A Moment of Science

Modern Alchemy: Lab-Made Gold

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Alchemy existed long before modern science, and it's appeal still lives on. Some still wonder, is transmutation possible?

Why Do Cats Shed All Year Round?

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If a cat's fur is supposed to protect them from the cold, why do they shed year round instead of seasonally?

Did Climate Change Kill North America's Mammals?

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

North America used to be home to some of the world's largest mammals. 10,000 years later, scientists are looking at climate change as a possible cause...

Screens And Sleep

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial light from our devices has started affecting our ability to get to sleep. But how exactly does this happen? Today's A Moment of Science exp...

When A Song Gets Stuck In Your Head

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a song so easy to stay in your head? Today's A Moment of Science looks at the characteristics of earworms.

How Climate Change Impacts Coffee Pollinators

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coffee needs cool, mountainous areas to grow. As rising temperatures decrease suitable growing places, how will this impact pollinators?

When Crocodiles And Alligators Get The Munchies

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What else do these impressive predators eat besides meat?

Change Blindness

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why are "spot the difference" games so difficult? The answer might have to do with how our brains evolved.

Lobsters' Long Lives

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've probably all seen the claim that lobsters are immortal. How true is this fun fact?

Not Just A Pretty Face

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do our perceptions of attractiveness impact how we perceive people?

Traffic Noise And Mating Crickets

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How can noise impact other animals besides humans? Today's A Moment of Science explains more.

How We Got Teeth And Bones: The Beginnings Of Biomineralization

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is biomineralization? Today's A Moment of Science explains.

Yuck!

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do humans have such a universal response when we find something disgusting?

Animals Use Reason, Just Like You

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Philosophers have often wondered what sets humans apart from animals. It turns out that distinction might be more difficult to find than previously th...

The Moon's Precious Ice

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Humans have already found water in many places on the Moon. Now, we want to explore the frozen water hidden deep inside craters at the Moon’s poles.

Busting Bedbugs

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How are bedbugs able to spread so quickly even though they don't fly? Today's A Moment of Science explains more.

The Albatross

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How much do you know about the albatross? Today's A Moment of Science takes a look at these impressive birds.

Early Crop Evolution

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's A Moment of Science looks at the beginnings of how our ancestors influenced crop production.

The Sex Lives Of Reindeer Lichen

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For a long time, scientists thought reindeer lichen reproduced asexually. Now, new research shows the lives of these lichen may be more interesting th...

Cool Down With A Hot Drink On A Hot Day

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is it better to drink a hot or cold beverage when trying to cool down?

Cats And Wildlife

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We might have domesticated cats, but how are their hunting instincts still impacting the environment?

Gopher Tortoises

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why is the gopher tortoise known for saving its neighbor's lives? Today's A Moment of Science explains.

Birds And Small Mammals In The Desert

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do birds and small mammals deal with the heat when living in the desert?

Voting By Sneezing

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode looks at one of the unique ways animals communicate with each other.

Life Inside Sea Floor Rock

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode uncovers how the ocean floor might not be a lifeless place.

Neanderthals Were Kinda Gross

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

50,000 years ago, food was much more scarce. Today we look at the standards our ancestors may have had when it came to what they ate.

Earth's Early Continents

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What was our planet like in its infancy?

Female Dragonflies Fake Death To Survive

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some female dragonflies have been observed using unconventional tactics to evade aggressive pursuers.

Fossilized Lightning

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Where can we find the marks of Zeus's stray lightning?

Dog Facial Expressions And Humans

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The assumption for years has been that animal facial expressions aren't related to complex cognitive processing. But research now suggests this may be...

Camber Angles

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How are racecar drivers able to stay so stable turning the corners of the racetrack? Besides years of practice, camber angles help out.

Should You Tap Your Soda Can?

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard the old wives's tale to tap your soda before opening it to prevent fizzing over. Is there any truth in this advice?

The Ogre-Faced Spider Hunts Using Sound

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's A Moment of Science looks at some of the amazing qualities of the Ogre-Faced Spider.

How A Rogue Gene May Contribute To Cancer

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

New research into cancer sheds some light on a gene that might be contributing to cancer risks.

