How to talk to aliens

Two mysteries we can't stop thinking about: Is lightning actually caused by cosmic rays? And why don't birds play chess? Articles featured: “What Causes Lightning?” by Charlie Wood (also featured on The Quanta Podcast) and “Empire of flight” by Antone Martinho-Truswell. For show ...  Show more

When an invasive bug landed on the East Coast, people embraced the order to squish it to death. But what has all that squishing done to us? Guests: Julie Urban, professor in the entomology department at Penn State; Chelsea Batavia, community engagement coordinator with a PhD in f ...  Show more

Is there life out there in the cosmos? Jorge talks to scientists about whether we are truly alone in the Universe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Saturn’s moon Enceladus reveals complex organic molecules that could hint at extraterrestrial life. Researchers also uncover fungi’s ancient reign over Earth and warn that second COVID infections may pose greater risks to young people. Plus, ants ferment yogurt, and flu detection ...  Show more

Gazing up at the night sky is a universal human experience, likely as old as our species itself. But how did our ancient ancestors feel about what they saw in the heavens, and how did it shape their lives? In Episode Two of our three-part Fascination miniseries on unusual archaeo ...  Show more

Quickie with Bob - Drake Equation; News Items: Chang-e-6 Lifts Off from Moon, Adaptogens, Younger Menarche, More Aliens, Metasurface Night Vision; Who's That Noisy; Your Questions and E-mails: Megabits and Ancient Pyramids; Science or Fiction