The Kingdom of Jordan is the first nation in the world to eliminate Leprosy. Weird Wednesday brings us a giant GPS phallus, a chance to buy President George Washington’s hair, and a couple "odd" structures. Plus, on 'This Day in History', the Soviet Union’s five-day week. Jordan Recognized as First in the World to Eradicate Leprosy (goodnewsnetwork.org) UK Man Creates Giant GPS Penis Drawing To Raise Money For Charity (ndtv.com) Lock of Washington's hair and other presidential memorabilia up for...
Nov 06, 2024•29 min
It's Election Day in the United State so we examine why it falls on a Tuesday in November, plus a potential step forward in predicting volcanic activity, and on 'This Day in History', Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot leading to a seemingly ubiquitous mask today. Sponsored By Acorns - Head to at acorns.com/cool or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Why Is Election Day a Tuesday in November? New trigger proposed for record-smashing 2022 Tonga eruption | S...
Nov 05, 2024•22 min
A small moon orbiting Uranus may be the latest body in our solar system that could harbor life. New research out of USC suggests a low-sugar diet in utero and in the first two years of life can meaningfully reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, plus on "This Day in History", the first wagon train arrives in California on this day in 1841. Constraining Ocean and Ice Shell Thickness on Miranda from Surface Geological Structures and Stress Modeling - IOPscience Astronomers Found Somethi...
Nov 04, 2024•24 min
Scientists spot a star spinning at so fast, it’ll make you dizzy just thinking about it – now the fastest spinning object ever observed and staying in space, another issue for the Voyager 1 probe causes it to use a radio for the first time in over 40 years. Plus, on This Day in History, the motion picture rating system is unveiled – you may be surprised to hear what we using before the familiar classifications of “G” “PG”, "PG-13", "R", and "NC-17". One of the fastest-spinning stars in the Unive...
Nov 01, 2024•20 min
A new study examines the connection between earthquakes and geysers. Evidence mounts that dark matter – something that's long perplexed scientists -- originates with black holes. Plus, on 'This Day in History'; the first coast-to-coast highway is dedicated in the US. Earthquakes might trigger Yellowstone's Steamboat geyser : NPR Evidence mounts for dark energy from black holes TDIH: America's First Transcontinental Highway Turns 100 : NPR TDIH: The Lincoln Highway | FHWA (dot.gov) Contact the sh...
Oct 31, 2024•24 min
Why social species live longer than their solitary counterparts. Plus, Weird Wednesday has an Artisan Cheese Thief, More Drugs on Pizza, and a potential lawsuit from an elephant? On This Day in History, we look at Intel’s Pentium Bug of 1994. More social species live longer | ScienceDaily Artisan cheese seller in a pickle after thieves made off with massive cheddar haul | AP News Pizza inadvertently infused with THC sickens dozens in Wisconsin | AP News Can an elephant sue to leave a zoo? Colora...
Oct 30, 2024•26 min
Scientists reverse brain aging in fruit flies! What does that mean for humans? The European Space Agency’s new telescope, Euclid, provides us with stunning images of the “Dark Side” of the Universe. And on 'This Day in History'; the crash landing of NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 1 and Boris Pasternak’s refusal to accept his Nobel Prize Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code COOLSTUFF at the link below and get 60% off an an...
Oct 29, 2024•26 min
Using AI, researchers develop DNA ‘switches’ to precisely control gene activity in specific cell types and the Yellowstone “Landscape of Fear” hypothesis is being questioned. Plus, on This Day in History, fingerprints are used in an investigation for the first time. Researchers flip genes on and off with AI-designed DNA switches | ScienceDaily Predation, not fear of wolves, keeps elk from denuding Yellowstone | Science | AAAS From a fair to fingerprinting: Here's the history behind how we identi...
