Curiosity Weekly - podcast cover

Curiosity Weekly

Discoverywww.discovery.com

Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today.  


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Episodes

Everything-Repellent Clothing, Resonant Breathing, and Where Lost Luggage Goes

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Scientists Have Finally Made an Everything-Repellent Coating This Is Where Most of the Lost Luggage in the US Ends Up Resonant Breathing Can Calm You Down In a Matter of Minutes Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/everything-repellent-clothing-resonant-breathing-and-where-lost-luggage-goes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

May 10, 20187 min

Depression in Artificial Intelligence, Smartphones in the Bedroom, and Tetanus Mythbusting

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Could Artificial Intelligence Experience Depression? Why You Should Leave Your Phone Out of the Bedroom You Don't Get Tetanus From Rust Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer . Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://dis...

May 09, 20187 min

How to Clean Your Smartphone, Caffeine Benefits, and the World’s Busiest Air Route

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Caffeine Causes Widespread "Brain Entropy" — and That's Actually a Good Thing The World's Busiest Air Route Goes to an Island You've Probably Never Heard of This Is How to Clean Your Smartphone Without Destroying It Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-clean-your-smartphone-caffeine-benefits-and-the-worlds-busiest-air-route Host...

May 08, 20187 min

Resilience Is the Key to Your Well-Being in a Constantly Changing World

It's hard to count on a world that's constantly changing. That's why it's vital to grow internal strengths like grit, gratitude, and compassion — at least, according to Dr. Rick Hanson , a Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and author of "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness." In this episode, he discusses the key to resilience, and to lasting well-being in a changing world. Additional resources from Dr. Rick Hanson: "Resilient: ...

May 08, 201841 min

Aliens Studying Humans, an AI Fairy Tale, and The Importance of Taking Off Your Shoes

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Are Aliens Secretly Studying Life on Earth from Afar? The Zoo Hypothesis Says Yes Listen to a "Lost" Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Written by an AI How Important Is It to Take Your Shoes Off as Soon as You Get in the House? Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/aliens-studying-humans-an-ai-fairy-tale-and-the-importance-of-taking-off-your-sh...

May 07, 20187 min

NASA's InSight Lander Mars Mission, the Chicken or the Egg, and Common Synesthesia

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Forget Rovers: NASA's InSight Lander Will Learn About Mars By Sitting Still Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg? You Might Have the Most Common Form of Synesthesia Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/nasas-insight-lander-mars-mission-the-chicken-or-the-egg-and-common-synesthesia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

May 04, 20186 min

Incompetent Boss Traits, a Backyard Volcano, and Meditation’s Lasting Brain Boost

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: This Is the Trait That Most Incompetent Bosses Share This Guy's Backyard Turned Into a 1,300-Foot-Tall Volcano The Brain Boost You Get From Meditation Could Last for Years Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/incompetent-boss-traits-a-backyard-volcano-and-meditations-lasting-brain-boost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

May 03, 20188 min

How Laundry Machines Work, Bill Gates’ Recommended Reading, and Why We Judge

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Scientists Just Figured Out How Laundry Machines Clean Your Clothes Bill Gates Believes the World Would Be Better If Millions Read This Book "Factfulness" on Amazon (FREE with your Audible trial!) Here's the Reason You Judge Others More Harshly Than You Judge Yourself Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/how-laundry-machines-work-bill-...

May 02, 20187 min

How to Improve Your Sense of Direction, Pied Piper Mysteries, and Planet Name Origins

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: How to Develop a Better Sense of Direction The Pied Piper Isn't Just a Fairy Tale Pluto Was Named By An 11-Year-Old Girl Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-improve-your-sense-of-direction-pied-piper-mysteries-and-planet-name-origins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 01, 20187 min

Natural Disasters Have Transformed How Scientists Communicate

People have relied on scientists for answers to some pretty big questions, and natural disasters are no exception. But when people don't like those answers, how are scientists supposed to communicate with the public? In this episode, seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones discusses the disconnect between disasters, psychology, and science communication, and helps us understand how to handle inconvenient truths in a healthy way. Additional resources from Dr. Lucy Jones: "The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters ...

May 01, 201840 min

How Often Your Mind Wanders, Smiling at Dogs, and Richard Branson's Productivity Hack

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Your Mind Wanders Half the Time You're Awake Your Dog Really Loves It When You Smile Richard Branson's Secret to Productivity and Success Is Simple: Work Out Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go ...

