A Moment of Science
Episodes
Ancient dogs got bigger to guard livestock
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over a relatively short period of 6,000 years, dogs got larger on average. This change didn't come down to simple chance.
How rainbow weevils get their spots
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about why the spots that give the rainbow weevil its name with today's A Moment of Science!
Dinosaur snouts as air conditioning
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A dinosaur's nose was surprisingly useful, especially when it needed to cool down.
Why are dogs so friendly towards humans?
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We think of dogs as man's best friend, but why does this relationship exist?
Moths have their own acoustic camouflage
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Moths' main predators rely on echolocation, so they've adopted their own acoustic camouflage to avoid becoming prey.
Some spots on the Moon are almost room temperature
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There's no air or drinkable water on the Moon, but at least the temperature would be pretty comfortable.
Pain and genetic mutation
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A rare genetic mutation means some can feel little to no pain. Learn more about it with today's A Moment of Science.
Hummingbirds, altitude, and global climate change
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With shifting global temperatures, many environments will change. Not all animals will be able to adapt quickly.
Why do we like coffee?
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have evolved to dislike bitter tastes as a form of protection. So why do we still like the taste of coffee?
The "thieving magpie" stereotype isn't quite true
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of corvids stealing shiny things isn't that true to reality.
Solar power at night
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Solar power is a helpful alternative to fossil fuels, with the drawback of not collecting power at night. There may be a new way to conquer this limit...
Travel by warp bubble
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As popularized in science fiction, warp capabilities could greatly reduce travel times. What would make this possible?
Why is the dark side of the Moon so different?
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s something different about the dark side of the Moon, and it’s not just that we can’t see it from the Earth.
Your shadow can have a halo
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes a faint glow can occur around your shadow. Where does this come from?
How plants make sure their pollen gets delivered to the right place
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If a pollinator visits flowers from different species, how do plants make sure their pollen gets to a flower of the same species, a crucial step in ma...
Ancient Egyptians and their cats
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We've loved cats for thousands of years, but how did this relationship begin?
How to walk from the U.S. to Russia
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know you can walk from the U.S. to Russia in only 2.5 miles?
The jabuticaba fruit literally grows on trees
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why would it be unique for a fruit to grow on a tree? Learn more about the jabuticaba with today's A Moment of Science!
Christmas beetles for dinner
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
These beetles are a favorite snack among foxes, but is their diet always so simple?
Dependence on our smartphones
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Depending on our phones too much can lead to some health risks. Learn more with today's A Moment of Science.
Plants passing down info to their offspring
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even plant parents care for their offspring, passing on vital information.
Food and global climate change
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does climate change impact our food production?
Mosquitoes, disease, and global warming
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rising temperatures impact some unexpected areas of our lives. Learn more about how climate change effects mosquitoes with today's A Moment of Science...
Eroding topsoil troubles Midwest farms
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After over 200 years of cultivating fields, topsoil has eroded in these areas. What exactly does that mean for farmland?
How lavender relaxes us
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find lavender calming? Find out why that might be the case with today's A Moment of Science.
Spiderman lives in the Amazon
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the slingshot spider's similarities to the Marvel superhero with today's A Moment of Science!
How did people get ice before refrigeration?
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's A Moment of Science looks closer at the history of refrigeration.
Giraffes use nurseries, too
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Humans aren't the only ones to send their kids to daycare. Turns out giraffes do the same thing!
Extreme heat causes railroads to bend
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does heat impact our world? In extreme conditions, even railroad tracks can be impacted.
Giant pandas and bamboo
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pandas are known for essentially just eating bamboo, but was their diet always so selective?
Yawning in virtual reality
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Virtual reality can mimic the real world pretty convincingly, but it can't mimic human behavior perfectly.
Eavesdropping for food
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eavesdropping is usually frowned upon among humans, but not always for animals.
An inky ring in a glass of water
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to make a ring of ink in water with today's A Moment of Science!
The power of grunting in tennis
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tennis players are known for the noises they make during games. How do these grunts effect their gameplay?
The super abilities of bats
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Find out more details of bats' abilities with today's A Moment of Science!
Making older skin young again
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The epic of Gilgamesh and the quest for eternal youth might have a modern update with new research into skin rejuvenation.
Discovered in a museum drawer: Simbakubwa kutokaafrika
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Discoveries come from a number of surprising places, including museums.
Orangutans holler out their travel plans
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you picture Tarzan yelling and swinging from vine to vine through a jungle? This mental image has some basis in reality with orangutan behavior.
Photographing a black hole
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you photograph something that doesn't reflect light?
Methane from glaciers and volcanoes
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the relationship between volcanoes, glaciers, and methane.
Vinegar eels do the wave
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are several organisms in the animal kingdom that move with a certain synchronization. Learn more about the wave of the vinegar eels with today's...
Lying in a foreign language comes easier
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find it difficult to tell a lie? Research shows telling one in a different language may be easier.
Even fruit flies have culture
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fruit flies are very social creatures and even have their own established culture.
Our ancient relative, Australopithecus sediba
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Find out more about this member of our family tree with today's A Moment of Science!
The icy lumps that grow beneath the ground
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the unique geological formation known as pingos with today's A Moment of Science!
Matters of the heart rate
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Resting heart rate is different for babies versus adults. Why is that exactly?
Howler monkeys are changing color
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The traditionally dark fur of the howler monkey is starting to get light yellow patches. Scientists look into why this is happening.