Oct 28, 2024•24 min
Mount Everest is having a growth spurt, treasure hunters in the UK are rewarded in a big way, and on 'This Day in History', the first international, six-day bike-race & the great wood ban of Amsterdam Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code COOLSTUFF at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/coolstuff Mount Everest is having a growth spurt, say researchers Trove of ancient silver coins un...
Oct 25, 2024•22 min
On today's episode, we examine how mega-buildings/structures are now slowing the earth’s spin! Plus, how electro-agriculture could help plants grow without photosynthesis, and what that means for the future. Plus, on 'This Day in History'; the first photo of earth taken from space using a rocket commandeered from Nazi Germany. Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code COOLSTUFF at the link below and get 60% off an an...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min
Scientific research reveals the "correct" way to throw a frisbee. Plus, Weird Wednesday has a quick goodbye, a shoe smeller, and a special side order that toppled a drug operation. And on TDIH, we look back at the first modern nose job. Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code COOLSTUFF at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/coolstuff You've been throwing a frisbee all wrong, new study ...
Oct 23, 2024•23 min
It has been revealed that the first brown dwarf ever discovered is actually twins and we look at what happened to Earth when a meteorite four times the size of Mount Everest hit our planet. Plus, on This Day in History, Yahoo makes a purchase to offer free email to their customers. ‘It’s twin’ twist: Astronomers solve 29-year-old brown dwarf mystery (msn.com) It's twins! Mystery of famed brown dwarf solved | ScienceDaily First Brown Dwarf Discovered is Actually Twins | AMNH The cool brown dwarf ...
Oct 22, 2024•26 min
Could future astronauts use asteroids for food? It might be possible, we'll explain how. The Tasmanian Tiger might be resurrected. Plus, on This Day in History, we look at the first transatlantic radiotelephone message. Astronauts could mine asteroids for food someday, scientists say | Live Science Could Future Astronauts Dine on Asteroids? (popularmechanics.com) How we can mine asteroids for space food | International Journal of Astrobiology | Cambridge Core Scientists could soon resurrect the ...
Oct 21, 2024•22 min
The National Weather Service makes changes to their Winter Advisories and the origin of most meteorites is revealed. Plus, on This Day in History, we look at the solution to burnt toast. There won’t be any wind chill warnings in Wisconsin this winter (wbay.com) Why you’ll no longer see ‘Wind Chill Warnings’ this winter (msn.com) Understanding Cold Weather Alerts The origin of most meteorites finally revealed | ScienceDaily The Demise of Burnt Toast: The Invention of the Pop-up Toaster - Hennepin...
Oct 18, 2024•20 min
A new wearable armband might help stroke victims with flexibility in their arms and the latest new drink trend - "Dirty Soda" - we’ll explain what that is. Plus, on This Day in History, we look at the London Beer Flood that claimed several lives and spilled hundreds of thousands of gallons on the streets of London. New Wearable Cuff 'Rewires' Brains of Stroke Patients by Stimulating Nerves (goodnewsnetwork.org) Task-Oriented Design of a Multi-Degree of Freedom Upper Limb Prosthesis with Integrat...
Oct 17, 2024•19 min
The decision-making processes in fungi - you heard that right! Weird Wednesday has an Mt Everest discovery 100 years later, a wife-carrying competition, and controversy in the Conkers Championship…we’ll explain. And on This Day in History, the start of Disney Cartoons. Do fungi recognize shapes? | ScienceDaily Everest climber Irvine's foot believed found after 100 years (bbc.com) Wife-carrying championship victory brings beer, cash | AP News Conkers controversy: World tournament investigates cla...
Oct 16, 2024•25 min
Can CBD be used to snuff out mosquitos? New research says ‘yes’, and, perhaps a surprise but space is getting crowded – or at least satellite traffic is on the rise. Is this cause for concern? Plus on This Day in History, shredded wheat – the cereal that would greatly impact an industry – and the patented machine that made it. CBD from Hemp Kills Mosquitoes, Inflicting 100% Mortality Rate on Pesticide-Resistant Insects (goodnewsnetwork.org) Larvicidal Activity of Hemp Extracts and Cannabidiol ag...
