A new exoplanet was discovered circling our nearest star neighbor – and no, I'm not talking about the sun. Weird Wednesday includes a fat bear contest, a sheep herding tradition, and a blue lobster. Plus, on This Day in History, 1851 – the pasilalinic-sympathetic compass promises to provide global communication without the use of electronics – instead, they used snails. Scientists discover planet orbiting closest single star to our Sun | ScienceDaily Fat Bear Week 2024 | VOTE (explore.org) Onlin...
Oct 02, 2024•24 min
The latest on cell phones and their potential tie to brain cancer – what does the research tell us? A new piece from Mozart is discovered in Germany, And on This Day in History, President Lincoln’s Civil War substitute – we’ve got the details. Scientists Determine If Cell Phone Radiation Causes Brain Cancer (prevention.com) This Lost Mozart Composition Hasn't Been Heard for Centuries. Now, You Can Listen to It | Smithsonian (smithsonianmag.com) Previously Unknown Mozart Song Discovered in German...
Oct 01, 2024•22 min
A spectacle in the night sky can be seen now and it will only get brighter and on This Day in History, the world’s first rocket-propelled flight – a publicity stunt, but also an inspiration for future inventors. Brightening Comet 2023 A3 set to light up autumn sky (bbc.com) Comet A3 Tracker For The Week Ahead — Where And When To See It (forbes.com) Fireworks forecast if comet survives risky sun flypast (phys.org) Car maker Opel’s 1929 publicity stunt to fly world’s first (key.aero) Today in Engi...
Sep 30, 2024•23 min
A balloon could soon bring tourists to the edge of space, after undergoing a successful test. We’ll have the details on what it will cost you. And on 'This Day in History', an endangered rat that’s reportedly capable of cracking open coconuts is confirmed to exist -- on a single island -- back in 2017. So-Called 'Space Balloon' Completes Crucial Test Ahead of Tourist Flights (gizmodo.com) $125,000 Balloon Trips To Space Closer After Successful Test Flight (forbes.com) spaceperspective.com/journa...
Sep 27, 2024•17 min
Scientists say drink more TAP WATER – it’s better for you than its store-bought, bottled counterpart, and Mars soil may be hiding the planet’s ancient atmosphere in plain sight – and it could one day be used as rocket fuel. We’ve got the details. Plus, on This Day in History; Bullseye! America wins what becomes the Leech Cup – the oldest trophy in shooting competition – on the final shot over the heavily favored Irish. Drinking bottled water is much worse for you than tap, scientists find | BBC ...
Sep 26, 2024•25 min
Extinct volcanoes could hold the key to the rare earth minerals require for today’s electronics. Plus it’s Weird Wednesday and Reggie has a host of stories, including a message in a bottle from an archeologist 200 years ago. On 'This Day in History,' the telekino, aka a remote control is born in 1906. Extinct volcanoes a 'rich' source of rare earth elements Look: Archaeologist's message in a bottle found at dig site 200 years later - UPI.com Message in a bottle, written 200 years ago by an archa...
Sep 25, 2024•19 min
YouTube announced more features for both viewers and creators, plus on This Day in History, KFC opens its first franchise location and it’s not in Kentucky! The Best New Features Coming to YouTube in 2024 (gizmodo.com) Made on YouTube 2024: Announcements for YouTube creators and viewers (blog.google) An Antique Employee-Tracking Device: The International Dial Time Recorder Clock - Core77 The History Of KFC – Feedough KFC - Our Heritage | KFC KFC | The Colonel's Story Timeline | The Life of Harla...
Sep 24, 2024•27 min
The scientific breakthrough that could help us predict catastrophic river shifts. Plus, the global number of rhinos is headed in the right direction, but poaching is also on the rise and a new woolly rhino is found. This Day in History, the founding of what turned into a legendary video gaming company. Breakthrough study predicts catastrophic river shifts that threaten millions worldwide | ScienceDaily The number of rhinos is slightly up but poaching has increased too | AP News India's one-horne...
Sep 23, 2024•30 min
47 years in and billions of miles from home, Voyager 1 still troubleshoots to explore the great beyond. Staying in space, the largest ever black hole jets have been discovered – and their size is almost incomprehensible. We’ll have the details. And on TDIH, the first fictitious band to hit number one on the Billboard 100. Voyager 1 survives clogged thruster issue billions of miles away | CNN NASA's Voyager 1 probe swaps thrusters in tricky fix as it flies through interstellar space | Space Large...
Sep 20, 2024•21 min
Diving lizards use an air bubble to breathe underwater. What can we learn from this fascinating admiral adaptation? Plus, Earth will soon have two moons…temporarily. And on 'This Day in History; the first carpet sweeper patented by Melvin Bissell also leads to the world’s first female CEO – in 1889. 'Scuba-diving' lizards use bubble to breathe underwater and avoid predators Earth will soon have a temporary second moon | KTLA What you need to know about Earth's new, temporary mini-moon - Los Ange...
