Curiosity Weekly

Today we discuss how the body can physically feel emotions, how axolotls can regenerate their brains, and how pigs can play peacemakers during pig-on-pig fights.  Body Map “Where Are Emotions Felt In The Body?” by Juliana Ukiomogbe https://greatist.com/connect/emotional-body-maps-infographic#infographic “Bodily maps of emotions” by Lauri Nummenmaa, Enrico Glerean, Riitta Hari, and Jari K. Hietanen...

Today we explore how astronauts’ blood mutates when coming back from space, how our screens are aging us, and the potential extinction event of the snow crab.  Astronaut Blood   “Astronauts' blood shows signs of DNA mutations due to spaceflight” by Elizabeth Howell https://www.space.com/astronaut-spaceflight-cancer-dna-mutations-study “Researchers Find Spaceflight May Be Associated With DNA Mutati...

Today you’ll learn about how kids’ well-being can affect adult heart health, what our ears can tell us about the cosmos, and how playing music meant for oysters can help them adapt to climate change.  Happy Healthy Kids  “Protecting Children’s Psychological Well-being Could Help Strengthen Their Hearts as Adults” by Boehm, J. K. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/...

Today we discuss the benefits of taking breaks during work, how milk led to death, and a new configuration of lights that might lead to a massive decrease in the amount of motorcycle accidents that happen at night.  Healthy Breaks  “Microbreaks may help to prevent workplace burnout” by Neil McKim https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/microbreaks-may-help-to-prevent-workplace-burnout/ “Microbreaks can...

Today we explore how technology is making us lonely, how a new pair of glasses may be expanding your idea of a computer screen, and how hitting the snooze button too many times could ruin your sleep hygiene.  Techno-Lonely   “Cultivate Deeper Connections Using the Science of Friendship” BY Ryan Jenkins https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-case-connection/202209/cultivate-deeper-connections-...

Let’s talk about a recent study that shows children are more likely to be honest with their emotions when talking to a robot, a revolutionary new way to make single-use coffee pods from seaweed, and, trigger warning, how deep brain stimulation might help those suffering from eating disorders.  Mental Health Robot  “Children more candid about mental health when talking to robot, study finds” by Han...

Today you’ll learn about the behaviors researchers say can make us more connected with each other, how China is building an AI-powered, 3D Printed dam, and how an over-reliance on the English language is causing problems in the field of cognitive science.  Health and Connection  “Feeling connected enhances mental and physical health – here are 4 research-backed ways to find moments of connection w...

Today we explore the science behind getting great ideas in the shower, how regular chocolate consumption can slow down cognitive decline, and how a black hole recently burped out the remnants of a star it absorbed four YEARS ago!  Shower Ideas   “The Science of Why You Have Great Ideas in The Shower” by Stacey Colino https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-science-of-why-you-have-great-ideas...

We discuss how scientists have developed a cancer-detecting contact lens, the behaviors of inebriated dolphins, and how listening to birds singing can help our mental health!  Smart Contacts  “Scientists Create Smart Contact Lenses That Diagnose Cancer” by Ophthalmology Breaking News https://ophthalmologybreakingnews.com/scientists-create-smart-contact-lenses-that-diagnose-cancer “A Microchambers...

Today you’ll learn about the science of cognitive bias, how scientists may have found a way to turn your body into a battery, and how the first 3D-printed school in Europe is about to be built in Ukraine.   Cognitive Bias  “Cognitive Biases and Brain Biology Help Explain Why Facts Don't Change Minds” by Keith M. Bellizzi https://theconversation.com/cognitive-biases-and-brain-biology-help-explain-w...

Today we explore whether there is a potential long-term cure for asthma based on recent studies, how shark intestines are shaped exactly like a Tesla Valve, and what happens when you transplant human brain cells in newborn rats.  Asthma Cure  “Potential Long-Term Treatment for Asthma Found” by Aston University https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220809141233.htm “A Potential Long-Term As...

Today we discuss how only four minutes of small talk with a stranger can help you predict their personality traits, an exciting biodegradable battery option on the horizon, and a new discovery into the origins of dragons!   Small Talk  “Four Minutes of Small Talk Can Reveal Key Personality Traits” by Sascha Pare https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/aug/31/four-minutes-of-small-talk-can-reveal-...

Let’s talk about a potential new high-tech mine in Minnesota, how scientists have created a synthetic mouse embryo using stem cells, and a major breakthrough in the cause of and treatment for Down Syndrome.   Remote Mines “This Remote Mine Could Foretell the Future of America’s Electric Car Industry” by Ana Swanson https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/business/economy/electric-cars-us-nickel-mine.ht...

