There are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.
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Today we’re revisiting caffeine. It’s a drug that tons of us take every day. So, is that a bad thing?? What is it really doing to our bodies and our brains? Plus — if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is that super dangerous? We talk to Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marcus, and Prof. Sachin Shah. [REBROADCAST] Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsCaffeine In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Our love/hate relationship with caffeine (04:40) How coffee affects our gut (07:...
A group of scientists meet a very unusual woman. A key part of her brain isn’t working: the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that we think is responsible for feeling fear. And in fact, this woman does seem pretty fearless. Researchers test her fear response using some very unconventional methods, but she takes everything in stride. Then, finally, they stumble onto the one thing that makes the woman who can’t feel fear absolutely panic. We scare up some science with neuropsychologist Dr. J...
Peptides are huge right now. Influencers are telling us they can work wonders for all sorts of stuff. Struggling with an annoying injury that won't heal?? Belly fat that's pissing you off? Low energy? Gut issues?? There’s a peptide out there for you. People are buying peptides off the internet and injecting themselves with them, saying it's life changing. But away from the internet hype, there is actually a potential revolution happening in medicine around peptides. So we’re finding out what sci...
The Trump administration is rolling back restrictions on air pollution in the U.S., and some experts say this could affect the health of millions of people. And what makes air pollution especially dangerous is that we often can’t see it at all. So today, we’re going back to the story of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a little girl who suddenly got sick and landed in the hospital. In this episode, her mom, Rosamund, takes on the fight to find out what exactly happened to Ella. And the answer has BIG implicat...
Ibogaine. Fans say this psychedelic is a game changer for treating a bunch of mental health conditions — that even a single trip to your friendly ibogaine clinic could cure you of lifelong struggles with addiction. And recently President Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking research into this psychedelic drug. But how well does it really work? And is it safe?? To find out, we talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Davis and psychiatrist Prof. Paul Glue. Some resources for help with subs...
Science Vs examines a recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, specifically the Andes virus strain, which raised concerns due to its human-to-human transmission capability. Experts delve into the virus's severe symptoms, high mortality rate, and how it differs from typical hantaviruses spread by rodents. The episode thoroughly analyzes its contagiousness, comparing it to viruses like COVID and measles, and concludes with scientific evidence explaining why this particular hantavirus is not expected to cause the next pandemic, offering reassurance and practical advice.
Tons of us are inked — one in three American adults has a tattoo — but lately, we’ve been hearing that tattoos are actually bad for us. We’re told that they mess with our immune system and could even lead to cancer. Can that be true?! Plus, are there any upsides to having a tattoo? We talk to immunologist Dr. Santiago González, epidemiologist Dr. Christel Nielsen, and psychologist Prof. Viren Swami. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTattoos (00:00) Tattoos Under Attack (02:0...
We keep hearing that we need to be BORED more, with people online swearing that boredom can work magic — restoring your mind, and even supercharging your creativity. So, is boredom secretly good for us? We talk to cognitive neuroscientist Prof. James Danckert and organizational psychologist Prof. Guihyun Park to find out. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsBoredom In this episode, we cover: (00:00) They say we need more boredom (02:06) This is your brain on boredom (12:30) Do...
Headlines have been screaming about a new study suggesting that vaping could cause cancer — and that vaping could be just as dangerous as cigarettes. And if this were true, it would be a HUGE deal. We’ve been hearing for years that vaping is a safer option — and can help you quit ciggies. But the new paper has run up against angry criticisms from other scientists, with some calling the paper "misleading" and "problematic." So what’s going on?? Do scientists still think vaping is safer than cigar...
Science Vs investigates the health impacts of running, addressing fears about injuries to knees and joints while revealing strategies for prevention, such as slow progression and glute strengthening. The episode highlights running's profound benefits for longevity and heart health, showing even short daily runs are highly effective. It also delves into the brain chemistry behind the "runner's high," identifying endocannabinoids as the key driver and offering tips to achieve this euphoric state.
The podcast delves into the renewed global interest in moon exploration, questioning if it's driven by a 'lunar gold rush' for valuable resources like rare earth elements and Helium-3, or if the moon serves as a crucial training ground for future Mars missions. It also highlights a compelling scientific purpose: deploying the FARSIDE telescope to study the universe's Dark Ages and search for signs of life on exoplanets, ultimately considering the broader benefits of space exploration beyond political competition.