Apr 30, 20187 min

Learn When We’ll Meet Aliens, Hear Singing Sand Dunes, and Understand Your Roommates

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: We'll Probably Never Meet Aliens While They're Still Alive, According to 2018 Research Listen to the Sound of "Singing Sand Dunes" Your Roommate Doesn't Know How You're Feeling Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/learn-when-well-meet-aliens-hear-singing-sand-dunes-and-understand-your-roommates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Apr 27, 20187 min

Freezer Burn Science, A Giant Flying Reptile, and How to Learn Twice as Fast

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: Is It Safe to Eat Food That Has Freezer Burn? Quetzalcoatlus Was a Flying Reptile the Size of a Giraffe Scientists Found a Technique That Can Help You Learn Skills Twice as Fast Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainmen...

Apr 26, 20187 min

Touchscreen Arms, Weird Flying Science, and A Bedtime Routine for a Stress-Free Day

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: This Smartwatch Turns Your Whole Arm Into a Touchscreen It May Seem Like It'd be Faster to Fly West, But Weirdly, the Opposite Is True Arianna Huffington's Bedtime Routine Is A "Sacrosanct Ritual" That Gives Her A Stress-Free Day Related links: "The Sleep Revolution" by Arianna Huffington Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/touchscree...

Apr 25, 20186 min

Hubble Telescope History, Selfie Science, and Exercise Myths

Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you learn something new in just a few minutes: This Is the Story of the Most Famous Space Image Ever Selfies Really Do Make Your Nose Look Big Lactic Acid Is Not What Causes Sore Muscles Videos from Curiosity.com: Why Is it So Hard to Look Good in Photos? Facebook Video Why Is It So Hard To Start Working Out? Facebook Video Full episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/hubble-telescope-hist...

Apr 24, 20188 min

What Makes Your Brain Happy — and Why You Should Do the Opposite

What your brain wants and what your brain needs aren't always the same. In fact, the shortcuts our brains take can lead to biases and distortions that make us our own worst enemy. Science writer David DiSalvo, author of "What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite," discusses our brain's shortcomings and how we can identify and conquer them. Additional resources from David DiSalvo: "What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite" "Brain Changer: How Harnessing ...

Apr 24, 201839 min

Slowly Aging Americans, The HAMMER Asteroid Spacecraft, and Elevator Mirrors

Learn about how Americans are aging more slowly than ever; how the HAMMER spacecraft could save our planet from killer asteroids; and why there are mirrors next to elevators. Americans Are Aging More Slowly Than Ever by Reuben Westmaas Levine, M. E., & Crimmins, E. M. (2018). Is 60 the New 50? Examining Changes in Biological Age Over the Past Two Decades. Demography, 55(2), 387–402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-017-0644-5 Basaraba, S. (2012, November 28). How Lifestyle and Habits Affect Bi...

Apr 23, 20186 min

A Surprising Amount of Scientific Research Happens at the Zoo

A lot of science takes place at the zoo. Dr. Rachel Santymire, Director of the Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, discusses the animal research going on both behind the scenes and out in the wild. She also explains what animals can tell us about our environment, including her work with the black-footed ferret recovery project. Additional resources from the Lincoln Park Zoo: Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology Amphibious Intervention: N...

Apr 17, 201837 min

The Limits of the Human Body May Be More Mental Than Physical

What are the limits of the human body, and how can we fully utilize them? Alex Hutchinson, award-winning journalist and author of "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance," explains why humans are nearly always capable of pushing just a little bit harder — and how you can eke out just a little bit more effort even when you think your body's tank is empty. Additional resources from Alex Hutchinson: AlexHutchinson.net Alex Hutchinson on Twitter @sweatscience "Endu...

Apr 10, 201842 min

LeVar Burton Believes the Stories We Tell Determine Who We Are

LeVar Burton has been a storyteller for decades. From his acting roles as Kunta Kinte in "Roots" and Geordi LaForge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to his decades of work with "Reading Rainbow," he's been a central figure in some of the most influential media in recent memory. Also a director, producer, and author, Burton has now turned his storytelling skills toward the world of podcasting with "LeVar Burton Reads." On this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, he discusses the power of literat...

Apr 03, 201838 min

The Future of Learning Is Now, Thanks to Science

Is there a right or wrong way to learn? Dr. Stephen Kosslyn is an expert on the science of learning, with more than 30 years of experience working at elite institutions such as Harvard and Stanford. He also thinks that higher education could learn a lot about how people learn, and that's why he became the Founding Dean and Chief Learning Officer of the Minerva Schools at KGI . On this podcast, Dr. Kosslyn explains how people learn and how his institution is changing the way learning is approache...

