Debunking some misconceptions about women’s suffrage on the hundredth anniversary of American women gaining the right to vote. Busting the myth of the Lost Colony. Facebook and NYU are trying to make MRIs better for patients using artificial intelligence. And a website that will replicate the white noise of your office. Sponsors: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: Facebook and NYU use artificial intelligence to make MRI scans four times faster (The ...
Aug 18, 2020•18 min
Scientists find the Butterfly Effect does not exist in the quantum world. Dennis Quaid has adopted a cat named Dennis Quaid. The mural in Warsaw that eats smog. The curious case of beer hidden in the shelves of the Walla Walla Public Library. And a special podcast announcement. Sponsors: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: Scientists Have Shown There's No 'Butterfly Effect' in the Quantum World (Vice) The Time Traveler's Almanac Dennis Quaid adopts c...
Aug 17, 2020•18 min
It’s a brand new world today. There’s a new ice cream jingle from Good Humor and RZA. A new dinosaur was discovered in England. Some books of classic literature are being published under new names. And a new use for Little Free Libraries. Links: ‘George Eliot’ joins 24 female authors making debuts under their real names (The Guardian) New Dinosaur Found on Isle of Wight Beach is Related to the T-Rex (Gizmodo) New dinosaur related to T. rex discovered on Isle of Wight (BBC) RZA Wrote a New Jingle...
Aug 14, 2020•16 min
Some facts about left-handedness for International Left Handers Day. Why you should invest in bird poop. Why Tony Hawk just renamed the “mute air” skateboard trick. And how Australian bars turned their excess expired beer from lockdown into renewable energy. Links: Left Handers Day, August 13th (Left Handers Day) 15 Things You Never Knew About Left-Handed People (Reader’s Digest) Geneticists Are Untangling the Mystery of Left-Handedness (Gizmodo) Why is left-handedness rare? It comes down to the...
Aug 13, 2020•18 min
The “rumor clinics” that combated fake news during World War II. How scientists have turned ordinary bricks into supercapacitors. Why some groceries are still tough to come by. And your chance to have a sleepover at the last remaining Blockbuster in the world. Links: How 'Rumor Clinics' Fought Fake News 80 Years Ago (Mental Floss) During WWII, 'Rumor Clinics' Were Set Up to Dispel Morale-Damaging Gossip (Atlas Obscura) Clever chemistry turns ordinary bricks into electricity storage devices (The ...
Aug 12, 2020•21 min
Is it a good idea to clean your face mask by putting it in the rice cooker? The weird defunct rides of Disney theme parks past. Why scientists want farmers to paint their cows butts. And how to watch the Perseid meteor shower tonight. Links: Decontaminate your N95 mask with a rice cooker (Popular Mechanics) Electric cooker an easy, efficient way to sanitize N95 masks, study finds (Science Daily) Defunct Disney Rides and Lands (Mental Floss) Alien Encounter: The Life and Death of Walt Disney Worl...
Aug 11, 2020•18 min
A new face mask that can translate in eight languages. Tips for lifting your mood as lockdown measures and remote working stretch on. Why people used to rent pineapples. And the renaissance-era wine windows experiencing a comeback in Italy. Sponsors: BetterHelp, Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/REPORT Links: This Japanese face mask translates into eight languages (CNN) Startup Developed a Smart Face Mask That Translates Speech Into Eight Different Languages (iTech Post) How to lift...
Aug 10, 2020•18 min
Today is International Beer Day! How to celebrate and why it exists. How the Netflix sound logo came to be, and what goats and wedding rings have to do with it. And the orchestra that uses fresh produce as instruments. Links: Here's the story behind Netflix's iconic intro sound. A goat is involved. (Mashable) 100 | Ta-dum! It's Netflix (Twenty Thousand Hertz) MOUTH SOUNDS (Neil Cicierega) About International Beer Day (International Beer Day) Here's a List of All the Beer Drinking “Holidays” in 2...
Aug 07, 2020•19 min
Further findings into just how much of our speech dogs can understand. An American highway that’s been repaved with recycled plastic. Taika Waititi’s new anti-racist website. Scientists who had to rename human genes due to a Microsoft Excel error. And a smoke detector that wakes you up by spitting wasabi scents in your face. Links: Brain researchers: Dogs process speech just like humans do (Fast Company) America now has a stretch of highway paved with recycled plastic (Optimist Daily) Voice of R...
Aug 06, 2020•17 min
Do you live in a zip code that’s a Harbinger of Failure? The newly discovered secret to anglerfish’s parasitic success. The woman who returns items left behind in used books to their owners. And the 87 year old athlete who just became the oldest man to complete the Ironman World Championship. Sponsor: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: The "Harbinger Customers" Who Buy Unpopular Products & Back Losing Politicians (Kottke) "Harbinger households":...
