Science Quickly

multimedia@sciam.com

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

From aspiring actress to NASA astrophysicist

June 15, 2026

In this episode of Science Quickly, host Rachel Feltman interviews NASA astrophysicist Erini Lambrides about her unconventional journey from pursuing the performing arts to studying supermassive black holes. Lambrides reflects on how curiosity, persistence through early struggles in physics and a background in acting shaped her scientific approach and mentoring philosophy.  Recommended Reading: Join our Summer Reading Challenge  E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any q...

Disclosure Day and the science of alien language

June 12, 2026

In the new movie Disclosure Day, aliens communicate through a series of strange clicks and pops. But what could an alien language actually be like? In this episode of Science Quickly, host Rachel Feltman puts that question to linguist Jeffrey Punske. We explore why fictional aliens in Hollywood and beyond tend to sound the way they do, what real human languages can teach us about communication and why math could be humanity’s best shot at first contact. Recommended Reading: Steven Spiel...

The science of World Cup grass

June 10, 2026

In this episode of Science Quickly, we explore the science behind preparing natural grass for the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup, a project in which researchers have worked to transform stadiums that typically use artificial turf into sites with elite playing surfaces. Turf experts have spent years testing grass species, refining growing methods and solving the logistical challenges of transporting and installing fields across North America. Their goal ...