The apps on our phones do an amazing job of sucking us in. In fact, a big court case just found that some of these companies should be held responsible for basically designing products to be addictive. And that might not be shocking for lots of us, who feel the pull of these algorithms every day. So, is there anything we can do to help us put down our phones?? Tons of solutions are bandied about: Buy this special device to stay off your phone! What we really need to do is up the friction! Or go ...
Today, best-selling author and nerd Mary Roach joins us to talk all about sex. We’ll uncover the secrets of the female orgasm (does “upsuck” exist?), detail the bizarre methods of pioneering sex researchers like Masters and Johnson (including a famous penis camera), and get into the nitty-gritty of how to sexually stimulate a pig in Denmark. Plus, Mary tells us what it's like to have sex while getting an ultrasound — all in the name of science. Mary’s new book, Replaceable You : Adventures in Hu...
Colorectal cancer has long been thought of as a disease of older folks. But that's changing — fast. Rates in older people are actually going down, and more and more people under 50 are getting this disease. And a surprising number of them are dying from it. So what’s going on here? We dig into why young people are getting hit harder. Plus, we often hear that you should watch out for changes in your poo. But what changes?? We’ll find out. We talk to gastrointestinal medical oncologist Dr. Michael...
People are reporting a very strange phenomenon: They say that when their nipples get touched, they feel this weird sinking feeling. People describe it like being homesick, or hung over. Some feel anguish and despair, others call it dread. The condition has a name: "Sad Nipple Syndrome." But how could just touching a nipple set off all of these feelings?? To get to the bottom of this booby baffler, we go deep into the mysteries of anatomy and through a world of hormones and nipple erections. You ...
It's 1988 in Lesotho, and doctors at a hospital see something they thought was impossible. A 15-year-old girl shows up pregnant and in labor, but she's missing something pretty crucial to her delivery: a vagina. So — how did this happen?? We go on a roller-coaster ride through the reproductive system with Dr. Neel Shah to find out. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/sciencevsnovagina In this episode, we cover: (00:00) A small war (04:12) How do you get pregnant without a vagina? (14:3...
We’ve all been there. Feeling stuck with a problem because no one in our life can relate. Or because the one person we need to talk to … won’t. Or can’t. Enter Yowei Shaw and the show Proxy. Proxy is built on a simple idea: no one is ever as alone with their problem as they think. So Yowei brings in a proxy, a perfect stranger, to help her guests work through their dilemma. Today we’re sharing the case of Brian, a journalist whose mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. Even though Brian knows she can’t ...
Forget the questionable relationship advice from internet influencers. Today, we’re diving into the science of lasting love, fighting, and "red flags” to find out what really matters for a healthy relationship. We’ll find out what it means to fight well with your partner. And we’ll also look at the signs that a relationship might become dangerous or abusive. For all this, we speak with Professor Ben Karney, Dr. Megan Haselschwerdt, Dr. Elizabeth McLindon and Matt Brown. U.S. National Domestic Vi...
Amidst federal crackdowns in Minneapolis, this episode examines the scientific evidence behind the effects of tear gas and ICE raids. It details the immediate and unforeseen long-term health impacts of tear gas, including respiratory issues, mental health problems, and even menstrual disruptions. Furthermore, it explores the extensive physical and mental health consequences of ICE raids on both undocumented individuals and U.S. citizens, revealing how such operations can increase community stress, affect infant health, and ultimately undermine public safety rather than enhance it.
Discover the surprising findings from Harvard's decades-long study on adult development, directed by Professor Bob Waldinger. This episode reveals that warm, social connections are the most significant predictor of a long, healthy, and happy life, impacting everything from stress regulation to physical pain. It debunks common myths about money and children as sources of happiness, offering practical advice and personal insights, including Bob's own journey to prioritize relationships, and shares the profound wisdom of participants looking back on their lives.
