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

Educating and Innovating for the Future with Sustainable Solutions

Learn how new technology is being developed to help the environment and our society as a whole, from liquid crystal windows to OLED displays. It’s all part of a commitment to innovation for improving global health, broadening minds, and developing sustainable solutions. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The fourth of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being applied to drive innovation and chan...

Jun 29, 201915 min

Game Transfer Phenomena (w/ Angelica Ortiz de Gortari) and the Methane Spike on Mars

Learn how a newly detected methane spike on Mars may change our understanding of the red planet; and how you can participate in a new research study on game transfer phenomena, with researcher Angelica Ortiz de Gortari. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about a methane spike we found on Mars: https://curiosity.im/2RyGmf3 Additional Game Transfer Phenomena resources from Angelica Ortiz de Gortari: Gamers Needed for Web Experiment on Game T...

Jun 28, 201910 min

Nuclear Survival Guide, Physical Health Benefits of Being Kind to Yourself, Snakes and Ladders

Learn what Chutes and Ladders can tell us about the way culture can influence art; how to survive the aftermath of a nuclear explosion, according to science; and how being kind to yourself can make you physically healthier. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Chutes and Ladders Began as a Game to Teach Morality 2,000 Years Ago — https://curiosity.im/2MKZVly How to Surv...

Jun 27, 201910 min

Weirdest Types of Lightning, Spotting Audio Lies Easily, and the Traveling Salesman Problem

Learn about some of the weirdest types of lightning; why nobody’s been able to solve the traveling salesman problem; and why it’s easier to spot a lie on a podcast or radio show than it is in other media. Please support our sponsors! Get two months of unlimited access to over 25,000 classes on Skillshare — for free. To sign up, go to skillshare.com/curiosity . In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something...

Jun 26, 201910 min

Find Out if You’re an Echoist, Pluto Swapping with Neptune, and Our Ancestors’ Healthy Living

Learn about whether our ancient ancestors were healthier than we are; why Neptune is sometimes further away from the sun than Pluto; and how to know if you’re an echoist, which is the polar opposite of a narcissist. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Were Our Ancient Ancestors Healthier Than We Are? — https://curiosity.im/2MxswKZ Pluto and Neptune Swap Places Every 24...

Jun 25, 20199 min

History-Changing Chewing Gum, How to Spot Bad Nutrition Tips, and Why Dogs Love Humans

Learn about how dogs may have evolved to love humans; how you can spot bad nutrition advice; and how 10-thousand year old chewing gum may change our understanding of ancient society. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Dogs May Have a Brain Region Dedicated to Human Faces — https://curiosity.im/2K44jKk 3 Ways to Spot Bad Nutrition Advice — https://curiosity.im/2K3Biy7 ...

Jun 24, 20199 min

Godzilla’s Deeper Meaning, Exoplanets (w/ Ralph Crewe from SNaQ), and Turing Machines

Learn about the Turing machine, an imaginary device that’s the basis for all computers. Plus: what can Godzilla tell us about our collective anxiety? We’ll also discuss a listener question about exoplanets with a special guest, Ralph Crewe from the podcast Science, News, and Qs. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: A Turing Machine Is the Imaginary Device That's the Bas...

Jun 23, 201910 min

Planning for and Investing in New Technologies

Learn about developing cutting-edge technology, from photonic quantum computing to advanced artificial intelligence. Plus: the science behind making driverless cars as safe and reliable as we want them to be. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The third of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being applied to drive innovation and change the world, this episode features Owen Lozman, the Head of Pe...

Jun 22, 201913 min

Fighting the Most Common Form of Prejudice, Autokinetic Effect, and Fermat’s Last Theorem

Learn about the optical illusion that makes stars look like UFOs; surprising facts about Fermat’s last theorem, one of math’s greatest mysteries; and why the most common form of prejudice may surprise you. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The Autokinetic Effect Is an Optical Illusion That Makes Stars Look Like UFOs — https://curiosity.im/2K7iVIK Fermat's Last Theore...

Jun 21, 201910 min

Developing Drugs to Fight Superbugs (w/ Dr. Matt McCarthy) and What Dark Mode Does

Learn about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes, according to research. Then, learn about how new antibiotics are being developed with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.” In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes: https://curiosity.im/2Wf2xMI Additional resources from Dr. Matt McCarthy: Pick up “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemi...