Mar 20, 201843 min

Michio Kaku on Interstellar Travel, Artificial Intelligence, and Immortality

Mining asteroids, traveling on laser beams, and developing self-aware robots: science fiction or science fact? World-renowned physicist and futurist Michio Kaku says that these milestones are not only in humanity's future, but are beginning to occur right now. Dr. Kaku joins the Curiosity Podcast for a fascinating inside look at interstellar travel, artificial intelligence, human immortality, and alien contact. Additional links from Dr. Michio Kaku: Official Website of Dr. Michio Kaku Dr. Michio...

Mar 13, 201843 min

Wisecrack's Jared Bauer on How Movies and TV Shows Like "South Park" and "Rick and Morty" Help Us Understand Ourselves

Jared Bauer, co-founder and head of content at Wisecrack, believes it's important to explore big ideas and meaningful topics through the lens of pop culture and media. On this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, the man who helped bring you Thug Notes , 8-Bit Philosophy , Earthling Cinema , The Philosophy of Everything , What Went Wrong? , Show Me the Meaning! , and more joins the Curiosity Podcast to discuss how studying the humanities and understanding cinema and television shows (like South Par...

Mar 06, 201838 min

Mathematical Thinking Can Open New Worlds

You might think you're not a "math person," but maybe that's because math doesn't mean what you think it means. Mathematical and logical thinking can open up new ways of thinking about everything from social and political issues to art to even gender. And on this episode, Dr. Eugenia Cheng, author and Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, explains how to tap into it. Additional resources discussed: Dr. Eugenia Cheng (Official Website) "How to Bake Pi: An Edible Ex...

Feb 27, 201839 min

Can Swarm Intelligence Solve Humanity's Biggest Problems?

Artificial intelligence is all the rage, but using swarm intelligence might be the best way to solve the world's biggest problems. Dr. Louis Rosenberg is the Founder & CEO of Unanimous AI , an artificial intelligence company that amplifies human intelligence by building "hive minds" modeled after biological swarms. Learn how swarm intelligence can combine the brainpower of humans and computers to solve humanity's biggest problems. Additional resources discussed: What is Swarm AI? Sports Pred...

Feb 20, 201838 min

How to Set the Right Goals (and Actually Achieve Them!)

Achieving goals can be difficult, but that may be because you're setting the wrong goals in the first place. That's why happiness expert and executive coach Stella Grizont returns to the Curiosity Podcast to discuss how to set the right goals and how to overcome the challenges of sticking to them. Additional resources discussed: The Vision Generator (free worksheet from Stella Grizont) Dopamine Functions | News-Medical.net Dopamine regulates the motivation to act, study shows | ScienceDaily Goal...

Feb 13, 201837 min

Why We Eat What We Eat

Humans eat just like every other living creature. Have you ever wondered what drives us to binge eat, or spend too much time at the grocery store? And how does the food we eat impact us emotionally? We talk to Dr. Rachel Herz, author of "Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food," about the surprising science of food in our daily lives. Dr. Herz is a leading world expert on the psychological science of smell, and has been conducting research on olfaction, sensory pe...

Feb 06, 201836 min

Klingon and Esperanto Are Important Languages, Too

Language encapsulates every part of a culture, from its history of ideas to the way its speakers perceive reality itself. And according to linguistics expert Arika Okrent, author of "In the Land of Invented Languages," even "made-up" languages like Klingon and Esperanto serve an important purpose. She joins the Curiosity Podcast to discuss the field of linguistics and why we say what we say. In addition to her first-level certification in Klingon, Arika Okrent's education includes an M.A. in Lin...

Jan 30, 201837 min

Learn A Little About A Lot From Curiosity Podcast Favorites

On this special episode of the Curiosity Podcast, we celebrate the end of our show's first year with a look back at some of the stories you never got to hear. You'll hear stories and lessons from past guests that we didn't get to share the first time around! Plus, hosts Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer let their hair down and give you an inside look at how the show is produced. It's a refreshing (and very entertaining) look back at 2017 and forward towards the future of the Curiosity Podcast! Among o...

Dec 19, 201744 min

The Importance of Curiosity

Curiosity is pretty important. And in this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Anna Starkey, creative director of top UK interactive science center We The Curious, explains why she believes curiosity will allow humanity to survive and thrive in the 21st century. A curious person herself, Anna Starkey's areas of experience include live television production, comedy writing, classical music and live arts events, physics and neuroscience, and children's animation. Hear her discuss different types of ...

Dec 05, 201737 min
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