Amazing Roaches

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like whenever a roach is spotted, it runs away before it can be caught. What sort of abilities do they have to help make this happen?

The Ambivalent Teenage Years Of Worms

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We probably all went through a few phases in our teenage years. How do other animals act during their adolescent stages?

This Snail Is Made Of Iron

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes this snail the punk rocker of the gastropod world? Learn more with today's A Moment of Science.

Politics And The Brain

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot to be learned from a brain scan. Is it possible for your brain to also show your political beliefs?

Telephobia

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety around phone calls is fairly common. How can we best combat this nervousness?

Coffee Shop Creativity

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does getting work done in coffee shops actually help productivity levels?

Does Nutrasweet Have Calories?

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How are artificial sweeteners able to be so sweet yet have no calories? Today's A Moment of Science explains.

Sleeping Without A Brain

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sleep is important for our brains to properly function. But do animals without a central brain need sleep too?

Ancient Dental Records

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How much can teeth really tell us? As it turns out, it might be more than you think.

Animals And Napoleonic Intelligence

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When studying animal behavior, most research looks at how animals interact within their social groups. But what new information is there to learn when...

Addicted Ants

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do other animals besides humans react to drug exposure?

Identical Twins Aren't Always Genetically Identical

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For years, scientists have assumed that identical twins were the same down to their genes. Now, a new study sheds light on what we thought we knew abo...

Single Fish Female Seeks Good Father

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does being a good parent help attract a mate?

Deforestation Is Stressing Out Animals

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists look into the many ways deforestation can be harmful to animals.

The Plastic Brain

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How is the brain able to key in on specific conversations even when there's plenty of background noise? Today's A Moment of Science explains.

Horns vs. Antlers

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between horns and antlers? Today's A Moment of Science explains.

Plants Arming Themselves

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Plants might not be as defenseless against predators as they may first appear.

That's One Cold And Sleepy Squirrel

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For those of us who dislike winter, hibernating through the whole season doesn't sound too bad. How do Arctic ground squirrels do it?

How Some Grapes Conserve Their Water

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Climate change is impacting several of our favorite produce. Today, we look into how some grapes are able to fight back.

Bonobos Need Glasses Too

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To learn more about the aging process in humans, we need to look at the aging process in some of our closest relatives.

Becoming Human

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Humans have evolved to use more and more complex tools, setting us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. But where did our use of tools begin?

Octopuses Sense Chemicals With Their Arms

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While octopuses are known for their brainpower, their other abilities make them unique members of the animal kingdom.

Time Heals All Wounds...But Younger Wounds Heal Faster

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The older you get, the longer it seems for injuries to heal. But did you know scientists have figured out the reason why?

Sebum

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly is sebum, and what role does it play in our bodies?

Contagious Violence

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Children are known to spread illnesses among their social groups fairly easily. But is there more than just sickness that can be spread?

This Reef Towers Over The Sea Floor

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While it might be hard to believe, The Great Barrier Reef still holds many secrets for humanity to discover. This pinnacle reef is one of those secret...

Distracted From Survival

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Human activities are negatively impacting our water and air quality, but are there other ways we're harming our environment?

The Royal, Loyal Language Of Naked Mole Rats

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do naked mole rats and royalty have in common? The answer lies in communication.

How Your Genes Impact The Effect Caffeine Has On You

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why caffeine seems to impact people in different ways? The reason for this could be in our genes.

Coral Reefs, Seaweed, And Crabs

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Could crabs be an ally in the fight to save coral reefs? Scientists have been looking into this possibility.

Come Springtime, Thank Phytochromes

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Spring has finally sprung, make sure to thank phytochromes for making it all possible.

The Acidification Of The Oceans

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Carbon dioxide production impacts our planet's air, but how is it affecting our oceans?

Wise Owls

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard the phrase "wise old owl," but are these animals really deserving of the description?

Do Hummingbirds Hibernate?

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many animals are able to sleep through harsh winters, helping them to conserve energy. Recently, scientists have been looking into whether hummingbird...

