Curiosity Weekly

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...

We discuss how digital media affects parents and caregivers, how friends often have similar body odor, and the cancer-sniffing abilities of locusts.  Parents & Screens  “Using digital media to relax is related to lower-quality parenting” by Media Relations, University of Waterloo https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/using-digital-media-relax-related-lower-quality-parenting “Parents attached to digital...

We delve into which foods that research shows will become more popular as we adjust to climate change, the discovery of a new planet covered in water, and the effects of Arctic storms on ice levels.  Food for Climate Change  “These six foods may become more popular as the planet warms” by Anna Gibbs https://www.sciencenews.org/article/food-climate-future-nutrition-millet-seaweed-cassava-mussels “W...

We discuss how VR is as effective as psychedelics at helping people reach transcendence, whether Stonehenge may have been an ancient calendar, and how COVID-19 has affected women in late pregnancy.  VR & Transcendence  “VR is as good as psychedelics at helping people reach transcendence” by Hana Kiros https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/06/1056727/vr-virtual-reality-psychedelics-transcendence...

Let’s talk about how dating apps stress us out, the discovery of a massive ancient frog grave, and how gene therapy can potentially cure colorblindness.  Dating App Data “The agony of partner choice: The effect of excessive partner availability on fear of being single, self-esteem, and partner choice overload” by Marina F. Thomas, Alice Binder, and Jörg Matthes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/scien...

Our stories today discuss how bee venom can potentially help fight cancer, the history of manatees, and recent discoveries in how monkeys use tools.  Bee Venom Kills Cancer “Honeybee venom kills aggressive breast cancer cells: Australian study” by Rachel Arthur https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2020/09/07/Honeybee-venom-kills-aggressive-breast-cancer-cells-study “Honeybee venom 'kills som...

We explore how online learning affects the body, how mood affects alcohol cravings in both men and women, and how dogs have evolved to manipulate us!  Online Learning “Online teaching triggers a different response in the body” by Meike Drießen https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220817104031.htm “Neuroanatomy, Parasympathetic Nervous System” by Jacob Tindle & Prasanna Tadi. https://www.n...

Today we discuss how recycling used personal protective equipment can make stronger concrete, a rise in ADHD symptoms among male weightlifters who take steroids, and the battle of the sexes among male and female butterflies! PPE Concrete “PPE can be recycled to make stronger concrete” by Gosia Kaszubska and Will Wright https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2022/august/ppe-concrete “Recycled PPE co...

Today we learn about how doppelgangers can share similar DNA, a recent discovery of a lost lineage in Indonesia, and recent advancements in finding out what causes Alzheimer’s.  DNA & Lookalikes “People with similar faces likely have similar DNA, study finds” by Cell Press https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220823115609.htm “Your Doppelgänger Is Out There and You Probably Share DNA With...

A Swedish company has created a new anti-hangover pill that reduces the short-term effects of drinking, whale poop is helping our ocean’s ecosystems, and a recent drought in Texas revealed the footprints from a dinosaur over 100 million years ago.  Anti-Hangover Pill “Myrkl: new anti-hangover pill said to break down up to 70% of alcohol in an hour – what you need to know“ by Ashwin Dhanda https://...

Researchers are making small claws out of dead spiders, dandelion seeds are inspiring scientists to mimic their distribution with small sensors to be able to better track ecological information, and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument is helping us create a 3D map of the universe. Undead Spiders  “How researchers at Rice University in Texas figured out how to revive dead spiders (sort of)” by...

Today we discuss how a fiery pit in Turkmenistan has been burning for more than 50 years, new clues to the origins of cancer, and how ancient cities are hiding beneath the cover of forest canopies! Gates of Hell  The Quest to Extinguish the Flames of Turkmenistan’s Terrifying ‘Gates of Hell’ Firepit by Jane Recker https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-quest-to-extinguish-the-flames-of-turk...

Magic mushrooms are giving researchers hope in treating conditions like anxiety and depression, a new study may have found the key to increasing photosynthesis efficiency in plants, and research shows that we love being reached out to by old friends!  Mushrooming Minds 'They Broke My Mental Shackles': Could Magic Mushrooms be the Answer to Depression? by Josh Jacobs https://www.theguardian.com/sci...

Today we are discussing new sustainable fuels for airplanes, creating other worldly heat at home, and a new record for quantum entanglement. Fry Flying “Cooking Oil Could Be the New Jet Fuel” by Caroline Delbert https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a39612851/airbus-a380-flies-on-cooking-oil/  “Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Status, Challenges and Prospects of Drop-In Liquid Fuels, Hydrogen...