Today we discuss the science behind a wandering mind, the ins and outs of songs composed by humpback whales, and how an innovative new robotic capsule might help our digestive systems absorb drugs that aren’t as effective to take orally.  A Wandering Mind    “The science of a wandering mind” By Tim Vernimmen https://knowablemagazine.org/article/mind/2022/science-wandering-mind “How Self-Generated...

Today we discuss how frog skin stem cells were recently used to create microscopic living machines, how scientists are trying to replicate the powerful punch of a mantis shrimp, and a new breakthrough in the creation of an oral insulin tablet.  Frog Skin Cells   “Frog skin cells turned themselves into living machines” by Laura Sanders https://www.sciencenews.org/article/frog-skin-cells-self-made-l...

Today you’ll learn about how squirrels are parkour experts and can be used to teach robots to move in a similar way, how artificial intelligence can help expectant mothers predict childbirth risks, and the gangs of dolphins that are roaming our oceans.  Robot Squirrels  “Science’s next great leap: using squirrels to teach robots how to ‘parkour’” by Joe Pinkstone https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2...

Today you’ll learn about how music is being used to combat dementia, how scientists are making more efficient rocket fuel from bacteria, and the environmental effects of bitcoin mining. Music and Dementia   “Music Helps Patients With Dementia Connect With Loved Ones” by Marla Paul https://neurosciencenews.com/music-alzheimers-connection-21316/ “Music: Bridging Memories for People With Alzheimer's”...

Let’s talk about whether “man flu” is fact or fiction, how the Arctic lakes just threw a curveball at our climate change projections, and the genius new way bats are tricking their predators.  The Myth of Man Flu  “Man flu is not a thing – Gender-specific secondary analysis of a prospective randomized-controlled trial for acute rhinosinusitis” by Reidl et al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/...

We discuss the latest in phone hacking technology, how aquaculture may be able to help the global food crisis, and how engaging with people who speak in a foreign accent may help us retain language. Hacking Device   “Hacking device can secretly swipe and tap your smartphone screen” by Jeremy Hsu https://www.newscientist.com/article/2335970-hacking-device-can-secretly-swipe-and-tap-your-smartphone-...

We discuss a new app that can translate a cat’s meow into human languages, how the Epaulette shark is teaching us about climate change, and a potential treatment that might prevent cerebral palsy. Flirting Cats   “Did My Cat Just Hit On Me? An Adventure in Pet Translation” by Emily Anthes https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/29/science/cats-pets-ommunication-artificial-intelligence.html “Melody matters...

Today we discuss the connection between skin cancer and a leopard gecko named Mr. Frosty, how playing a musical instrument in childhood can affect brain function as we age, and how a new underwater camera can help us explore previously-unseen parts of the ocean.  Geckos & Skin Cancer  “This Gecko Named Mr. Frosty and His 900 Babies May Inspire Human Skin Cancer Treatments” by Elizabeth Gamillo htt...

Today we talk about how crystallizing human urine can help save seagrass, a new AI program that can detect early signs of heart disease, and how mosquitos can be used to vaccinate against malaria.  Pee and Seagrass  “Human Pee Might Just Be the Key to Saving Seagrass” by Jesse Kathan https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/human-pee-might-just-be-the-key-to-saving-seagrass-180980368/ “Use of a w...

Join us for a deep dive into the latest and wildest new discoveries from Ancient Egypt to get you ready for the release of DC’s new film Black Adam, only in theaters. The dead speak! Yes, scientists have recreated the voice of a 3,000 year old mummy and we’ll tell you all about it as well as how some ancient Egyptian tombs contain more than just gold, and a recent discovery as to how the pyramids...

Today we talk about how psilocybin from magic mushrooms can help those struggling with alcohol addiction, a new device that can detect Parkinson’s disease from breathing patterns, and how we can recycle wind turbines. Magic Addiction Fix “Psychedelic ‘Magic Mushroom’ Ingredient Could Help Treat Alcohol Addiction” by Margaret Osborne https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/psychedelic-magic-mushr...

Today we explore a potential scientific fountain of youth, how cooperation among strangers has, contrary to popular belief, actually increased in recent years, and how the pandemic has caused the perception of time distortion.  Reverse Aging “Scientists actually reversed human aging using a revolutionary new treatment” by Mike Wehner https://bgr.com/science/age-reversal-oxygen-therapy/ “Human agin...