Spectacular Science

Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious people! Join our enthusiastic 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.

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 with his smooth moves and … Continue reading "Episode 211: The Science of the “Aura Farming” Boat Kid – Science of Human Balance"

07-15
07:56

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 the … Continue reading "Episode 210: Why Saturn’s Losing Its Rings"

07-01
08:05

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 bioengineered foods, GMOs, … Continue reading "Episode 209: What Are Bioengineered Food Ingredients? Revealed"

06-03
08:53

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 past … Continue reading "Episode 208: How Volcanoes on Mars Could Have Supported Life"

05-20
07:15

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 lithium-ion batteries. Here’s an article! … Continue reading "Episode 207: How Your Phone’s Battery Works"

04-15
06:50

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 microplastics, what they are, and … Continue reading "Episode 206: How Microplastics Might Be In Our Water"

04-01
08:10

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 … Continue reading "Episode 205: Why We Still Have Tailbones"

03-26
06:20

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 … Continue reading "Episode 204: Are We Really 50% Genetically Related to Bananas?"

03-18
07:45

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 Moon. … Continue reading "Episode 203: Why The Moon is Slowly Moving Away"

03-05
06:40

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 in 2032 … Continue reading "Episode 202: Will Asteroid 2024 YR4 Hit Earth?"

02-26
05:45

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 … Continue reading "Episode 201: How AI is Consuming So Much Water – Explained"

02-18
06:15

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 exercise. Simply keeping yourself active has … Continue reading "200th Episode of Spectacular Science! – Exercise and the Brain with Dr. Charles Hillman"

12-31
29:30

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 this phenomenon and more! Here’s … Continue reading "Episode 199: What is an Infinity Mirror? Explained!"

12-25
05:50

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 engineering marvels behind … Continue reading "Episode 198: Why Triangles Are Such a Strong Shape"

12-19
06:05

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, what are their impacts, and … Continue reading "Episode 197: The Truth About Pesticides – With Dr. Changmou Xu"

12-11
26:15

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, … Continue reading "Episode 196: The 3 Types of Heat Transfer – Explained!"

12-04
07:15

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 from the University … Continue reading "Episode 195: Titan – Studying Saturn’s Mysterious Moon with Dr. Lauren Schurmeier"

11-27
21:20

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 this … Continue reading "Episode 194: Why Green Means Go – The Science of Traffic Lights"

11-20
08:55

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 changing the way … Continue reading "Episode 193: How the James Webb Telescope is Changing Everything"

11-13
08:30

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 of dinosaurs, birds, evolution, and how they … Continue reading "Episode 192: How Birds and Dinosaurs Are Related!"

11-06
07:10

Recommend Channels