Oct 15, 2024•24 min
A new study reveals human and animal hair in the teeth of the famous ‘man-eater’ lions that were killed in 1898, and what we can learn from a rare well-preserved Viking burial site. Plus, on This Day in History, Teddy Roosevelt delivers an hour-long campaign speech in Milwaukee AFTER being shot in the chest. Genomic study identifies human, animal hair in 'man-eater' lions' teeth | ScienceDaily In Denmark, 50 well-preserved Viking Age skeletons have been unearthed, a rare discovery | AP News Tedd...
Oct 14, 2024•25 min
A new electroactive material may represent a massive breakthrough for wearable devices, including the medical variety – we’ve got details. Plus, on This Day in History, the patent wars over who really invented the laser come to an end. Nature and plastics inspire breakthrough in soft sustainable materials | ScienceDaily Gordon Gould: The Long Battle For The Laser Patent | Electronic Design Contact the show - [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...
Oct 11, 2024•22 min
Voyager 2 shuts off one of its five remaining instruments to preserve power. Plus, on This Day in History; an extended look at the history of the first synthetic soap and its successor – a massive brand name that’s still dominating the market today – some 90 years later. NASA shut off a Voyager 2 tool to save power | Popular Science (popsci.com) NASA Turns Off Iconic Voyager 2 Instrument As Space Probe Loses Power | IFLScience NASA Turns Off Science Instrument to Save Voyager 2 Power | NASA Jet ...
Oct 10, 2024•35 min
On today’s episode; a 2 billion-year-old rock is found to house living microbes! Weird Wednesday features a treasure hunt that ends after 31 years, a job application response that took 50 years, and another midwest alligator. And on This Day in History the first electric blanket is manufactured in the US, and it isn’t cheap! 2-billion-year-old rock home to living microbes After 31 years, a French treasure hunt may have a winner. The prize: a valuable golden owl | AP News Treasure hunt for golden...
Oct 09, 2024•24 min
A mission to study the potential for life on Jupiter’s moon Europa is soon expected to launch. Plus, a potential breakthrough in the field of neuroscience that could help combat Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. And on 'This Day in History'; the microwave oven is patented. NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa (theconversation.com) SpaceX, NASA stand down from Oct. 10 Europa Clipper launch due to Hurricane Milton (msn.com) Neuroscientists spark shelte...
Oct 08, 2024•21 min
Scientists now say agriculture on earth began 66 million years ago thanks to ... ants! Plus, long thought to be a detriment to learning, a new study provides insight on how teachers can get the most out of cell phones – and other technology – in the classroom. And, on This Day in History, the TV show that brought the nation several dance crazes -- American Bandstand debuts in Philadelphia. Ant agriculture began 66 million years ago in the aftermath of the asteroid that doomed the dinosaurs Evalu...
Oct 07, 2024•19 min
With the help of the Webb telescope, scientists have found new information about the surface on one of Pluto’s moons and as for our plastic problems here on earth – researchers have found a common family of bacteria using the material for food. What might that mean for global clean-up efforts. Plus, on This Day in History, we look at the start of the “Men’s Only” magazine, Esquire. NASA's Webb telescope detects traces of carbon dioxide on a Pluto moon | AP News NASA Telescope Finds New Details A...
Oct 04, 2024•23 min
The first battery-powered planes are tested to help improve global emissions emitted from aircrafts and on This Day in History, the first female senator is appointed - but only serves for 24 hours, we’ll explain. The world's first battery-powered planes have landed. But how safe are they? | BBC Science Focus Magazine Sustainable air travel: Could long-haul flights ever go green? - BBC Science Focus Magazine ZeroAvia Makes Aviation History, Flying World’s Largest Aircraft Powered with a Hydrogen-...
Oct 03, 2024•24 min
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•24 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•18 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