Jun 20, 201910 min

Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance (w/ Dr. Matt McCarthy) and Third-Person Pep Talks

Learn why talking to yourself in the third person can help you keep your emotions in check. Then, learn about “superbugs” (and why we need to stop them) with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.” In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about research that suggests talking to yourself in the third person can benefit your mental health: https://curiosity.im/2I2Raxy Additional resources from Dr. Matt ...

Jun 19, 20198 min

Boost Productivity with a Potted Plant, Why Coffee Makes You Poop, and Nuclear Semiotics

Learn about why it could be hard to communicate with humans of the future; how a potted plant can help you boost your productivity; and why coffee makes you poop. Please support today’s sponsor, WSJwine! Order now and they’ll add to your case 2 bonus California Cabernets and 2 Dartington Crystal glasses. https://www.wsjwine.com/0842005 In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minute...

Jun 18, 20199 min

Overcoming the Incredible Power of Exclusion (w/ Vivian Zayas) and a One-Way Sound Device

Learn about how to feel less excluded and why it’s so important, with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about a new device that makes sound go one-way. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about a new device that scientists have developed that makes sound go one-way: https://curiosity.im/2K3bTVc Additional resources from Cornell University: Cornell U...

Jun 17, 201913 min

Difference Between 5G and 4G Networks (w/ Trace Dominguez) and Self-Repairing Batteries

Learn about how scientists developed a self-repairing battery. Plus: science communicator Trace Dominguez answers a listener question about the difference between 4G and 5G networks. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about how scientists have developed a self-repairing battery: https://curiosity.im/2JZD57m Additional resources from Trace Dominguez: How We Got to 5G, Explained — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1mtzyeKUPY Subscribe to Uno ...

Jun 16, 201910 min

How to Push the Limits of Innovation

Learn about the unbelievable level of purity and complexity that goes into producing new technologies. Also, what researchers are working on and how the world will look in the future thanks to their efforts. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The second of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being applied to drive innovation and change the world, this episode features guests Anand Nambiar (Globa...

Jun 15, 201917 min

Solar Sail Testing, Benefits of Debating Politics Online, and Tongue Map Mythbusting

Learn about an upcoming solar sail launch to test solar propulsion; why the tongue map you learned about in school is all wrong; and new research that says debating politics online may not be a total waste. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: We're Launching a Solar Sail to Test Solar Propulsion — https://curiosity.im/2I5CPR5 The Tongue Map You Learned in School Is All...

Jun 14, 20199 min

Wine Myths, The Case for Code-Switched Classes, and The Most Dangerous Tree in the World

Learn about how the way you talk could change your ability to learn; two of the biggest myths about wine; and why the manchineel tree is the most dangerous tree in the world. Please support today’s sponsor, WSJwine! Order now and they’ll add to your case 2 bonus California Cabernets and 2 Dartington Crystal glasses. https://www.wsjwine.com/0842005 In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just ...

Jun 13, 20198 min

Hairy Ball Theorem, the Secret to Effective Practice, and Disposable Water Bottle Dangers

Learn about the strangely-named hairy ball theorem that explains why there’s always a storm brewing somewhere; new research into how you can practice more effectively; and why there are safer ways to be eco-friendly than by reusing your disposable water bottle. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The Hairy Ball Theorem Says There's Always a Storm Brewing Somewhere — ht...

Jun 12, 20198 min

Leaders Can Be Too Extroverted, The Cutest Age for a Puppy, and Goldbach’s Conjecture

Learn about the Goldbach conjecture, a simple math problem that’s never been solved; why researchers studied the cutest age for a puppy; and why extroverted leaders can have too much of a good thing. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The Goldbach Conjecture Is a Simple Problem That's Never Been Solved — https://curiosity.im/2JV5kUT Science Has Determined That This Is...

Jun 11, 20199 min

How Badly We Need to Feel Socially Connected (w/ Vivian Zayas) and Work Commute Tips

Learn about the surprising power behind our need to feel socially connected, with guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about how to make your commute a little happier. Please support our sponsors! Get two months of unlimited access to over 25,000 classes on Skillshare — for free. To sign up, go to skillshare.com/curiosity . In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com ...