Saccadic Suppression

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is saccadic suppression, and how does it help us in our daily lives?

Cadmium And The Flu

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How does cadmium interact with pathogens in the body? Scientists show this could be a potentially dangerous combination.

Glacial "Sawdust": The Colorful Components Of Mountain Lakes

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes mountain lakes so colorful? Today's A Moment of Science tells us more.

Colors And The Brain

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How exactly do we perceive color? A team of researchers set out to find the answer.

Ravens: Avian Einsteins

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The brainpower of ravens can't be denied. Now, scientists are looking into new behaviors and what insights they might provide for corvid communication...

How Do Birds Navigate Migration?

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bird migration is a well-documented phenomenon, but how are they able to make their annual journey?

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Makers

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today's A Moment of Science, we look into the science behind what makes old-fashioned ice cream makers work.

Can We Farm On Mars?

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we look to the future of space travel and the potential to step foot on Mars, many important questions need to be asked to see this dream become re...

How To Heave Your Guts

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've often heard the phrase "heaving your guts," but are humans the only ones who can do so?

The Chemistry Of Line-Dried Laundry

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh laundry. Some chemists were curious, what exactly is that smell?

Why Do We Love Junk Food?

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why does eating bad food feel so good? Our evolutionary history might tell us more.

Reflex Tears

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes it can feel like tears spring to your eyes. What exactly are reflex tears, and how can they be beneficial?

Animal Pain

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People often project human emotions onto their pets, but humans and animals might be more similar in how we experience pain than previously thought.

Ants and Superstrength

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How did ants get to be so strong? The answer might lay in their evolution.

The Baby Schema

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do humans often find "awkward" features cute? Scientists looking into the baby schema provide some insight.

Consider The Kumquat

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted a healthier alternative to gummy candy? Then perhaps you should consider the kumquat.

What's Up With That Fake Grape Flavor?

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why your grape-flavored snacks never seem to really taste like grape?

Persistent Monkeys

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are often told "if at first you don't succeed, try try again." But are humans the only ones who think so?

Hurricanes And Global Climate Change

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When humans burn fossil fuels, some specific gases released trap the sun’s heat, and cause global climate change by the greenhouse effect. The warmi...

Bilingual Brain

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to speak more than one language? Would it be hard to talk without mixing up the languages?

What's In A Moo?

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, cattle lowing in the distance sounds like the mere background music of a bucolic country scene. Cows, however, don’t talk without ha...

Smells And Memories

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When you step outside and sense the transition from autumn to winter, or notice signals of a fast‑approaching spring, you likely experience a feelin...

What Kangaroos Can Tell Us

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In recent experiments, scientists think that kangaroos have the ability to communicate simply by gazing at human researchers.

Calypso Orchid: A Lure And A Tease

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The calypso orchid is one of the most eye‑catching little flowers you'll see on forest floors across the Northern United States, Canada, and Europe....

The Alcohol Clouds Of Outer Space

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a joke that asks, “Where do astronauts go for a drink?” The answer is, “The space bar!” But in the distant future, you might ask tha...

Natural Artificial Flowers

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's a type of mustard plant, called "Holboell's rockcress" which naturally grows a dainty, light blue flower atop its narrow stem. Sometimes you'l...

Flight Loss

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most insects fly—but, across millennia, many species have lost the ability. Island dwelling insects have been especially prone to this evolutionary ...

Can A Theory Evolve Into A Law?

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists get a little weary of some people saying that the fact that evolution is a theory means that modern science itself isn't convinced it reall...

How Wolves Feed Their Kids

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wolves are predators that hunt and kill large mammals, such as deer. During the season that they rear their pups, they kill prey and bring it back to ...

What Is Rewilding?

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rewilding is a term coined in the 1990s by those working in conservation and environmental activism. It refers to large-scale wilderness recovery that...

Onions Are Toxic To Your Pets

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You may already know that chocolate can be lethal to your pet, but did you know that onions can be toxic to your cats and dogs too? And I'm not just t...

Baby-Talking Bats

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“Baby talk,” or “motherese,” might not be a language with any native speakers, but most humans seem suddenly fluent in it in certain situation...