The U.S. just made a big change to its vaccine recommendations, cutting back on the number of shots it will routinely recommend for kids. The government says it wants to "better align" with countries like Denmark. But is following Denmark’s lead a fairy tale come true — or a nightmare in slow motion? Plus, we find out what this new schedule could mean for kids’ vaccines in the U.S. We hear from Professor Jens Lundgren and pediatrician and researcher David Higgins. Find our transcript here: https...
Science Vs examines the double-edged sword of AI, discussing scientific findings that suggest AI can lead to less original thought, weaker brain connectivity, and memory issues due to outsourcing mental effort. Conversely, experts highlight AI's potential to save time on rote tasks and enhance learning, drawing parallels with the introduction of calculators. The episode concludes by advising mindful AI use, distinguishing between quick information retrieval and deep learning to avoid a "homogenization effect" on creativity and critical thinking.
Science Vs investigates the trendy concept of manifesting, where positive thoughts are believed to create desired realities. While popular claims suggest achieving everything from dream cars to green cards, psychologist Laura King's research shows that visualizing a "best possible self" improves mood but doesn't guarantee goal achievement. Professor Gabriele Oettingen's studies further reveal that extensive positive fantasizing can actually backfire, leading to less effort and hindering success. The episode then offers science-backed strategies for goal attainment, emphasizing obstacle identification and "if-then" planning for more effective results.
Science Vs investigates chiropractors, starting with personal experiences and tracing the practice's origins to D.D. Palmer and his theory of subluxation. The episode delves into scientific evidence for spinal manipulation's effectiveness in treating back and neck pain, contrasting it with the lack of support for chiropractic care in children or for curing diseases like asthma. It also discusses the unproven theory of subluxation, the role of the placebo effect, and the rare but serious risks associated with spinal adjustments.
Today, we’re celebrating 10 years of Science Vs with … science! We’ll tell you all about the so-called orgasm gap, the incorrect idea that vaccines are linked to autism, and the incorrect idea that ivermectin helps with Covid-19. We’ll also cover the Paleo Diet — this was the first EVER episode of Science Vs. And you’ll hear one of the greatest moments in Science Vs history. THANK YOU for listening! Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVs10 (00:00) We’re celebrating 10 years of Scienc...
Every day we’re all doing a little bit of chemistry: when we bake potatoes, add a little salt to our pasta, or even bake a box cake. And award-winning chef Samin Nosrat just loves to nerd out over all this. She's the author of the best-selling book “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and has a new book out called “Good Things.” Today, Samin joins us to talk all about the science and art of cooking. Plus — why you should NEVER put meatballs on spaghetti. Video available on Spotify. Find our transcript here: ...
The internet is abuzz with accusations that artificial intelligence is using up tons of energy and water. People are even protesting the building of new AI data centers, saying they’ll put a huge strain on local resources. But some AI defenders say that this fear is overblown and that AI isn’t actually that bad for the environment. So who’s right? We talk to science and tech reporters Casey Crownhart and James O’Donnell, and computer scientist Prof. Shaolei Ren. UPDATE, 11/13/25: This episode ha...
This episode delves into the contentious debate surrounding seed oils versus saturated fats, challenging long-held nutritional advice. It re-evaluates the demonization of saturated fats like butter and bacon, presenting scientific evidence suggesting they are not the 'big killer' once believed. The show also scrutinizes claims that seed oils are toxic and inflammatory, examining studies to determine their true health impact and concluding with a nuanced perspective on dietary fat.
Delving into the controversial practice of daylight saving time, this episode uncovers its origins, dispels myths about its energy-saving benefits, and questions its economic impact. It thoroughly investigates the detrimental effects of clock changes on wildlife, such as increased deer-car collisions, and human health, including disruptions to sleep and circadian rhythms, linking them to higher rates of obesity and strokes. The discussion features insights from wildlife ecologist Prof. Laura Prugh and sleep scientist Prof. Jamie Zeitzer, ultimately concluding that while switching is harmful, there's no clear consensus on whether permanent daylight saving or standard time is the superior alternative.
Science Vs explores the trending practice of semen retention, also known as "No Nut November," by consulting urologists and fertility specialists. The episode debunks popular online claims that abstaining from ejaculation boosts testosterone, improves mood, or enhances athletic performance. It also examines the nuanced effects on sperm quality for fertility and cautions against the psychological harms of certain online communities.
