PODCAST · science
Spectacular Science
by Akshay Jayaraman
Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious people! Join your host Akshay Jayaraman as he embarks on fascinating explorations into the world of science. From the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the microscopic world, he uncovers the science all around us. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with engaging interviews with expert scientists, and mind-blowing topics that will leave you in awe. Whether it’s discovering the science behind amazing natural phenomena, discovering the forces that shape our planet, or exploring the inner workings of the human body, Spectacular Science has it all.
Episodes
-
The 480-Million-Year Story of the Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains – over 480 million years in the making with core rocks over a billion years old. It is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world! How did this breathtaking and ancient natural phenomena form? Join me on my hike up Bearwallow Mountain (4,232 feet) as I take you into...
-
The Science of the “Aura Farming” Boat Kid – Science of Human Balance
If you’ve been online lately, there’s no escaping the “aura farming” boat kid on many social media platforms! This Indonesian boat racing (Pacu Jalur) tradition has gone viral lately due to this young boy dancing on the front of a narrow boat. He is the “ultimate aura farmer”, captivating people...
-
Why Saturn’s Losing Its Rings
Saturn is known for its iconic rings. But, it may not last long. In the long term, Saturn is set to lose its rings. Why? And how will this happen? Why do astronomers believe they’re slowly disappearing? In this episode, I will take you into the science of Saturn’s rings, the different parts of…
more -
What Are Bioengineered Food Ingredients? Revealed
You’ve probably seen labels on many food products that say “bioengineered food ingredients”. What exactly are these special ingredients and what impact do they have on us and our environment? And what do GMOs have to do with all of this? In this episode, I will take you behind the science of...
-
How Volcanoes on Mars Could Have Supported Life
The search for past life on Mars is still ongoing, but is promising! The volcanoes on Mars could have made way for microbial life in the past. How does this possible and how are scientists studying Mars for clues using rovers and space exploration? In this episode, I take you into the science of...
-
How Your Phone’s Battery Works
Ever wondered what’s going on inside your phone’s battery? How is it able to store charge and get recharged over and over again? And why do these batteries degrade over time? In this episode, I’ll take you behind the science of rechargeable batteries, how they work, and the science behind...
-
How Microplastics Might Be In Our Water
Microplastics. You’ve probably heard of them because of ocean cleanups and pollution. They are tiny pieces of plastics harmful to many animals. But, it might not just be sea creatures. There might be microplastics in our water supplies. How? In this episode I will take you into the science of...
-
Why We Still Have Tailbones
Even though we don’t have tails, we still have a tailbone? Does the tailbone even do anything? Why do we still have it even though we have clearly branched away from our ape ancestors? In this episode, I will take you behind the science of vestigial traits, why we have them, and why we still have...
-
Are We Really 50% Genetically Related to Bananas?
We have all heard that humans share 50% of their genes to bananas. Is this actually true? And what does this have to do with all of the life on Earth, the human genome, and more? In this episode, I will take you into the science of human genetics and explain this wild statement! Here’s an…
more -
Why The Moon is Slowly Moving Away
Even if you probably did not notice, the Moon is slowly moving away from Earth right now! This movement of the Moon could cause things to change here on Earth as well. Why does this happen? In this episode, I will answer this mind-blowing question and take you into the interesting science of the...
-
Will Asteroid 2024 YR4 Hit Earth?
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has been in the eyes of scientists lately. This asteroid has a slight chance of hitting Earth in 2032. All of these factors are changing daily and the chance that the asteroid will actually hit is changing rapidly, from 3.1% to less than 1%. Will this actually asteroid hit Earth...
-
How AI is Consuming So Much Water – Explained
Right now, we are in the age of AI or Artificial Intelligence. They are paving the way for new groundbreaking technologies. But, the use of AI actually uses up a lot of water. Why does this happen? What are these environmental impacts of water and AI? In this episode, I will be explaining to you...