Aug 05, 2020•19 min
Cool armor-like technology that butterflies have on their wings to protect them from the rain. How to use Slack without annoying all of your coworkers, or being annoyed yourself. And what 1918 anti-mask culture can teach us about our own mask debates today. Links: Armor on butterfly wings protects against heavy rain (Phys.Org) How to Use Slack Without Driving Your Coworkers Crazy (Wired) The 1918 Flu, Masks and Lessons for the Coronavirus Pandemic (NY Times) Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy P...
Aug 04, 2020•18 min
Australian scientists have figured out a way to grow colored cotton. How poetry is helping healthcare workers through the pandemic. Get your hands on some official Fyre Festival merchandise, thanks to the US Marshals. And the famous cartoon character who accidentally signed people’s tax refund checks. Sponsor: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: Cotton Conquest: Australian scientists discover how to grow coloured cotton (ABC Landline) Putting the bra...
Aug 03, 2020•15 min
A medieval potion that apparently works as an antibiotic. How children's nonsensical emoji use affects their language development. How dogs may be using the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate. And the mysterious origins of everyone’s favorite song, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” Links: A Medieval Potion Proves Its Worth as an Effective Bacteria Killer (Gizmodo) Children Are Using Emoji for Digital-Age Language Learning (Wired) Dogs may use Earth's magnetic field to navigate (Phys.Org) Unraveling the 20...
Jul 31, 2020•19 min
NASA launched their latest Mars rover into space this morning. More details on Perseverance, its mission, and the origins of its Plutonium battery. Archeologists have confirmed the origin of some of the stones from Stonehenge. A few studies are showing that masks protect the wearer as well as others. Plus, some bathroom-humor tinged mask science. And the startup creating clean water out of thin air for the Navajo Nation. Sponsor: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial me...
Jul 30, 2020•20 min
The world’s largest nuclear fusion project has begun assembly in France, getting us one step closer to a possible future of unlimited, clean energy. Lockdown caused the world to be the quietest it’s ever been on record. What’s the benefit package look like for former US presidents? Asking for a friend… And how to view the YouTube homepage through the eyes of a flat earth-er, prepper, and more. Links: Iter: World's largest nuclear fusion project begins assembly (BBC) Assembly begins on ITER, a ma...
Jul 29, 2020•20 min
Can trained dogs sniff out positive COVID-19 infections? It’s 2020 and people are apparently still finding legit buried treasure. This week NASA is sending a 600,000 year old martian rock back to where it came from. And the coolest new Instagram sensations are a pair of octogenarian laundromat owners from Taiwan. Links: Trained dogs were able to sniff out Covid-19 infections with 94% accuracy: study (CNBC) Airport dogs could sniff out coronavirus (CNN) Wiki Wormhole: In 2020, someone actually fo...
Jul 28, 2020•16 min
How people kept cool, or like, stayed alive during heat waves before air conditioning, as well as the year the world skipped summer. How Animal Crossing helped return a lost Nintendo Switch to its owner. A promising handheld robotic mobility aid for vision-impaired people. And how the NBA is filing their stands without breaking their quarantine bubble. Sponsor: BetterHelp, Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/REPORT Links: What Did People Do Before Air Conditioning? (Farmers’ Almanac) ...
Jul 27, 2020•17 min
The hottest new app that’s sending people on mysterious adventures. A heartwarming act of charity from Washington’s newly named team. Lin-Manuel Miranda dishes on some pretty mind-blowing inspirations for some of his biggest songs. And a kitchen hack for making better homemade popcorn. Sponsors: OurCrowd, info.ourcrowd.com/goodnews Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: The App of the Summer Is Randonautica (The Atlantic) What Is Randonautica, the App T...
Jul 24, 2020•17 min
A deep dive into America’s most dangerous water park. How to watch Apple’s decisions to predict upcoming COVID-19 hotspots. And the high school girls from Afghanistan who built their own low-cost, open-source ventilator. Sponsors: OurCrowd, info.ourcrowd.com/goodnews Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: New Jersey's Action Park offered fun and injury for the whole family! (A/V Club) Action Park New Jersey: History, stories of dangerous water park (Spo...
Jul 23, 2020•16 min
A promising N95 respirator replacement designed by a team from MIT. Tips for staying productive during this unprecedented time. Our first ever direct look at a multi-planet system orbiting a sun-like star. And the small Italian village that just welcomed the first baby born there in eight years. Sponsors: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership OurCrowd, info.ourcrowd.com/goodnews Links: MIT researchers designed reusable N95 face mask for healthcare workers (CN...
