Rachel Feltman is a freelance science communicator who hosts “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” for Popular Science, where she served as Executive Editor until 2022. She’s also the host of Scientific American’s show “Science Quickly.” Her debut book Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex is on sale now.
46:55
2016 Year in Review
Gravitational waves, CRISPR, and Pokémon Go—a look at the big science stories of 2016.
7:09
Charon’s Red Cap, Mapping the Milky Way, and Crafty Crows
Pluto may be the source of the wispy red cap on the north pole of its moon Charon.
7:25
A Planetary Neighbor, Recovering a Lost Spacecraft, and Iceman Fashion
Science journalist Rachel Feltman discusses a newly discovered exoplanet neighbor, and other stories from the week in science.
7:21
Protoplanet Moon Impact, Drunk Lorises, and More
In this week’s news roundup, Rachel Feltman from the Washington Post’s Speaking of Science blog talks about the protoplanet impact that may have created the moon’s Imbrium Basin.
7:25
A Jovian Arrival, Titan’s Chemistry, and a Goat’s Gaze
Researchers have found that Saturn’s moon Titan could have the right chemical conditions to create precursors to life. Plus, what a goat’s gaze has in common with puppy behavior.
11:56
Human-Like Hobbits, Spitting Fish, and Arecibo’s Uncertain Future
The origin of the human-like “hobbit” H. floresiensis, and the future of an iconic telescope.
11:50
Fecal Matter Transplants, a Moon for Pluto ‘Sibling,’ and Tweeting Sharks
What’s going on in the body during and after a fecal matter transplant? Plus, a look at the good and the bad of sharks that tweet.
11:51
Universal ‘Not Face,’ Alien Laser Defense, and Traffic Control for Robot Cars
A look at the universal “not face,” and what the future might be like with no stop lights.
11:58
Hidden Galaxies, Sigh Science, and Facebook’s Free Basics
Researchers using a radio telescope found hundreds of galaxies hiding behind the Milky Way.
12:07
PCB Contamination, Space Flowers, and Python Removal
High levels of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls are showing up in European marine mammals. Plus, a look at the pros and cons of a public python removal competition.