-
200th Episode of Spectacular Science! – Exercise and the Brain with Dr. Charles Hillman
Welcome to the 200th episode of Spectacular Science! In this special episode, I will be joined by Dr. Charles Hillman! Dr. Hillman studies exercise and its impacts on the body at Northeastern University. This episode is all about exercise, moving your body, and the science behind the benefits of...
-
What is an Infinity Mirror? Explained!
Infinity mirrors are a fascinating phenomenon that seem to defy the laws of physics! But really, it’s just some amazing science and a very interesting optical illusion. How do infinity mirrors work, and what crazy science goes on behind the scenes? In this episode, I will explain the science of...
-
Why Triangles Are Such a Strong Shape
Triangles are one of the strongest geometric shapes! You can see them everywhere in buildings and architecture such as bridges and the Eiffel Tower. How are triangles so strong and what is the science that goes behind figuring that out? In this episode, I will take you behind the science and the...
-
The Truth About Pesticides – With Dr. Changmou Xu
We all eat a lot of fruits and vegetables every day! Some of this fresh produce contains something that has a large impact on humans and ecosystems: pesticides. Produce that contains pesticides may have impacts on the environment, on animals, and even humans who eat it. Why are pesticides used,...
-
The 3 Types of Heat Transfer – Explained!
Heat moves all around us! In fact, as heat moves, the method of transfer has a lot of science behind it. What are the 3 types of heat transfer, how do they work, and how do they impact the world around us? In this episode, I will explain the 3 types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and...
-
Titan – Studying Saturn’s Mysterious Moon with Dr. Lauren Schurmeier
Titan, one of Saturn’s many moons, is very mysterious and interesting! It has oceans of liquid methane, an atmosphere, and more. Scientists are still working to find out more about Titan and how this may relate to the quest for life. In this episode, I will be speaking with Dr. Lauren Schurmeier...
-
Why Green Means Go – The Science of Traffic Lights
Green is universally seen as the color for “go”, but why? What is the science behind green being such a universal “go” color? Why do traffic lights around the world use green? And why do other colors, such as red and yellow, mean certain things to humans? What’s so special about these colors? In...
-
How the James Webb Telescope is Changing Everything
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in 2021, is changing the way astronomers are seeing everything in the universe. James Webb is the largest telescope in space and has discovered many new findings in its almost 3 years in orbit. How does the James Webb Telescope work and how is it...
-
How Birds and Dinosaurs Are Related!
Modern-day chickens are actually distantly related to the t-rex, a ferocious dinosaur that lived millions of years ago! In fact, modern-day birds are related to ancient dinosaurs! They look different, but really they are related. How is this possible? In this episode, I take you into the science…
more -
Origins of Life – How Miller-Urey Experiment Changed Everything
Life has always been a mystery. The building blocks, origins, and more are some of the biggest questions in science! The Miller-Urey experiment, conducted in 1952-53, changed our understanding of how life came about and got us one step closer to finding the true answer! What was the Miller-Urey...
-
The Big Space Junk Problem
Even though you can’t see it, space junk orbiting around the Earth is a very big problem. But what exactly is it, how much of it is circling the Earth, and what are scientists doing to tackle this problem? In this episode, I will take you into the science of space debris and uncover what is…
more -
What Does a Calorie Really Mean?
Calories are listed everywhere. On food packages, nutrition plans, and more! What is a calorie exactly and what does it really mean for our body? Why is consuming a certain amount of calories important? What role does it play in our everyday lives? In this episode, I will take you into the…
more -
The Cool Science of Glaciers! With Neosha Narayanan
Glaciers! These giant “rivers of ice” are mind-blowing and fascinating to learn about. How are glaciers changing on Earth and how is that tied to climate change? In this episode, I will be speaking with Neosha Narayanan. Neosha studies glaciers and ice sheets at Georgia Tech and is a glaciology…
more -
Mitochondria – It’s Not What You Think!
Mitochondria! Also known as the “powerhouse of the cell”. It is the energy-producing organelle inside cells. How did this important part of cells originate? It’s not what you think! In this episode, I will take you into the science of cells, organelles, mitochondria, and break down the...