Cells and organ failure
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you get a cut, your cells quickly start to divide and heal. What does this process look like for our internal organs?
Climate change clues from the past
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers look to the geological evidence from the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum to inform policies for our future.
How do cranes communicate?
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Without the power of speech, how do birds communicate?
White noise and sleep quality
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having background noise is helpful for some to get to sleep. What exactly is white noise, and why does it impact our quality of rest?
The coolest orangutans use slang
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does popularity work in the animal kingdom? For orangutans, there might be a few similarities to human behavior.
The musical mpingo tree
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Find out more about this musical tree with today's A Moment of Science!
Raindrops on the rear window
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raindrops always appear to miss the rear window of cars. Why does this happen?
Why are dreams so hard to remember?
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most vivid dreams can be difficult to remember soon after waking up. Why don't dreams leave more of an impression?
Are you waking up with tea or coffee?
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's your preference to get your morning started?
Ocean waves squared
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever seen ocean waves form a square? What causes this unique formation?
Reducing the power consumption of computers
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Energy consumption is a major concern when it comes to environmental impact. The power computers require presents a threat of its own.
Why do giraffes have such long necks?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They're an iconic animal, but why exactly do giraffes have such long necks?
The icy volcanoes of Pluto
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the dwarf planet of our solar system, Pluto.
Dyslexia in English vs Chinese
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does dyslexia differ across languages?
Does the patas monkey speak for the trees?
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the animal that may have inspired Dr. Seuss' Lorax with today's A Moment of Science.
Diamonds in the sky
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diamonds are a treasured resource on Earth, but how common are they on other planets?
Termites can help out in a drought
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Regardless of how we might personally feel about insects, they do play an important role in our ecosystems. Find out the benefits of termites with tod...
Smelling your way around
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does your sense of smell impact your ability to navigate?
More internet means more migration
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the modern age, the internet has a huge impact on countless factors in our daily lives. Learn why migration is effected as well with today's A Mome...
A crow species can infer weight
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corvids are known to be pretty clever birds, but did you know they're good at guessing weight as well?
The battle between Triceratops and Triceratops
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many animals fight within their own species, and the dinosaurs were not exception.
Why is it so hard to swat a fly?
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Flies are notorious house pests. Why can it be so hard to get rid of them?
Geese domestication may be 7,000 years old
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While we may think of chickens as the first domesticated fowl, evidence suggests the goose got there first.
Choking under pressure
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pressure can come from any number of sources, especially for athletes competing at the top of their fields. Today's A Moment of Science has more on th...
The causes of root rot and how to fight back
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is root rot, and how can we best protect our plants?
AI develops prejudice all on its own
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prejudices can come from learned behavior, even for artificial intelligence.
The fastest movement on the planet
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cheetahs are the fastest runners on the planet, but there's another surprising contender with impressive moves of their own.
Weather pattern predictability
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How far in advance can we accurately predict the weather?
Ancient feathers encased in amber
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The unique protective properties of amber provide a unique insight into ancient findings.
What is decanting and why does it matter?
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does decanting actually change the makeup of a wine?
Fireflies as the monarchs of the night
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fireflies and monarch butterflies can't easily camouflage themselves from predators. How do they stay safe?
Railroads on fire
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn why railroads sometimes need to heat up with a fire in today's A Moment of Science!
Learning English? Try Latin
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about the benefits of studying Latin when learning a new language with today's A Moment of Science!
Love it or hate it: cilantro
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What makes cilantro such a divisive addition to food?
What are frost quakes?
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard of an earthquake, but what exactly are frost quakes?
Dolphins may help us understand menopause
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dolphins have always been fascinating creatures to study. Recently, scientists have looked to see what we can learn from dolphins about some of our ow...
Why does rubbing alcohol feel cold?
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you use rubbing alcohol on your skin, why does it feel cold?
How plants communicate with their family trees
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Plants have long been understood to communicate with each other, but do they listen to some fellow plants more often than others?
Walking can be a real uphill battle
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is walking uphill such hard work?
The prickly truth behind a porcupine's quills
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you know about the real danger of porcupine quills? Fill in some blanks with today's A Moment of Science!
Math is not really a language
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You might have heard math described as its own language, but is it really?
The grizzly bear's unusual nickname
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of grizzly bears being called "Rototillers of the Rockies"?
What really causes dry skin?
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We know things such as taking hot showers, excess bathing, and sun exposure can cause dry skin. But why do these factors actually influence our bodies...
A flightless bird's family tree
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The ostrich, rhea, cassowary, and emu are all flightless birds who share a family tree. How did these animals evolve to get this way?
The moon, coral growth, and how many days used to be in a year
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Growth rings in corals reveal some interesting insights into how many days were in a year millions of years ago.
Finches can categorize colors
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about how the zebra finch thinks about color with today's A Moment of Science!
Black carbon pollution and melting ice in Antarctica
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Human pollution has an impact on all environments across the globe, including in remote Antarctica.
The dusky dottyback fish goes undercover
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many animals use mimicry to confuse others around them. Learn how the dottyback fish uses this ability with today's A Moment of Science.
The bubble that lasted for a whole year
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why do bubbles pop so soon, and how long can they really last?
How losing a tail can save your genes
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some animals are able to lose a limb to save themselves in a process called autotomy.
A fourth state of matter
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Solid, liquid, gas...and what else? Learn about plasma with today's A Moment of Science.
How orb-weaving spiders build their webs
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about this impressive feat of engineering with today's A Moment of Science!
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?