Science Update Podcast - Daily Edition

Humans relate better to robots that avert their eyes at well-chosen moments.

Do bombardier beetles that stay together, spray together?

The science of human fear is much more complex than is commonly thought.

The superb lyrebird of Australia combines its songs with specific dance moves to create an elaborate courtship ritual.

Dreams can be a rich source of creative ideas.

Sea hares defend themselves from predators with colorful ink.

A closer look at the effects of yo-yo dieting.

Dads’ exercise habits may affect the health of their offspring.

How much human language does your dog really understand?

Virtual reality experiences could boost empathy.

Viruses spread from room to room much more quickly than you might think.

Tree kangaroos hop up trees instead of swinging through them like monkeys.

Does it really take seven years to digest chewing gum?

The 2017 total solar eclipse captured the public imagination and taught kids about bees.

A new study shows that birds can learn from recordings in the wild.

Scientists map our exposure to chemicals and microbes.

New York’s urban marshes are suffering from mineral deficiency.

Scientists discover how we recall bundles of memories.

Scientists are learning from history’s most deadly pandemic.

Scientists discover that giraffes inherit their spots.

Scientists use satellites to weigh stormwaters.

A listener wants to know if skunks are repelled by their own smell.

A little light exercise improves memory.

The most helpful toddlers show empathy when they’re infants.

Girls get slightly higher grades in science and math worldwide than boys, but fewer enter STEM professions.

Scientists strive to keep our spacecraft germ-free.

An antisocial octopus loosens up under the influence of ecstasy.

Elephant DNA and complex data analysis are helping to prosecute poachers.

A giant insect gobbles up guppies - and other small animals.

Scientists document a near instantaneous electrical connection between the gut and the brain.