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Science unscripted

The science stories that will actually change your day — and maybe make you laugh. Science unscripted is a podcast, radio show & YouTube channel driven by listeners. Hello from Germany :)
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Episodes

Cuddle much (in bed)?

The way you and your partner fall asleep says a lot about what's going on in your life. Also, a surprising new study suggests being healthy (heart-wise) isn't as beneficial as we thought for living a longer life.

May 22, 202530 min

Be happier! (Play music!)

Doesn't matter how old you are — learning a new instrument (or trying) has all sorts of side benefits. Also, it's about time we understand the 'most misunderstood serious illness.'

May 08, 202530 min

How much sex makes you happiest?

Sex is good for your mental and physical health — and now scientists know how much makes you happiest. Also, how many relationships are sexless... but both partners are OK with it?

May 01, 202530 min

You already have a 'moral compass' (with or without a pope)

On the day you were born, you already had the framework of your own personal morality inside you. And we know that because of a study on young children who were asked to do something really bad — because God 'told them to.'

Apr 25, 202530 min

Are you a liar?

Music can be really bad for you if it's forced on you (at work). Also, which people believe false headlines — and a study to help you spot a liar.

Apr 10, 202530 min

What causes a scientist to actually pack up and leave?

A “climate of fear” has taken hold as US researchers face budget cuts, mass layoffs and free-speech restrictions. Are they actually leaving, though? DW reached out to Germany’s “four pillars” of science to find out.

Apr 06, 202530 min

A case of bullying

A DW investigative report, together with Der Spiegel, looks into troubling allegations of workplace misconduct at Germany's Max Planck Society. Also, come celebrate as we mark 5 years of Science unscripted.

Mar 27, 202530 min

Borders & break-ups

The case of a French researcher denied US entry creates a jarring new crack between European scientists and their US peers. Also, if you're feeling lonely... but you're also in a relationship... well, what should you do?

Mar 20, 202530 min

Why don't I like my audiobook?

New research from Germany hints at what audiobooks of the future will sound like. Also, 'woolly mice' get blown out of proportion — and why you shouldn't get surgery on a Friday.

Mar 07, 202530 min

Why's that fish looking at me?

An experiment off the coast of Corsica suggests fish can recognize specific people (sometimes). Also, put a dot in front a zebrafish and, amazingly, you'll be a step closer to understanding the concept of free will.

Feb 20, 202530 min

What exactly is 'the ick'?

A new study has categorized the (wildly different) stuff that makes men and women get instantly and permanently disgusted by a romantic partner. And it's not always the 'icky' person's fault.

Feb 13, 202530 min

Should I give up on climate change?

With the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement... and its president chanting "Drill, baby, drill!"... it is absolutely fair to ask if your own personal climate footprint even matters anymore.

Jan 30, 202530 min

The end of social media fact checking?

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X — across platforms, fact checkers are being fired and replaced with... well, promises that regular people can do the job instead. They can't.

Jan 09, 202530 min

Bird flu 2025 - Spread, symptoms, risk

The words 'next pandemic' are being thrown around by more and more experts watching the spread of avian influenza in North America. Why?

Jan 05, 202530 min

Crime & punishment in a "dangerous" world

Just how dangerous do you think the world is? Because that changes how you'd punish a violent criminal (if you're a woman). Also, if you're frustrated with your democratically elected government... what alternatives are you open to?

Dec 19, 202430 min

What is FOMO? (And how do I get rid of it?)

You know that stab of anxious envy when you see people having a good time (without you)? You can get rid of that. Also, Gabe and Conor are back — with an unfortunate story about a random act of violence.

Dec 13, 202430 min

How your brain understands other people (sometimes WRONG!)

Some people seem very good at guessing what you're thinking. And some of us might find that we think very deeply about what people are thinking or feeling. The reason appears linked to special connections between some the youngest parts of the brain, evolved 300 million years ago. We explored this with lead researcher Rodrigo Braga, a clinical neurologist, from Northwestern University.

Nov 29, 202416 min

A poo test for discrimination?

Being discriminated against — due to your ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age or anything else — is harmful and wrong. A new study shows it also... changes the bacteria in your stool?

Nov 22, 202413 min

A gossiper's friend & how to think about drinking

Women drink less... if you ask them to visualize alcohol? Also, the yucky trick gossipers use to make you think they're kind — and why iron in red meat may be causing cancer (in your bottom).

Nov 07, 202430 min

Why are people getting skinnier?

Data from the US suggests we may have passed the point of 'peak obesity.' Have we? Also, spray testosterone in men's noses... and they'll emotionally dehumanize certain women.

Oct 31, 202430 min

Don't text & drive (especially during a full moon)

Quiz time: How could a full moon make roads more dangerous? (Email su@dw.com with your guess before you listen.) Also, teens (like all of us) use their phones while driving — and a jarring new study tells us how much.

Oct 25, 202430 min

Can we hit ‘pause’ on a human embryo?

Scientists in Berlin have shown you can stop the development of an embryo-like model - *NO HUMAN EMBYROS WERE USED IN THE EXPERIMENT* - and keep it alive to be developed later. The implications could be huge for IVF.

Oct 20, 202430 min

Want the job? Post a 'Duchenne' smile

Fake smiles aren't just bad for Instagram. They're bad for your reputation. That's the implication of a new study — with clear consequences for LinkedIn... and maybe your life? (Also, come with us to see Europe's 'answer to ChatGPT.')

Oct 04, 202430 min

Assert yourself (especially if your partner drinks)

Alcohol? Bad for us. But a fascinating new study looks at what happens to the person who's watching the drinking happen. Also, college kids in Egypt saw their depression/anxiey/stress drop... by getting a crash course on 'assertiveness.'

Sep 23, 202430 min
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