Sep 19, 2024•21 min
Coffee and caffeine may be good for your health, we’ll explain. Weird Wednesday has a python catching competition, the bird of the year, and the oldest person alive is honored in Japan. Plus, on This Day in History, the first white female to be recognized as a chief in the Native American community. Moderate coffee and caffeine consumption is associated with lower risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, new study finds | ScienceDaily Grand prize winner removed 20 Burmese pythons fr...
Sep 18, 2024•20 min
A city-killer sized asteroid’s close encounter with Earth could provide us with new data - but what are the odds it actually hits us? Plus, on This Day in History, how long did the first transcontinental flight of the US take? We’ll have the answer and tell who and how he did it. 'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis could still hit Earth in 2029, study hints — but we won't know for 3 more years | Live Science NASA can't wait for its OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft to meet 'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis in 20...
Sep 17, 2024•20 min
On today's episode, dinosaur-era tree saplings are being sold at auction with the goal of spreading their presence across Australia. Plus, a new study reveals how an aging immune system fuels cancer growth. And on This Day in History, the 1920 bombing of Wall Street – PLUS, was there really a secondary purpose to the Empire State Building’s massive spire? 6 Saplings of Dinosaur-Era Tree Species Being Auctioned to Spread the Pines Around Australia Novel study reveals how aging immune system fuels...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min
Like father, like daughter – a new study finds fathers with unhealthy diets can actually cardiovascular disease on to their daughters specifically. Plus, you won’t want to miss the Ig Nobel award-winning research this year – Reggie has details. And on TDIH, the NYC riot that started with a hat! Like father, like daughter | ScienceDaily Ig Nobel prize: Scientists who discovered mammals can breathe through their anuses receive award | CNN Studies on pigeon-guided missiles, swimming abilities of de...
Sep 13, 2024•20 min
The protein that may determine how long we live, and the most detailed video of a star ever shows bubbling gas on the surface. Plus, on This Day in History, The Messier Catalog is started - to let astronomers know what objects in the night sky aren't a comet. Newly discovered gene may influence longevity | ScienceDaily Astronomers track bubbles on star's surface | ScienceDaily Who was Charles Messier? | BBC Sky at Night Magazine Charles Messier - NASA Science Contact the show - coolstuffcommute@...
Sep 12, 2024•20 min
Can an organism as simple as bacteria really anticipate seasonal changes? Weird Wednesday has an expensive dime, odd room service requests, interesting items found in hotels, and a message-in-a-bottle birthday wish come true. And on This Day in History – the history of dialysis. 'Ice bucket challenge' reveals that bacteria can anticipate the seasons | ScienceDaily Ohio family expects huge payout for rare coin hidden for decades | AP News Hotels reveal most unusual lost and found items, room serv...
Sep 11, 2024•28 min
Scientists may have discovered the key to making skin transparent and like Reggie, some scientists are questioning how rare some of those colorful lobsters are. Plus, on This Day in History, the tv dinner comes to the table…or maybe the living room. Scientists make tissue of living animals see-through | ScienceDaily Rainbow colored lobsters spark curiosity, but how rare are they? | AP News A Brief History of the TV Dinner | Smithsonian (smithsonianmag.com) Contact the show - coolstuffcommute@gma...
Sep 10, 2024•20 min
The moon may have had volcanic activity more recently than previously believed, and on 'This Day in History', the Erie steamship suffers a tragic fate en route to Chicago. New research suggests the moon had active volcanoes when dinosaurs roamed Earth | AP News The moon had surprisingly recent volcanic activity, samples from Chinese space mission confirm Disaster on Lake Erie The Horrifying Erie Steamship Tragedy Eerie Steamship Disaster Contact the show - coolstuffcommute@gmail.com Learn more a...
Sep 09, 2024•19 min
The Wisconsin DNR is looking for pine cones…we’ll explain why, and, yet another species of dinosaur has been unearthed in Spain. Plus, on This Day in History, the first supermarket opens and it has a name you can’t forget. Wisconsin DNR will pay money for bushels of pine cones, part of reforestation program | WFRV (wearegreenbay.com) DNR Looking To Buy Bushels Of Red Pine Cones | Wisconsin DNR Fossil site found by happenstance likely to produce several new dinosaur species (msn.com) The Bizarre ...
Sep 06, 2024•18 min
On today’s episode, do bacteria cells have memories? A new study out of Northwestern has the answer. Plus, six new rogue worlds have been discovered in space. And, on 'This Day in History', we look back on the first gasoline pump. Bacterial cells transmit memories to offspring Six new rogue worlds: Star birth clues First Gas Pump and Service Station - American Oil & Gas Historical Society (aoghs.org) The First Gasoline Pump | Days to Remember (wordpress.com) Contact the show - coolstuffcommu...
