Science’s Greatest 180s

Science Quickly

Scientific American

Science

4.3 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 25 August 2025

⏱️ 8 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Science doesn’t always get it right the first time—and that’s part of the journey. In this anniversary episode, we explore how ideas about nerve damage, sustainable materials and alien life have done a full 180. Recommended Reading Celebrating 180 Years of Scientific American 180 Years of Standing Up for Science How Scientists Finally Learned That Nerves Regrow Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy Plastics Started as a Sustainability Solution. What Went Wrong? The Search for Extraterrestrial Life Is a Roller Coaster of Hope and Disappointment Join the #SciAmInTheWild photography challenge for a chance to win a one-year Unlimited subscription to Scientific American—plus an exclusive bundle of gadgets and gear to level up your next adventure. See the rules for entry here. Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check the show. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:30.8	Scientific American is turning 180. To celebrate, join our photo challenge, Siam in the Wild.
0:37.4	It's easy. Just snap a pick of any
0:39.2	scientific American print issue in a setting that reflects or complements the cover theme. Then
0:43.9	shared on social media using hashtag Siam in the Wild, tag Scientific American, and include your
0:49.5	name and location. Or you can email it over to us at contests at siam.com.
0:54.9	You could win a one-year unlimited subscription, plus a bundle of awesome gadgets and gear to fuel your next adventure.
1:02.3	But hurry. Entries close September 5th.
1:04.8	Terms and conditions apply.
1:06.2	See official rules at siam.com slash 180 contest.
1:10.1	That's siam.com slash 180 contest. That link is also available
1:14.4	in our show notes. We can't wait to see where curiosity takes you. Happy Monday, for
1:34.3	For Scientific American Science quickly, I'm Rachel Seltman.
1:41.3	Today, we're doing something a little different from our usual weekly news roundup.
1:49.1	Scientific American turns 180 this year, and we recently celebrated with a collection of print
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