Jun 10, 201910 min

Why Itches Spread, Ancient Vending Machine, and Not Realizing When Your Beliefs Change

Learn about the world’s first vending machine that was invented nearly 2,000 years ago; why scratching an itch can make it spread; and, why you probably don’t realize it when your beliefs change. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The World's First Vending Machine is 2,000 Years Old — https://curiosity.im/2HCKIgk When Your Beliefs Change, You Probably Don't Realize It — https://curiosit...

Jun 09, 20199 min

EMD and the Science Behind Today's — and Tomorrow's — Technology

Learn about EMD Performance Materials; why packaging innovation is a vital component in developing new technologies; and what it takes from a business standpoint to change the way we interact with computers and other devices in our daily lives. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The first of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being applied to drive innovation and change the world, this episode ...

Jun 08, 201915 min

Personality Test Role-Playing Game, Antimatter Double-Slit Science, and Asexual Reproduction

Learn about what happened when scientists put antimatter through the double-slit experiment; how a role-playing game could test your personality better than an actual personality test; and why more animals don’t reproduce asexually. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Scientists Put Antimatter Through the Double-Slit Experiment. Here's What Happened — https://curiosity...

Jun 07, 201910 min

Life After Life Hacking (w/ Professor Joseph M. Reagle, Jr.) and White Hole Science

Learn about what happens after your life is "fully optimized" from a special guest: Professor Joseph M. Reagle Jr., author of the new book “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents.” You’ll also learn why white holes could explain some of the universe’s most unexplainable characteristics — at least, if they exist. Please support our sponsors! Get your first month of KiwiCo FREE by visiting https://www.kiwico.com/curiosity . In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the fo...

Jun 06, 201910 min

New Laser Uses Sound Waves, Get Your Kids to Eat Veggies, and Better-Than-Average Effect

Learn about a new phonon laser that uses sound instead of light; a counterintuitive trick to get your kids to eat vegetables; and a cognitive bias that explains why most people think they’re better than other people. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: This New Laser Uses Sound Instead of Light — https://curiosity.im/2JU1dZ1 This Counterintuitive Trick Can Get Your Kid...

Jun 05, 20198 min

Passion for Your Job Can Backfire, Ancient Greeks Knew Earth Was Round, and Hair in Food

Learn about how the ancient Greeks knew the Earth was round; why being passionate about your job can backfire; and why you shouldn’t worry if you find a hair in your food. Please support our sponsors! Visit capterra.com/curiosity to find the best software solution for your business — for free! In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: How the Ancient Greeks Knew the Earth Wa...

Jun 04, 20199 min

What Determines How Others See You (w/ Vivian Zayas) and Don’t Ask for Too Much Advice

Learn about the factors that determine how other people see you with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about why it’s possible to ask for too much advice. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about how you can, in fact, ask for too much advice: https://curiosity.im/2Houglb Additional resources from Cornell University: Cornell University’s “What Makes...

Jun 03, 201910 min

Ancient Cities Can Help Us Plan Modern Cities (w/ Monica L. Smith) and Where Light Goes

Learn about how studying ancient cities can help us plan modern cities from author Monica L. Smith, an archaeologist and professor in the department of anthropology at UCLA. Plus, learn what happens to light when you turn off the light switch. Get your copy of “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” on Amazon: https://amazon.com Additional resources from Monica L. Smith: “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” — https://amazon.com UCLA Faculty Profile (Anthropology) — https://anthro.ucla.edu/faculty/monica-l-sm...

Jun 02, 20198 min

Ingredients for New Friendships, Dark Matter Debate, and How to Make Decisions with Friends

Learn about the key ingredients for forging a friendship; why it’s so hard to make decisions with friends; and what it would mean if dark matter doesn’t exist and the law of gravity is wrong. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: These Are the 3 Ingredients for Forging a Friendship — https://curiosity.im/2HouDw0 This Is Why It's So Hard to Make a Decision with Friends — ...

May 31, 20198 min

Drawbacks and Dangers of Life Hacking (w/ Joseph M. Reagle, Jr.) and Why Wet Fingers Prune

Learn about potential drawbacks to life hacking from Professor Joseph M. Reagle Jr., author of the new book “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents.” You’ll also learn why your fingers get pruney when they’re soaked in water. Get your copy of “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents” on Amazon: https://amazon.com In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about why your fingers get pruney when you take a bath: https://...

May 30, 201910 min
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