Sep 05, 2024•23 min
Why your next batteries could be nuclear powered, Weird Wednesday has unwanted shirts, a long lost postcard that helps reunite a family and another orange lobster. Plus, on This Day in History – the first newspaper boy is hired in NYC. Why your next batteries might be nuclear-powered | BBC Science Focus Magazine Nuclear power in your pocket? 50-year battery innovation | CAS Chinese-developed nuclear battery has a 50-year lifespan — Betavolt BV100 built with Nickel-63 isotope and diamond semicond...
Sep 04, 2024•29 min
Today's episode features a potential solution for those who suffer from migraine headaches – so long as you know one is coming on. And, as demand for cocoa increases while supplies dwindle, new methods for creating chocolate are being developed. Plus on TDIH; online auction site EBay is founded. That’s coming up on Cool Stuff. Cure for migraines: Scientists closer to breakthrough with new pill Companies seeking new ways to grow cocoa to keep up with demand | AP News Rich cocoa prices hitting sho...
Sep 03, 2024•24 min
Too much of a good thing - Does the popular trend of intermittent fasting have a downside? Plus, are you feeling the corn sweat? We’ll explain. And on This Day in History, the longest overwater bridge opens. 'Too much of a good thing': Here’s what fasting could actually do to your body | BBC Science Focus Magazine Sweaty corn is making it even more humid | AP News Feeling Sticky This Summer? 'Corn Sweat' Could Be Raising the Humidity | Smithsonian (smithsonianmag.com) What is corn sweat? A Midwe...
Aug 30, 2024•23 min
Matching dinosaur footprints on two different continents and for the first time ever, a human-caused asteroid shower is coming to Earth. Plus, on This Day in History, a Zeppelin airship completes its round-the-world trip. Matching dinosaur footprints found on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean | ScienceDaily NASA's dart mission may spark human-caused meteor showers (msn.com) Fallout from NASA's asteroid-smashing DART mission could hit Earth — potentially triggering 1st human-caused meteor show...
Aug 29, 2024•22 min
Don’t panic, but thousands of tarantulas will soon emerge in search of a mate – at least, in select parts of the country (we’ll tell you where). Plus, it’s Weird Wednesday and we’re bringing you the oldest bottle of cognac, the oldest living man, a missing kid that wasn’t really missing, and a nude bike race. And on This Day in History – the first American steam locomotive is built, and the race that secures its place in the future of transportation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
Aug 28, 2024•26 min
A new prospective solution for keeping Alzheimer's and other age-related brain conditions at bay. Plus, an endangered bird will soon take flight again, with the help of humans. And on 'This Day in History', the first known play in America leads to a criminal trial. Cleaning up the aging brain: Scientists restore brain's trash disposal system This bird species was extinct in Europe. Now it's back, and humans must help it migrate for winter | AP News LIFE Northern Bald Ibis The First American Play...
Aug 27, 2024•24 min
The power of the placebo – a new study reveals interesting benefits even when patients are aware of what they’re receiving, and the coral reefs are slowly dying – but not in Tela Bay. What secrets might this area possess, and can they be applied to other reefs around the world? Plus, on This Day in History, one tiny car becomes a cultural icon. Placebos reduce stress, anxiety, depression -- even when people know they are placebos | ScienceDaily This coral reef should be dead—so why is it thrivin...
Aug 26, 2024•23 min
REMINDER: Reggie and Marques will be off August 19-23, attending a podcast conference. They'll be back with episodes beginning Monday, August 26. A new computer interface could give those suffering from ALS their voice back. Plus, scientists look to implement a universal lunar clock to keep tabs on time on the moon. A runaway star that’s faster than anything we've ever heard of. And on TDIH; William Beebe descends into the ocean depths in his bathysphere. New brain-computer interface allows man ...
Aug 16, 2024•25 min
Water … in space! Exciting news from a celestial body and where it could be hiding, and NASA’s VIPER rover may have a second chance. Plus, On This Day in History; the American tourist who kissed Adolph Hitler. Scientists Just Found Oceans of Liquid Water on Mars – But There's a Catch : ScienceAlert Mars Once Had So Much Water, It Could Have Been An Ocean World, Scientists Say : ScienceAlert Mars Education | Developing the Next Generation of Explorers (asu.edu) Liquid water in the Martian mid-cru...
Aug 15, 2024•25 min
It’s Weird Wednesday and we’re bringing you shipwrecked champagne, rare baby lobsters, a Great Lakes alligator, and a Guinness World Record record –. And on This Day in History – were the Wright Brothers really the first in flight? Some would beg to differ, and we’ll tell you why. A 19th-century shipwreck is filled with Champagne bottles and Sweden won't allow anyone a sip | AP News A 1-in-30-million orange lobster in Maine is having colorful babies (msn.com) Maine university's rare orange lobst...
Aug 14, 2024•29 min
