Science unscripted

Science unscripted will go quiet for a few weeks as Gabe & Conor — and hopefully you as well — enjoy the summer holidays. If you have an insight, epiphany or scientific question in the meantime (or you just want to forward a meme), feel free to send them to su@dw.com, or leave a comment for us at DW Podcasts on YouTube!

When an influential right-wing thinker tells a story of human history, 'stagnation' and the 'Antichrist'.. question his premise and maybe consult a narratologist.

If you could take two pills (once a week) and live 30% longer, would you? Because a study on mice using drugs approved for humans suggests you may have to answer this question soon.

The answer might be no. But if you say yes ... then what exactly are you picturing when you say yes?

Ever want to be taller? That might mean you're more competitive (and jealous). Also, if someone asked you which animal is the most abundant on earth... what would you say?

Ever been a victim of 'pseudo-profound bull***'? A new study hints at why. Also, why you probably shouldn't be putting tape over your mouth, and a look at people follow rules... even when they don't actually have to.

This week on Science unscripted, what event(s) led to racoons setting foot in Germany? Why do our fingers prune up after a long bath? And a study conducted in Papua has bold claims about female breasts.

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.

When you're trying to quit an addiction... what happens in that moment or two just before you fail? Researchers in Germany are trying to solve that. Gabe took part (sort of).

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.'

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?

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Why are birth rates falling? And do they ever go back up? Also, a study on eggs — and an email about two horses peeing.

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.

Trump, pandemic, war... more Trump. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news (or feeling burned out) — you may be consuming it wrong.

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.

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

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?