Discovery

Curiosity Weekly

Science EN ↓ 1622 episodes

Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Discovery

Episodes

Solar Sail Testing, Benefits of Debating Politics Online, and Tongue Map Mythbusting 14.06.2019 9:29

Learn about an upcoming solar sail launch to test solar propulsion; why the tongue map you learned about in school is all wrong; and new research that says debating politics online may not be a total waste. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: We're Launching a Solar Sail...

Wine Myths, The Case for Code-Switched Classes, and The Most Dangerous Tree in the World 13.06.2019 8:17

Learn about how the way you talk could change your ability to learn; two of the biggest myths about wine; and why the manchineel tree is the most dangerous tree in the world. Please support today’s sponsor, WSJwine! Order now and they’ll add to your case 2 bonus California Cabernets and 2 Dartington Crystal glasses. https://www.wsjwine.com/0842005 In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discu...

Hairy Ball Theorem, the Secret to Effective Practice, and Disposable Water Bottle Dangers 12.06.2019 8:06

Learn about the strangely-named hairy ball theorem that explains why there’s always a storm brewing somewhere; new research into how you can practice more effectively; and why there are safer ways to be eco-friendly than by reusing your disposable water bottle. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something...

Leaders Can Be Too Extroverted, The Cutest Age for a Puppy, and Goldbach’s Conjecture 11.06.2019 8:35

Learn about the Goldbach conjecture, a simple math problem that’s never been solved; why researchers studied the cutest age for a puppy; and why extroverted leaders can have too much of a good thing. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The Goldbach Conjecture Is a Simple...

How Badly We Need to Feel Socially Connected (w/ Vivian Zayas) and Work Commute Tips 10.06.2019 10:27

Learn about the surprising power behind our need to feel socially connected, with guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about how to make your commute a little happier. Please support our sponsors! Get two months of unlimited access to over 25,000 classes on Skillshare — for free. To sign up, go to skillshare.com/curi...

Why Itches Spread, Ancient Vending Machine, and Not Realizing When Your Beliefs Change 09.06.2019 8:33

Learn about the world’s first vending machine that was invented nearly 2,000 years ago; why scratching an itch can make it spread; and, why you probably don’t realize it when your beliefs change. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: The World's First Vending Machine is 2,000 Years Old — htt...

EMD and the Science Behind Today's — and Tomorrow's — Technology 08.06.2019 15:26

Learn about EMD Performance Materials; why packaging innovation is a vital component in developing new technologies; and what it takes from a business standpoint to change the way we interact with computers and other devices in our daily lives. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The first of a 5-part series to help you learn about...

Personality Test Role-Playing Game, Antimatter Double-Slit Science, and Asexual Reproduction 07.06.2019 10:23

Learn about what happened when scientists put antimatter through the double-slit experiment; how a role-playing game could test your personality better than an actual personality test; and why more animals don’t reproduce asexually. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Sc...

Life After Life Hacking (w/ Professor Joseph M. Reagle, Jr.) and White Hole Science 06.06.2019 10:02

Learn about what happens after your life is "fully optimized" from a special guest: Professor Joseph M. Reagle Jr., author of the new book “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents.” You’ll also learn why white holes could explain some of the universe’s most unexplainable characteristics — at least, if they exist. Please support our sponsors! Get your first month of KiwiCo FREE by vis...

New Laser Uses Sound Waves, Get Your Kids to Eat Veggies, and Better-Than-Average Effect 05.06.2019 8:26

Learn about a new phonon laser that uses sound instead of light; a counterintuitive trick to get your kids to eat vegetables; and a cognitive bias that explains why most people think they’re better than other people. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: This New Laser Use...

Passion for Your Job Can Backfire, Ancient Greeks Knew Earth Was Round, and Hair in Food 04.06.2019 9:17

Learn about how the ancient Greeks knew the Earth was round; why being passionate about your job can backfire; and why you shouldn’t worry if you find a hair in your food. Please support our sponsors! Visit capterra.com/curiosity to find the best software solution for your business — for free! In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you...

What Determines How Others See You (w/ Vivian Zayas) and Don’t Ask for Too Much Advice 03.06.2019 9:43

Learn about the factors that determine how other people see you with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about why it’s possible to ask for too much advice. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about how you can, in fact, ask for too much advice: https:/...

Ancient Cities Can Help Us Plan Modern Cities (w/ Monica L. Smith) and Where Light Goes 02.06.2019 8:28

Learn about how studying ancient cities can help us plan modern cities from author Monica L. Smith, an archaeologist and professor in the department of anthropology at UCLA. Plus, learn what happens to light when you turn off the light switch. Get your copy of “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” on Amazon: https://amazon.com Additional resources from Monica L. Smith: “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” —...