-
Viewing the Surface of the North Star! With Dr. Gail Schaefer
The North Star, also known as Polaris, has been a huge part of human culture, navigation, and a signature part of the sky. It’s so special because it is aligned with Earth’s axis, meaning that it will always point north! But, recently, scientists have imaged the surface of Polaris, revealing many...
-
The Perseids Meteor Shower 2024 – How To Watch and More!
The Perseid Meteor Shower is a spectacular celestial event peaking August 11th-12th, 2024! Meteor showers, or shooting stars are events that happen when very special conditions are met. How do meteor showers happen? And, how can you watch the Perseids peaking in August 2024? In this episode, I…
more -
What Caused The Hydrothermal Explosion at Yellowstone?
On July 23rd, a large explosion rocked Biscuit Basin at Yellowstone National Park. This explosion was said to be caused by hydrothermal activity under the park. What exactly caused this explosion and why is it important to study events like this? What’s the science going on underground at...
-
How Heavy is the Air?
You’re surrounded by air everywhere! But, how much does the air weigh? How much does the entire atmosphere weight? Why don’t we get crushed into pancakes because of the weight of the air above us? Find out more about air pressure, how it works, and revealing how much air actually weighs in this...
-
How Do Space Telescopes Work? 2nd Anniversary of James Webb Telescope
Space telescopes change the way we see the universe. July 12th, 2024 celebrates the second anniversary of the James Webb Telescope! Space telescopes are very interesting and the images they provide are even more mind-blowing. But, how do space telescopes work and how are they able to see galaxies...
-
The Science of Soft Matter! Squishy Physics With Dr. Eric Weeks
From shaving cream, to mayonnaise, to maple syrup, to our skin! Soft matter is all around us. In fact, scientists study soft matter and “squishy physics”! Why do they study this? Why is it important? And, why does soft matter, like syrup, act so differently? In this episode, I will be speaking…
more -
How Do Ocean Currents Work?
You may not realize it, but ocean currents impact your everyday life! From food, to shipping, to the weather, ocean currents play a large role in your life. How do ocean currents and the global conveyor belt work? What causes ocean currents? What’s the science behind it? In this episode, I will...
-
The Science Behind the Perfect Sandcastle! With Mr. David Meer
Science truly is all around you, and there’s no better example of that than granular physics! It’s the summertime and people are heading out to the beaches, relaxing, and building sandcastles! You’ve probably noticed that granular materials such as sand and even mixed nuts act in very strange…
more -
How Did The Moon Form? The Story of Earth’s Moon
Earth’s moon is the spotlight of the night sky. It’s been Earth’s best friend for over 4 billion years. How did the Moon form in the first place? What theories do scientists have about the Moon and how it formed? In this episode, I will take you into the story of how the Moon formed, why humans…
more -
What’s So Special About Europa? Searching for Life on Jupiter’s Moon
Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons has been getting a lot of attention. In fact, NASA is sending a mission to Europa, known as the Europa Clipper in late 2024 to find out more about this special moon! Why do scientists want to investigate Europa and what does this have to do with searching for life…
more -
How Does Sound Travel Underwater? The Science of Sound
Sound! It is all around us. We all know how sounds travel in air, but what about water? You’ve probably noticed sounds underwater when swimming at the pool or at the beach. Things sound louder and more defined, and it is very interesting to experience. Does sound travel differently through water?...
-
Why Are Warning Lights Red? The Science of the Color Red
The color red is everywhere! But, have you noticed that most warning lights are red? Fire truck sirens, airplanes, brake lights, traffic lights, and even on top of skyscrapers! Why is the color red used in warning lights and what is the science behind it? In this episode, I will take you behind…
more -
Why Does The Moon Have So Many Craters?
One of the most identifiable features of the Moon are its millions of craters, formed by collisions in space. Why does the Moon have so many craters though? Is there a reason why? In this episode, I blast off to explore the science of the Moon, craters, and answering the question of why it has so...
-
The Northern Lights in the South! What Happened Last Week?
Last Friday, May 10th, people from around the US, Canada, and Europe looked to the skies to see something amazing. The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, was putting on a show. It wasn’t just another aurora, but this one was visible in places such as Georgia, Florida, and New…
more -
Could Jupiter Become a Star?
