Curiosity Weekly

Research isn't always conducted in a laboratory. Dr. Brian T. Murphy runs a research program that takes him all around the world collecting aquatic microorganisms, en route to the discovery and development of new antibiotics. On this podcast, Dr. Murphy explains how antibiotics work and the importance of discovering new ones, as well as detailing some of the exotic underwater adventures involved i...

The human voice is the oldest musical instrument. But how exactly does it work? Voice training is a lot more complicated than you might think, and in this podcast, opera singer Matthan Ring Black discusses why. A baritone with decades of experience as a performer, Matthan gets into the science behind how the human voice works, with some bonus insights into the worlds of vocal pedagogy and opera. M...

Astronomy isn't just about looking up at the sky. The Adler Planetarium 's Michelle Nichols delves deep into the lessons that astronomy can teach us about our own world and gives an update on when (and why) we're hoping to finish the "race to Mars." Plus: the surprising relationship many scientists have with religion. As Director of Public Observing, Michelle leads the Adler Planetarium's various...

Have you ever wanted to discover a long-lost magic spell or incantation? Well now is your chance! Experts from the Newberry Library in Chicago discuss how you can read and even help decipher unique medieval manuscripts from the comfort of your own home. They also take a closer look at how understanding magic in the Middle Ages can help us understand our world better. This week's guests include: Ji...

Why is the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, going to be such a huge deal? Michelle Nichols, educator and astronomer at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, joins us on a special episode of the Curiosity Podcast to explain everything from the science to the community surrounding this astronomical event. As Director of Public Observing, Michelle leads the Adler Planetarium’s various telescope and sky...

Executive coach and happiness expert Stella Grizont explains exactly how happiness works, why it matters, and the steps a person can take to find it. Grizont was one of the first graduate students in the world to receive a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. From speaking to consulting to coaching, Grizont designs immersive learning experiences for organizat...

The competitive landscape of eSports hasn't only spread to colleges and universities – it's now an activity that can land you a scholarship! Robert Morris University's Executive Director of eSports Kurt Melcher explains why his school was the first to offer a scholarship to League of Legends players, and why other schools are following suit. Having worked in both traditional athletics and in eSpor...

Mind reading tricks can be unnerving, but they don't have to be as scary as some people think they are. Mentalist Jonathan Pritchard explains how he convinces people he can read minds by using the same psychological techniques employed by sales, marketing, and other business leaders. Jonathan has appeared on America's Got Talent, entertained United States troops stationed overseas, and performed o...

What gives a collectible item its value? Certified sports memorabilia expert Michael Osacky has been the official appraiser for athletes from the Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, and other professional teams, and he sheds some light into the world of collecting. Lots of people own old books, ticket stubs, or baseball cards, but some of those items are valued at tens of thousands of dollars, while...

Your sense of smell is like a superpower. Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation explains how you can make the most of it. Your nose is always working, even when you're asleep. It can affect your mood, your ability to concentrate, and even your sense of time and space. The kicker? A lot of the time, you may not even know you're being affected! To learn more about...