Ingredients for New Friendships, Dark Matter Debate, and How to Make Decisions with Friends 31.05.2019 8:21

Learn about the key ingredients for forging a friendship; why it’s so hard to make decisions with friends; and what it would mean if dark matter doesn’t exist and the law of gravity is wrong. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: These Are the 3 Ingredients for Forging a F...

Drawbacks and Dangers of Life Hacking (w/ Joseph M. Reagle, Jr.) and Why Wet Fingers Prune 30.05.2019 9:43

Learn about potential drawbacks to life hacking from Professor Joseph M. Reagle Jr., author of the new book “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents.” You’ll also learn why your fingers get pruney when they’re soaked in water. Get your copy of “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents” on Amazon: https://amazon.com In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the...

What to Do if You Can’t Sleep, Diet Soda Weight Loss Myths, and Gold from Neutron Stars 29.05.2019 8:51

Learn about how scientists traced some of Earth’s heaviest elements to an ancient star collision; what to do if you’re lying in bed and you can’t sleep; and whether diet soda can help you lose weight. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Some of Earth’s Gold Came From Two...

Space Sustainability Rating System, the Chameleon Effect, and How to Blow Your Nose 28.05.2019 9:13

Learn about new sustainability rules that could help us cut space debris; why you shouldn’t blow your nose when you have a cold; and why you unconsciously copy other people’s mannerisms. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: These New Space Sustainability Rules Could Help Cut Space Debris —...

Our Implicit Attitudes: New Research into Human Relationships (w/ Vivian Zayas) 27.05.2019 10:18

Learn about new research into the implicit attitudes people have in close relationships with others (and more) from Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Resources from Cornell University: Cornell University’s “What Makes Us Human?” podcast series — https://as.cornell.edu/humanities Hear Vivian Zayas on the “Love Science” episode of th...

Modern and Ancient Cities Faced the Same Problems (w/ Monica L. Smith), Ear Dominance 26.05.2019 8:12

Learn about the similarities between problems facing ancient and modern cities from author Monica L. Smith, an archaeologist and professor in the department of anthropology at UCLA. You’ll also learn about whether you have a dominant ear. Get your copy of “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” on Amazon: https://amazon.com Additional resources from Monica L. Smith: “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” — https...

Smiling Can Make You Happier, Maybe Nobody Likes Black Coffee or Beer, and Entropy 101 24.05.2019 10:01

Learn about the weird science behind why people like the taste of black coffee; how entropy keeps time flowing forward; and how smiling really can make you feel happier. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Taking Your Coffee Black Might Be Genetic — https://curiosity.im/...

How to Tell What Life Hacks Are Worth Trying (w/ Joseph Reagle) and Microwaves for Cooling 23.05.2019 9:51

Learn about how to tell whether a life hack is worth trying from a special guest: Professor Joseph M. Reagle Jr., author of the new book “Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents.” You’ll also learn why there’s no such thing as a “reverse microwave” for cooling. Please support our sponsors! For $80 off your first month of HelloFresh, go to HelloFresh.com/curiosity80 and enter promo co...

Reduce Arachnophobia with Spider-Man, Biggest Volcano Eruption Ever, and 100-Point Plan 22.05.2019 8:34

Learn about how watching Spider-Man may reduce arachnophobia; how the biggest volcano eruption in history may have made one of the world’s most classic horror stories possible; and a 100-point plan to organize your day to get more done. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes...

Drying Laundry to Make It Soft, Why Sad People Listen to Sad Music, and Fossilist Mary Anning 21.05.2019 9:09

Learn about Mary Anning, the famed female fossil hunter history almost forgot; why sad people seek out sad music; and how you can get your air-dried laundry as soft as your machine-dried laundry. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes: Mary Anning Was the Famed Female Fossil...

Mentally Representing Our Relationships (w/ Vivian Zayas) and a Passion Pursuit Regimen 20.05.2019 9:29

Learn about how researchers study how we mentally represent our relationships with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about a regimen you can follow to help you pursue your passion — despite your day job. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about how y...

Why Humans Built Cities in the First Place and What They Looked Like (w/ Monica L. Smith) 19.05.2019 8:52

Learn about what the first cities looked like — and why humans built them — from author Monica L. Smith, an archaeologist and professor in the department of anthropology at UCLA. Then, learn what makes pedestrians run into each other. Get your copy of “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” on Amazon: https://amazon.com Additional resources from Monica L. Smith: “Cities: The First 6,000 Years” — https://a...