to tell how much juice a battery has left, but how do this process actually work?
The elusive beaked whale
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about this uncommon creature with A Moment of Science!
14,400-year-old bread sheds light on our dietary history
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists studying ancient bread break down what our ancestors ate and the significance of this discovery.
It can be too warm or too cold for bumblebees to fly
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bumblebees can behave like Goldilocks too, by wanting the air temperature to be just right for flight.
Eyes are the windows to the personality
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We've heard the expression "eyes are the windows to the soul," but what do they really tell us about an individual? Research shows there's more inform...
The changing landscape of shark tourism
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are benefits to learning about sharks in both aquariums and in their natural habitats. With the expanding industry of shark tourism, there can b...
Is it safe to shower when there's lightning?
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not showering during a thunderstorm is commonly heard advice, but is there any truth that you're really taking a safety risk if you ignore this warnin...
Moth wingtips can be used to confuse bat sonar
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Animals have had to make several adaptations to their bodies as they evolve to avoid predators. Scientists have recently looked at how moths are desig...
Elephants can sniff out their preferred snacks
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Members of the animal kingdom use their five senses in ways impossible for humans to replicate. But sometimes, we see familiar characteristics in surp...
The roots of modern biology grew in a monastery garden
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Research into the field of genetics has come a long way, but how did these roots begin? Learn more about Gregor Mendel in today's A Moment of Science
Why rivers don't flow in straight lines
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rivers wind and bend their way through a landscape, but why don't we see them in straight lines? Today's A Moment of Science has the answer
How hummingbirds use their sense of smell
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have wondered how hummingbirds use their senses when finding flowers with nectar, but didn't think their sense of smell was useful. New res...
Another good reason to go for Thai food
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered why some cuisines are known for being spicy and others for being bland? This might have something to do with the climates of th...
The leafy seadragon is a master of camouflage
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many supernatural creatures of the ocean that keep us fascinated, like the kraken or sirens. But what about a real sea dragon?