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. 1,300 Earths would fit in Jupiter! Since Jupiter is such a large planet, could it become a star like the Sun? In this episode, I explore the science of stars, Jupiter, and reveal if Jupiter ever was or could become a star. Here’s an article! It…
more -
Why Are Fruits Different Colors?
Fruits and vegetables are some of the most colorful things on Earth! From the bright red apples, to pink watermelon, to yellow bananas, colors are everywhere in nature. Is there a reason to why fruits are so colorful? Did this evolve over time? In this episode, I will take you into the science of...
-
Why Does Color Black Absorb Heat? The Hidden Science Behind Color and Heat
You’ve probably noticed that darker colors absorb more heat than lighter colors. Have you ever thought of why and how this happens? In this episode, I take you into the hidden science of color, heat, and how this interesting phenomenon happens! Here’s an article! It is called “Colors and Heat...
-
What is Cell Therapy Manufacturing? Explained – With Mr. Keshav Shah
Did you know scientists can manufacture cells for cell therapy? Cell therapy manufacturing is making cells in a lab and using it in humans to heal certain injuries. How does this process work and what is so special about it? In this episode, I will be speaking with Mr. Keshav Shah, a PhD student…
more -
All About the Total Solar Eclipse – How To Watch and More!
On April 8th, 2024 (tomorrow!), a total solar eclipse will be visible over North America and parts of the United States. But, what is the science of solar eclipses, how do they happen, and how can people view them safely? In this special episode, I will be exploring the science of solar eclipses...
-
Flying High Airplane Science! With Mr. Jonel Murray from Delta
Ever wondered how airplanes soar in the skies? What science goes into building and most importantly, maintaining aircraft? In this episode, I will be speaking with Mr. Jonel Murray, an aircraft mechanic and A220 Instructor/Developer from Delta Air Lines. Mr. Murray knows a lot about how airplanes...
-
Sugarcane Waste to Sugarcrete! With Ms. Oluchukwu Okonkwo
Over 2 billion tons of sugarcane is produced around the world. When it is processed, waste is generated. This waste sits there or gets burned, polluting the environment. But, scientists at University of East London have figured out a way to turn the waste into Sugarcrete, construction materials...
-
The Science of Color! How We See It
Colors are all around you. Without the colors that we see, life would be very different. How do humans see colors and what goes on in our brain to give us these colors? In this episode, I take you behind science of light and color, and explore the fascinating world of color perception. Plus, I…
more -
How Do Things Burn? The Science of Fire
When a match, candle, or even campfire burns, what happens to it? Fire is dangerous, but when regulated, is very important to humans! We use it to cook our food, keep us warm, or give us light. In this episode, I will answer the question, what happens when something burns, and go into the science...
-
How Does Soap Work?
You’ve probably used soap many times! It is very useful to keep your hands clean and free of germs. How does soap clean things and how does it work? In this episode, I take into the science and explore the amazing chemistry of soap. Here is an article! It is called “Why Does Soap Make Our Skin...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious people! Join your host Akshay Jayaraman as he embarks on fascinating explorations into the world of science. From the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the microscopic world, he uncovers the science all around us. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with engaging interviews with expert scientists, and mind-blowing topics that will leave you in awe. Whether it’s discovering the science behind amazing natural phenomena, discovering the forces that shape our planet, or exploring the inner workings of the human body, Spectacular Science has it all.
HOSTED BY
Akshay Jayaraman
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Spectacular Science have?
Spectacular Science currently has 213 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Spectacular Science about?
Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious people! Join your host Akshay Jayaraman as he embarks on fascinating explorations into the world of science. From the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the microscopic world, he uncovers the science all around us. Get ready for...
How often does Spectacular Science release new episodes?
Spectacular Science publishes regularly with 213 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Spectacular Science?
You can listen to Spectacular Science on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Spectacular Science?
Spectacular Science is created and hosted by Akshay Jayaraman.
URL copied to clipboard!