Jul 22, 2020•16 min
Throwing cold water on the panic around COVID-19’s alleged short-lived immunity. The latest wellness trend: hugging cows. T-shirts that are made out of milk. And are you guilty of revenge bedtime procrastination? Sponsors: OurCrowd, info.ourcrowd.com/goodnews Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: How Long Does COVID-19 Immunity Last? (The Atlantic) COVID immunity thread (Noah Smith, Twitter) The new Dutch wellness trend taking the world by storm (BBC) ...
Jul 21, 2020•16 min
Scientists accidentally created a new fish. Whoops. Iceland is broadcasting the world’s screams from their fjords. KFC is working with Russia to 3D bioprint chicken nuggets. And some Zoom tips and tricks to make your conference calls a little less painful. Sponsors: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership OurCrowd, info.ourcrowd.com/goodnews Links: Scientists Accidentally Bred the Fish Version of a Liger (NY Times) Looks Like You Need Iceland | Inspired By Icel...
Jul 20, 2020•15 min
It’s World Emoji Day today so... what does that mean? A new discovery of “campfires” on the sun. Where to score some good deals for National Ice Cream Day this weekend. And an arcade in New Hampshire that did a solid for one of the favorite customers. Sponsor: FitBod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/goodnews Links: Solar Orbiter Spots Previously Unknown 'Campfires' on the Sun (Gizmodo) Here’s a first look at the new emoji arriving in iOS and Android later this year (The Verge) 👋 I Am Jeremy Bur...
Jul 17, 2020•18 min
How to get your hands on a bottle of moon-scented perfume. The maximum number of hot dogs a human can eat in ten minutes, according to science. An upcoming auction that will enable someone to turn their house into Jurassic Park. And why Captain America and Superman are making headlines today. Sponsor: FitBod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/goodnews Links: 'Smell of space' bottler sets sights on the moon, plans 'Eau de Luna' perfume (Space.Com) Can’t afford to fly to space? Settle for smelling l...
Jul 16, 2020•17 min
How to see five planets in the sky at the same time. The scoop on chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. And a new device that will basically act as noise-canceling headphones for your entire house. Sponsor: FitBod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/goodnews Links: How to See All Five Bright Planets at Once This Month (LifeHacker) How to See Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in the Sky This Weekend (Travel and Leisure) July 2020 guide to the bright planets (Earth Sky) Flavor Graveyard (Ben...
Jul 15, 2020•15 min
What it takes to be an ice cream scientist. How to trick your brain to remember almost anything. What ants can teach us about handling epidemics. And the wine moms who just want to bring a little joy to their communities. Sponsors: FitBod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/goodnews Links: Dream Job Alert Meet Ice Cream Scientist Dr. Maya Warren (Mental Floss) Dr. Maya - #icecreamscientist (Instagram) How to Trick Your Brain to Remember Almost Anything (Wired) What Can We Learn From Ants About Epid...
Jul 14, 2020•19 min
Why is everyone talking about cake? How to watch the brightest comet in a few decades. Are we looking at a future without tooth fillings? Look through someone’s window on the other side of the world without leaving your house. And, a gift to us from Sir Patrick Stewart on his 80th birthday today. Sponsors: BetterHelp, Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/REPORT FitBod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/goodnews Links: These Illusion Cakes Are Giving the Internet an Existential Crisis (Th...
Jul 13, 2020•15 min
Tomorrow is Bowdler’s Day! What the heck does that mean? A round-up of all the best apps and extensions for virtually watching movies together with your friends. The real meaning of “dog days of summer.” A labrador making home deliveries in Colombia. And yet another creative strategy for filling the empty stands at professional sports games. Links: The Bowdlers Wanted to Clean Up Shakespeare, Not Become a Byword for Censorship (Smithsonian Magazine) Henrietta, the Woman Behind Bowdlerism (The Ch...
Jul 10, 2020•17 min
New research shows that native South Americans may have helped populate Polynesia 800 years ago. Why are men less likely to wear masks, does wearing a mask make you more attractive, and can we use that reasoning to persuade more people to wear them? And the dogecoin is back in earnest thanks to a new trend on TikTok. Links: South Americans may have traveled to Polynesia 800 years ago (Science News) Some Polynesians Carry Native American DNA, Study Finds (NY Times) Does Wearing a Mask Make You Lo...
Jul 09, 2020•19 min
A plutonium mishap in New Mexico. The popular YouTube musician bringing awareness to indigenous languages. What’s up with the coin shortage in the US? And Spotify’s new personalized workout playlists. Sponsor: Beachbody on Demand, Text "GOODNEWS" to 303030 for a free trial membership Links: US nuclear lab investigates breach at plutonium facility (ABC News) Hanford Disaster: What Happens to Someone Who's Exposed to Plutonium? (Live Science) The Indigenous Peruvian Trap Music of Renata Flores (Ko...
Jul 08, 2020•18 min
