Curiosity Weekly

Learn what Chutes and Ladders can tell us about the way culture can influence art; how to survive the aftermath of a nuclear explosion, according to science; and how being kind to yourself can make you physically healthier. 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: Chutes and...

Learn about some of the weirdest types of lightning; why nobody’s been able to solve the traveling salesman problem; and why it’s easier to spot a lie on a podcast or radio show than it is in other media. 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/curiosity . In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashle...

Learn about whether our ancient ancestors were healthier than we are; why Neptune is sometimes further away from the sun than Pluto; and how to know if you’re an echoist, which is the polar opposite of a narcissist. 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: Were Our Ancient An...

Learn about how dogs may have evolved to love humans; how you can spot bad nutrition advice; and how 10-thousand year old chewing gum may change our understanding of ancient society. 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: Dogs May Have a Brain Region Dedicated to Human Face...

Learn about the Turing machine, an imaginary device that’s the basis for all computers. Plus: what can Godzilla tell us about our collective anxiety? We’ll also discuss a listener question about exoplanets with a special guest, Ralph Crewe from the podcast Science, News, and Qs. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories from Curiosity.com to help you get smarter an...

Learn about developing cutting-edge technology, from photonic quantum computing to advanced artificial intelligence. Plus: the science behind making driverless cars as safe and reliable as we want them to be. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The third of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being...

Learn about the optical illusion that makes stars look like UFOs; surprising facts about Fermat’s last theorem, one of math’s greatest mysteries; and why the most common form of prejudice may surprise you. 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 Autokinetic Effect Is an...

Learn about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes, according to research. Then, learn about how new antibiotics are being developed with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.” In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes: https://curiosity.im/...

Learn why talking to yourself in the third person can help you keep your emotions in check. Then, learn about “superbugs” (and why we need to stop them) with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.” In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about research that suggests talking to yourself in the third per...

Learn about why it could be hard to communicate with humans of the future; how a potted plant can help you boost your productivity; and why coffee makes you poop. 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 discuss the follo...

Learn about how to feel less excluded and why it’s so important, with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about a new device that makes sound go one-way. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about a new device that scientists have developed that makes so...

Learn about how scientists developed a self-repairing battery. Plus: science communicator Trace Dominguez answers a listener question about the difference between 4G and 5G networks. In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following story from Curiosity.com about how scientists have developed a self-repairing battery: https://curiosity.im/2JZD57m Additional resources from Trace Do...

Learn about the unbelievable level of purity and complexity that goes into producing new technologies. Also, what researchers are working on and how the world will look in the future thanks to their efforts. This episode is sponsored by EMD Performance Materials, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The second of a 5-part series to help you learn about how science and technology are being...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:/...